Potential Los Angeles Dodgers trade target Nolan Arenado has reportedly blocked a move to the Houston Astros, per MLB.com’s Mark Feinsand, John Denton, and Brian McTaggart.
The Astros and St. Louis Cardinals were reportedly discussing a deal to send Arenado to Houston, but Arenado informed the Cardinals he would not waive his no-trade clause for the Astros. Thus, those talks appear to be dead.
According to the report, “The Cardinals were willing to send $15-20 million to the Astros as part of the deal to help pay down Arenado’s salary.” However, Houston doesn’t appear to be in the cards for Arenado.
The Dodgers are one of the six teams that were on Arenado’s reported wish list. Arenado even fueled the Dodgers rumors when he posted on Instagram with the song “dodger blue.” However, Dodgers general manager Brandon Gomes made it known at the Winter Meetings that Max Muncy would be the team’s starting third baseman, putting a potential Arenado move in jeopardy.
With Muncy at third base and Freddie Freeman at first base, there wouldn’t be any room for Arenado in Los Angeles. It’s also unlikely the Dodgers want to take on the remaining three years and $74 million on his contract.
While a trade to the Dodgers is unlikely, a trade to the Astros is out of the picture.
In addition to the Dodgers, the San Diego Padres, Los Angeles Angels, Philadelphia Phillies, New York Mets, and Boston Red Sox were on the reported wish list.