Los Angeles Dodgers: Nolan Arenado as a Christmas gift

Los Angeles Dodgers fans could end up with a significant Christmas gift this year, as at least one insider expects Nolan Arenado in town by the holiday.

The Los Angeles Dodgers finally ended their World Series drought this past year, taking home the championship for the first time since 1988. However, they are not content to stand still and bask in the glory of that title. The Dodgers want more.

To that end, the Dodgers are looking to upgrade their roster even more. According to former MLB general manager Jim Bowden, that means adding Nolan Arenado, who he expects to be a Dodger by Christmas.

The Dodgers do have a potential opening at third. Justin Turner is a free agent, and while he is a favorite amongst the players, he will be 36 years old at the start of the 2021 season. The Dodgers may not want to invest the money needed to bring him back.

That is especially the case when arguably the best third baseman in the game could be had. Arenado has voiced his annoyance with the Rockies in the past, saying that he felt disrespected due to previous trade rumors. He wants out, and with his stature in the game, Arenado is likely to be in high demand.

There are a few potential concerns with any such trade. He is owed another $199 million over the next six years, provided that he does not exercise his opt-out clause at the end of next year. Arenado also had the worst season of his career, posting an 84 OPS+ while ending the year on the Injured List due to shoulder woes.

Nonetheless, Arenado is more than worth the risk for a team such as the Dodgers. He has been the premier defensive third baseman in the majors since his arrival, winning the Gold Glove every year and having saved 77 runs at the hot corner. Arenado has also been excellent with the bat, producing a lifetime .293/.349/.541 batting line in his 4558 plate appearances, belting 235 homers.

If there is a team that can absorb Arenado’s salary without concern, it would be the Dodgers. They had made a similar move last offseason to acquire Mookie Betts, inking him to an extension afterwards. Should they get assurance from Arenado that he will not exercise that opt-out, an already formidable Dodgers lineup could be that much stronger.

The Los Angeles Dodgers are determined to build a juggernaut. If former GM Jim Bowden is correct, the next piece of that puzzle will be delivered by Christmas in the form of Nolan Arenado.