Dodgers Eye Cardinals Star to Shift Mookie Betts to Outfield

The Los Angeles Dodgers are at a crossroads right now. Rumors are swirling about a possible trade for St. Louis Cardinals third baseman Nolan Arenado.

With Max Muncy out due to injury, the Dodgers suddenly face a gap at third base. That’s fueled talk of Arenado landing in Los Angeles, even if some folks are still skeptical about whether the interest is real.

The possibility is out there, though, and it could have big implications for both teams.

Why Arenado Could Be the Perfect Fit for the Dodgers

Nolan Arenado is 34 and not quite the offensive force he used to be. But man, he’s still a defensive wizard and a leader in the clubhouse.

His .693 OPS this season is a step back from his prime, but it doesn’t erase everything else he brings. Arenado’s glove at third base ranks among the best in baseball, and he’s got that intangible presence you just can’t teach.

How Arenado Could Benefit the Dodgers’ Roster Configuration

If the Dodgers land Arenado, manager Dave Roberts suddenly has options. Arenado could let Mookie Betts slide back to his natural spot in right field, which would shore up the outfield defense and make the infield stronger too.

That kind of move could ripple through the lineup, balancing offense and defense in ways the Dodgers haven’t quite managed this season.

With Muncy out, Arenado could step in as a stabilizing force. He might not be hitting like he once did, but he’s proven he can deliver in clutch moments—something the Dodgers might need during this critical stretch.

The Cardinals’ Perspective: Why a Trade Might Make Sense

The Cardinals are in a tight wild-card race and probably don’t want to lose a cornerstone like Arenado. Still, if the Dodgers put together a strong trade package, St. Louis might have to think about it.

Arenado hasn’t matched his usual numbers at the plate this year. Maybe a change of scenery could spark something new for him.

Open to Deals: Cardinals’ Flexibility in Trade Talks

Reports say the Cardinals are open to trading Arenado if the right deal shows up, no matter the destination. That doesn’t guarantee he’s headed to LA, but it does show they’re willing to talk.

Trading Arenado could also clear payroll for St. Louis, giving them a chance to invest elsewhere and maybe reshape their roster for the future.

The Dodgers could try to package prospects or useful pieces that appeal to the Cardinals. Taking on Arenado’s contract wouldn’t be cheap, but for a team chasing a championship, maybe it’s worth the gamble.

Dodgers’ Alternatives: Internal Solutions to Consider

Of course, the Dodgers might just look in-house instead of swinging a blockbuster deal. They could bench Michael Conforto, move Betts back to right field, and platoon Miguel Rojas with Hyeseong Kim at shortstop.

That might be enough to cover for Muncy’s absence, at least for a while.

Evaluating Max Muncy’s Recovery Timeline

It all might come down to how fast Max Muncy gets healthy. If he’s back soon, there’s not much urgency to chase Arenado.

But if Muncy’s return drags out, the Dodgers might have to make a move—maybe even for a big name like Arenado. Guess we’ll see how it plays out.

Final Thoughts: High Risk, High Reward?

Pulling the trigger on a Nolan Arenado trade is far from guaranteed for the Dodgers. Still, the idea highlights how adaptable this team can be and how they’re always poking around for ways to get better.

The Wild Card race is tightening up. Postseason ambitions are looming, so the Dodgers have to weigh the risks and rewards of a blockbuster deal like this.

Arenado brings serious defensive chops and leadership in the clubhouse. Sure, that could push the Dodgers toward another deep playoff run, but it’s not like they don’t have internal options—they just cost less and, honestly, might be less of a headache.

So, are the Dodgers really ready to roll the dice on Arenado’s contract and current form? Or do they put their faith in the guys they’ve already got to get through these next few tough weeks?

Trade rumors are flying everywhere right now. The only thing anyone can say for sure is that the Dodgers will have to make some tough calls, no matter what happens with Arenado.

 
Here is the source article for this story: Dodgers linked to Cardinals star to send Mookie Betts back to outfield