The Los Angeles Dodgers are coming into the offseason with a transparent have to solidify their infield, significantly at third base. With the uncertainty surrounding the long-term choices on the sizzling nook, Nolan Arenado of the St. Louis Cardinals might look like a perfect goal.
A perennial All-Star with distinctive defensive expertise and constant offensive manufacturing, Arenado would theoretically fill the hole. Nonetheless, buying and selling for Arenado is a transfer the Dodgers ought to assume twice about. Between his hefty contract, the associated fee in prospects, and different choices on the roster and free company, the Dodgers produce other paths to discover that align higher with their long-term targets.
Nolan Arenado’s manufacturing and contract issues
Arenado has been probably the most constant third basemen in baseball over the previous decade. His 2024 season noticed him submit a .272 batting common with 16 dwelling runs and 70 RBIs in 152 video games. Defensively, Arenado stays elite, a generational expertise at third base with 10 Gold Gloves to his title. Nonetheless, whereas Arenado’s manufacturing is simple, his contract is a significant impediment. Signed by way of 2027, Arenado is owed greater than $30 million yearly, a monetary dedication that might prohibit the Dodgers’ flexibility.
The Dodgers function with one in all baseball’s largest payrolls but in addition handle their assets properly to take care of a aggressive steadiness. Taking up Arenado’s wage wouldn’t solely restrict their means to deal with different areas, equivalent to beginning pitching. Nonetheless, it may additionally make it difficult to increase key gamers like Mookie Betts or younger rising stars sooner or later.
Buying Arenado would come at a steep price when it comes to prospects. The Dodgers’ farm system is among the finest in baseball, headlined by gamers like Diego Cartaya, Bobby Miller, and Alex Freeland. Buying and selling for Arenado would nearly definitely require parting with top-tier prospects, doubtlessly depleting the staff’s depth and impacting their means to maintain long-term success. The Dodgers have persistently constructed their roster round a mixture of homegrown expertise and strategic acquisitions, and giving up a number of prospects for Arenado might not align with that method.
Viable choices on the roster
Max Muncy stays a key piece of the Dodgers’ roster, offering energy and flexibility. Whereas Muncy has hung out at third base, his defensive metrics counsel he could also be higher suited as a platoon participant who can rotate between third, second, and designated hitter. Conserving Muncy in a versatile position ensures the Dodgers maximize his offensive manufacturing with out being locked into suboptimal defensive alignments.
By avoiding a commerce for Arenado, the Dodgers can protect their payroll flexibility for future free-agent alternatives. The 2024-2025 free-agent class options a number of intriguing names, and sustaining monetary room to pursue elite expertise might be important. Furthermore, not buying and selling for Arenado permits the Dodgers to retain their depth within the farm system, guaranteeing they’ve the property to deal with wants as they come up.
Different options in Alex Bregman, Yoan Moncada, and Alex Freeland
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As a substitute of pursuing Arenado, the Dodgers may have a look at different third base choices that might price much less when it comes to each cash and prospects. One potential goal is Alex Bregman, previously of the Houston Astros. Bregman, identified for his energy and talent to get on base, slashed .260/.315/.453 in 2024 with 26 dwelling runs and 75 RBIs. Bregman’s contract scenario is extra favorable, with fewer years remaining, which may make him a extra attainable and versatile acquisition.
One other intriguing choice is Yoán Moncada, previously of the Chicago White Sox. Whereas Moncada’s manufacturing has been inconsistent, he brings switch-hitting functionality and defensive versatility to the desk. Moncada might be a low-floor high-ceiling candidate who thrives with a change of surroundings, and his extra manageable wage would permit the Dodgers to retain their monetary flexibility.
Moreover, the Dodgers have an in-house choice in Alex Freeland, their #3 prospect. Whereas primarily a shortstop, Freeland has the talent set to transition to 3rd base. Selling Freeland can be a cheap resolution that aligns with the Dodgers’ long-term philosophy of creating homegrown expertise. His promotion would additionally permit the staff to allocate assets towards different wants, equivalent to pitching depth or outfield reinforcements.
Whereas Arenado is an distinctive participant, buying and selling for him will not be the most effective transfer for the Dodgers. His sizable contract, the excessive prospect price, and the presence of different options make the deal much less interesting. Choices like Alex Bregman or Yoán Moncada present a option to tackle third base with out mortgaging the long run, whereas in-house expertise like Alex Freeland gives a long-term, cost-effective resolution.
The Dodgers have constructed their success on strategic decision-making, balancing short-term competitiveness with long-term sustainability. Avoiding a commerce for Arenado permits them to proceed that method, guaranteeing they continue to be contenders whereas preserving the flexibleness to adapt to future challenges. For a franchise that prides itself on making good strikes, passing on Arenado is the correct alternative.