Do the Los Angeles Dodgers really need any more superstars? If they believe so, they’ll undoubtedly pursue them.
There are lots of positions the Dodgers obviously won’t touch. Shohei Ohtani will be the designated hitter, Freddie Freeman the first baseman, and Mookie Betts will be at the top of the lineup no matter which position he’s been shifted around to by October.
However, there’s not much leeway for anyone to struggle on this Dodgers team. And unfortunately, two-time All-Star corner infielder Max Muncy has been struggling all season long.
Would the Dodgers replace Muncy, who has been a franchise staple for nearly a decade, with a bigger star? That might depend on that star’s availability and how both players are hitting come July.
On Monday, ESPN’s Buster Olney named the Dodgers as possible contenders to trade for St. Louis Cardinals third baseman Nolan Arenado, who has rebounded to put up a .778 OPS so far this season after a down year in 2024.
“Conditions are emerging to foster this possibility, if Arenado waives his no-trade clause and if the Cardinals are willing to deal him,” Olney wrote. “Normally, it’s not easy to move a position player with money attached at midseason, but contenders could be interested in acquiring the eight-time All-Star third baseman.
Follow The Sporting News On WhatsApp
“The Los Angeles Dodgers waited last season for Max Muncy to turn around a slow start, and he eventually did; this year, they’re waiting again.”
Arenado originally signed an eight-year, $260 million extension with the Colorado Rockies that runs through 2027. The Cardinals owe approximately $61 million over the next three years, and there’s a good chance St. Louis would eat some salary to move him.
There’s nothing imminent here, given that the deadline is still 2 1/2 months away, but Muncy’s struggles will certainly remain under intense scrutiny.
More MLB: Ex-Yankees teammate tells Aaron Judge story revealing captain’s generosity
