The Los Angeles Dodgers' trade for Mookie Betts last winter played a vital role in L.A. capturing its first World Series title since 1988.
But the Dodgers already have another star in their sights as they hope to repeat.
Jon Morosi of MLB Network reported L.A. is interested in trading for Colorado Rockies third baseman Nolan Arenado:
Surely, they would’ve responded by renewing their on-again, off-again trade courtship of Colorado superstar Nolan Arenado.
Here’s the thing: They’re poised to do that, anyway.
One source said Thursday that the Dodgers — who have liked Arenado for years — remain interested in trading for him. If anything, there are more reasons to believe in the viability of an Arenado trade with the Dodgers today than last offseason, when his future was a dominant industry topic.
Arenado signed an eight-year, $260 million deal with the Rockies prior to the 2019 season. But he has been discontented with Colorado's lack of offseason activity and inability to convert wins on the baseball diamond.
Moreover, the eight-time Gold Glover can opt out of his current deal at the end of this season, so Colorado is likely to explore moving him so as to acquire more value and avoid the risk of him opting out.
The fit would make sense for the Dodgers. Justin Turner is a free agent, leaving a hole at the hot corner. Los Angeles also has the kind of assets that would interest Colorado, including top catching prospect Keibert Ruiz as well as Josiah Gray or any number of pitchers in the pipeline.
Arenado had a mere .738 OPS last season, but he was slowed by a shoulder injury. The 29-year-old is still one of the preeminent sluggers and slick-fielding infielders and baseball, and would almost certainly bolster L.A.'s hopes of repeating.
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