With the front staff making audacious moves and showing no signs of slowing down, the Los Angeles Dodgers’ offseason has been nothing short of entertaining.
Nothing appears to be off-limits as the team attempts to build on their recent success—they just won their ninth World Series. The Dodgers may not be finished yet, and one of their long-standing trade targets may be closer to a deal than ever before as they aim to bolster an already outstanding roster. Nolan Arenado of the St. Louis Cardinals, whose name has been associated with the Dodgers for a while, is that target.
This summer is even more intriguing because the 33-year-old veteran, a consistent Gold Glove winner and effective hitter, has been at the focus of trade speculations for a few major reasons.
Arenado has strong links to Southern California, having grown up about an hour from Dodger Stadium in Newport Beach. Fans are speculating if a move to the Dodgers is imminent because of this relationship and some mysterious Instagram pictures from this offseason.
Arenado shared a number of pictures of himself with his family in mid-December, along with the song “Dodger Blue” by rapper Kendrick Lamar, who is located in Los Angeles. Fans and commentators quickly took notice, assuming that the messages were a subliminal indication that he was interested in joining the Dodgers.
“I’m back and I’m ready to go play ball,” Arenado told reporters, including the St. Louis Post-Dispatch. “Until I’m instructed otherwise, I’m a Cardinal and a ballplayer. Do you understand what I mean?
Additionally, Arenado recently showed his willingness to wait for the proper deal by vetoing a possible trade that would have sent him to the Dodgers’ fierce rival, the Houston Astros.
Arenado might be the next big addition to the Dodgers’ already strong squad, as the front office looks to make a big impression this offseason. It’s unclear if the relocation will actually occur, but the rumors are just becoming louder.
