The St. Louis Cardinals are desperately trying to trade third baseman Nolan Arenado and the $52 million left on his contract. They're trying to trade him so badly, in fact, that they're reportedly willing to eat a large chunk of his contract just to move him.
With Arenado's no-trade clause, this trade is a lot more complicated. But one of the teams he's reportedly willing to waive his no-trade clause for is the Los Angeles Dodgers.
If the Dodgers could acquire him for cheap and avoid paying the bulk of his deal, it would be a no-brainer for them.
Here's a trade idea that would send Arenado to Los Angeles to join manager Dave Roberts' star-studded lineup:
- Los Angeles Dodgers receive: 3B Nolan Arenado, $25 million
- St. Louis Cardinals receive: RHP Bobby Miller
This is a pretty simple deal.
The Dodgers would bring in a multi-time Platinum Glove winner at a position they could use an upgrade in. Arenado is pleased with the deal and joins the Dodgers as a five, six, or seven-hitter in the lineup. St. Louis is sending $25 million to pay about half the deal.
Coming back to the Cardinals in this deal is high-potential pitching prospect Bobby Miller.
Miller debuted in 2023, making 22 starts for the Dodgers. The hard-throwing righty was dominant for the most part, clocking 100 MPH fastballs and posting a WAR over 2.0. He completely fell off a cliff in 2024, posting a -1.9 WAR, 8.52 ERA, and 1.77 WHIP.
It's hard to imagine he finds a consistent spot in the loaded Dodgers rotation, so a change of scenery is almost a necessity for his career. Miller is a high-ceiling, low-floor add for the Cardinals, but St. Louis would get off half of Arenado's deal, so it's a risk worth taking.
