Dodgers Eye $72 Million Star Infielder in Potential Blockbuster Trade with Cardinals

The St. Louis Cardinals are actively seeking to trade star third baseman Nolan Arenado, who has $52 million remaining on his contract. Reports suggest the Cardinals are even willing to cover a significant portion of his salary to facilitate a deal. However, Arenado’s no-trade clause complicates matters, limiting potential destinations. One team he’s reportedly willing to waive the clause for is the Los Angeles Dodgers.

If the Dodgers can secure Arenado while avoiding most of his contract burden, it would be an easy decision for the franchise. Here’s a proposed trade scenario:

 

Dodgers Receive:

• 3B Nolan Arenado
• $25 million

Cardinals Receive:

• RHP Bobby Miller

This straightforward trade would allow the Dodgers to acquire a multiple-time Platinum Glove winner to fill a position where they could use an upgrade. Arenado would likely slot into the lineup as a middle-order hitter, while St. Louis offsets roughly half of his contract cost.

In exchange, the Cardinals would receive pitching prospect Bobby Miller. After a promising debut in 2023 with a WAR over 2.0, Miller struggled in 2024, posting a -1.9 WAR, 8.52 ERA, and 1.77 WHIP. With the Dodgers’ deep rotation limiting his opportunities, a move to the Cardinals could provide a fresh start. For St. Louis, unloading half of Arenado’s contract makes this high-risk, high-reward deal worth considering.