Why Nolan Arenado Might Be A Dodger Before Christmas

The rich are now preparing to get richer. Nolan Arenado and the Dodgers are (again) flirting with a blockbuster trade. According to MLB Network's Jon Morosi, the eight-time Gold Glove winner's contract details make him a fit with a Dodgers. This might become a real problem for the rest of baseball.

As Morosi stated, Arenado has an opt-out after the 2021 season ,and that's an issue for the Colorado Rockies. If the team believes that Arenado might exercise that opt-out, then they must act now. That means trading the game's best third baseman to the team of his choosing if they want him to waive his no-trade clause. Maybe the Rockies can find a trade elsewhere, so the Dodgers don't become a superpower? That's a nice idea in theory, but Arenado holds all the cards. If he wants to be in Dodger blue, a team he grew up rooting for living in south L.A., then to the Dodgers he goes. If not, then the Rockies are likely to lose Nolan with nothing but a draft pick to show for it.

That draft pick is basically Major League Baseball feeling sorry for an organization that just got dumped. Arenado, from the sounds of things, looks like he's headed towards hitting send on a break up text with the Rockies. We can't blame Colorado for engaging in conversations now to get what they can for him.

Can the Dodgers really afford Arenado?

Yes. And easily, which is hard to believe until we discover who's on the way out this offseason. Long-time Dodgers third baseman Justin Turner and his $16 million salary in 2020 expired this offseason. Now they could bring him back, but if they decide an upgrade is necessary, then Arenado is a perfect fit to replace him. Don't forget World Series MVP Corey Seager's $12 million salary is also off the books. He's expected to land a contract nearing $200 million, so if the Dodgers are going to spend big, they might as well get the big prize in Nolan Arenado.

The Dodgers are reportedly "looking for a right-handed bat," but there's hardly any right-handed bats at a premium position like third base. When players of Arenado's caliber are available, teams do everything they can to acquire them. Unfortunately for the rest of us who can't stand the Dodgers, they're likely only going to get better.