the MLB trade deadline is always full of surprises. Teams that are looking at the future oftentimes part with star players while teams that see a window to win a World Series are willing to unload the farm system to do so. The St. Louis Cardinals have been quite successful in the last decade, but last season and the beginnings of this season are not indicative of a postseason run.
As a result, the Cardinals could be unloading some staples of the franchise when the trade deadline comes along. Nolan Arenado, who has a no-trade clause, could accept a trade to the Los Angeles Dodgers for a chance to contend, according to the New York Post’s Jon Heyman.
“No one hates losing more, and the Cardinals are more than a year into their disastrous run, so he just might approve a trade,” Heyman wrote about Arenado. “The Dodgers don’t really need him but that’s one team he might jump at.”
Arenado Could Help Solidify the Dodgers’ Infield
The Dodgers do not necessarily need a third baseman. However, they could be looking for a second baseman. Max Muncy is the Dodgers’ current third baseman and has strung together 23 straight errorless games after a “rough defensive start to the season”, according to the Los Angeles Times’ Mike DiGiovanna. At the plate, Muncy is slashing .256/.362/.556 with nine home runs.
At second base the Dodgers have Gavin Lux who has been struggling at the plate. Lux has just a .191 batting average after 27 games. Muncy has experience playing second base and could move there if the Dodgers were to add Arenado. Muncy has made 161 starts at second base over the course of his career.
Arenado’s resume speaks for itself, especially defensively. The 33-year-old has won 10 Gold Glove Awards and six Platinum Glove Awards. Arenado is tied for second most Gold Glove Awards at third base with Mike Schmidt, behind Brooks Robinson. Arenado is an eight-time All-Star.
While Muncy is fine at third base defensively, allowing him to play second and stay in the lineup with Arenado would help the Dodgers offense without any sacrifices defensively.
