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MLB Insider Provides Dodgers-Nolan Arenado Update

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Conor Liguori | Last updated May 5, 2025 12:15 PM ET

The Los Angeles Dodgers can afford an early-season slump from third baseman Max Muncy, but they'd probably prefer if the two-time MLB All-Star began to show signs of improvement at the plate.

Through 32 games, Muncy is slashing .186/.311/.294 with a .606 OPS, but the strongest part of his offensive game, power, is also lacking. After 36 home runs in 135 games in 2023 and 15 in 73 games in 2024, Muncy has hit just one in 122 plate appearances this season.

According to Bob Nightengale of USA Today, the Dodgers are confident in Muncy's abilities and are not considering a trade for a third baseman.

Nightengale also reported that the Dodgers are not showing considerable interest in St. Louis Cardinals third baseman Nolan Arenado.

"Meanwhile, they [Cardinals] still are trying to trade All-Star third baseman Nolan Arenado," Nightengale wrote Sunday. "The Los Angeles Dodgers have yet to express interest while still hoping that third baseman Max Muncy escapes his early-season struggles."

Arenado's name was heavily discussed in trade rumors during the winter, but nothing materialized. As Nightengale mentioned, the Cardinals seek a trade partner for the six-time Platinum Glove Award winner and eight-time All-Star. Still, it seems unlikely Los Angeles will be his next destination.

If Muncy's struggles continue into the summer, the Dodgers could reconsider their strategy and consider a trade to upgrade. Miguel Rojas and Enrique Hernandez are players on the active roster who could also take over the starting role at third base.

Or, the Dodgers can give Hyeseong Kim, who logged 95 innings at third base in the Korea Baseball Organization with the Nexen/Kiwoom Heroes, an opportunity. Kim began the year at Triple-A Oklahoma City and made his MLB debut on Saturday against the Atlanta Braves.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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