The Los Angeles Dodgers hold a two-game lead over the National League West after a series victory against the San Francisco Giants. Yet, in the series finale, the Giants broke the internet by acquiring three-time All-Star Rafael Devers from the Boston Red Sox. The move is a clear warning to the Dodgers – “We are coming.”
In response to the Devers trade, Newsweek’s Andrew Wright suggests the Dodgers replace Max Muncy at third base with St. Louis Cardinals superstar Nolan Arenado.
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“This would be the ultimate ‘anything you can do, we can do better move’ from the Dodgers if they were to go out and acquire one of the best third basemen in the game, wrote Wright. “Arenado is hitting just .243 with eight home runs, a season well below his standards. A move to Los Angeles could give him new energy and a burst that he needs to get back on track.”
Arenado was at the center of trade rumors during the offseason, and a return home to Los Angeles was reportedly his preference. However, he remained in St. Louis and has been a consistent presence in their lineup. Yet, after losing seven of their last 10 games, the Cardinals may be thinking of moving off Arenado again.
One sticking point during offseason negotiations was that St. Louis wanted the acquiring team to take on all of Arenado’s remaining $74 million contract. If one team is capable of doing so, it is the Dodgers, who have the second-highest payroll in baseball.
While the Dodgers may not want to replace Muncy, trading for Arenado may create further versatility. Muncy is slashing .275/.408/.508 since the start of May and could shift over to second base, allowing the team to prioritize Tommy Edmund in the outfield – ultimately ending Michael Conforto’s tenure. Muncy could also move to first base whenever Freddie Freeman needs a day off, as he continues to battle an ankle injury.
There is a risk in trading for Arenado, but so was the Giants’ move for Devers. To keep pace in a loaded NL West, it may take some aggressive and out-of-the-box thinking from Los Angeles to secure their fifth straight division title. Inserting Arenado into a lineup with reigning MVP Shohei Ohtani, Freddie Freeman, and Mookie Betts could not only strengthen the team but also help Arenado rekindle his hitting stroke.
