Dodgers Rumors: Could Astros revisiting Nolan Arenado talks influence LA trade?

After an entire offseason of doing nothing but declining player options and trying to trade Nolan Arenado, the Cardinals are basically right where they started. St. Louis is attempting a rebuild, but they're not off to an auspicious start; Arenado exercised his no-trade clause to refuse a deal with the Astros. That decision came after questions arose about Houston's actual desire to win, following a Kyle Tucker trade and the groundwork for moving on from Alex Bregman.

And Arenado's made his preference clear this offseason. The guy just really wants to be a Dodger. The Yankees, Red Sox, and Padres are also teams he would reportedly consider, but he hasn't made public pleas to join them the same way he's done with the Dodgers.

The Dodgers haven't returned Arenado's interest. They have Max Muncy through 2025 with a club option for 2026, and Muncy has a lot more thump in his bat and is cheaper. Even though Arenado's defense is still much better, defense is the last of LA's worries.

However, they could open the door to a trade next offseason, if the Astros, who have "re-engaged" talks with the Cardinals regarding Arenado, don't manage to get a deal done this year (and they probably won't).

Dodgers could renew Nolan Arenado talks in 2026 if Astros can't get a deal over the line

After blocking the Astros trade, Arenado said, "I have a family now. … To be willing to pick up my family and move them, it has to be something that’s worth it." Clearly, he didn't think that the team the Astros intend to put on the field this season is worth it. However, if the Astros can hang onto the top of the AL West, Arenado could be persuaded.

The Dodgers could get back in the mix if they decide to move on from Muncy and if Arenado has a more promising year at the plate in 2025, especially if they want to block an always-possible postseason foe from getting a piece that could make them better. If we can glean anything from how Arenado's handled the rumors of his "free agency", it's that he'd choose LA over Houston in a heartbeat.

There are a lot of 'ifs' here, but 2026 feels like the far more likely time for the Dodgers to get Arenado. Muncy's presence was always going to block such a move this season, but if he can't stay healthy and Arenado can actually show that he's worth the rest of his contract, maybe the Dodgers can get back in the mix.