Many don't expect the Los Angeles Dodgers to have an interest in future St. Louis Cardinals Hall of Famer Nolan Arenado.
However, if Max Muncy doesn't continue to progress from his injury as well as many have suggested, the Dodgers won't have any other choice but to go out and trade for a third baseman.
Whether they try to trade for somebody as expensive as Arenado remains to be seen, but he's been linked to them multiple times in recent months.
Just Baseball was the latest to do so, but for a different reason than Muncy’s injury.
They noted that the Cardinals could move on from Arenado, citing a change of scenery as possibly being in the best interest for both parties, also noting that Mookie Betts moving back to right field could put this team in a better position than they're currently in.
MORE: Cardinals former fan favorite announces retirement from MLB after 13 seasons
“The 34-year-old isn’t the same hitter, but he still brings elite defense and a strong presence. With the Cardinals hanging around the wild-card race, he’s a longshot, but one that’s been tied to the Dodgers before. Arenado has a .693 OPS this year, but a change of scenery could help.
“In either scenario, a move would allow Betts to return to the outfield, which solves two problems at once. The Dodgers could elect to solve this problem in-house by benching Michael Conforto, moving Betts to right field, and having Miguel Rojas platoon with Hyeseong Kim at shortstop,” they wrote.
As long as the Cardinals get the package they're looking for in return, they shouldn't worry too much about where they send him.
MORE MLB NEWS
- Guardians should cut ties with Carlos Santana at MLB trade deadline
- Padres make Leo De Vries, Ethan Salas decisions ahead of deadline
- Padres' A.J. Preller predicted to 'aim high' at MLB trade deadline
- Astros writer reveals 'ideal outcome' at MLB trade deadline
- Tigers 'strongly interested' in pair of Twins righty relievers
- Cardinals get good news on top Diamondbacks trade targets