How Dodgers would need to shuffle roster to accommodate Nolan Arenado trade

The Los Angeles Dodgers have been on a hot streak when it comes to blockbuster trades and marquee additions during the last two offseasons. Just over a year ago, the Dodgers acquired Shohei Ohtani through a history-making deal, signing him for a whopping $700 million over 10 years. In November, LA added two-time Cy Young Award winner Blake Snell to their bullpen. The 2024 World Series Champions have been dominating headlines, and what better way to keep up the pace than to acquire the ten-time Gold Glove winner and California native, Nolan Arenado?

The 33-year-old's career has been far from mediocre, with a long list of accolades dating back to 2011. In both 2017 and 2022, he received a total of nine awards throughout both seasons, consisting of multiple MLB Player of the Week and Month Awards, Gold and Platinum Glove Awards and the Fielding Bible Award. While he didn't put up his best numbers in 2024, he's still an eight-time All Star, making him a great candidate for any team that won't shy away from his hefty price tag. And the Dodgers are certainly not a team to do so.

How Dodgers would need to shuffle roster to accommodate Nolan Arenado trade

Of course, the fit is imperfect, and the Dodgers have added significantly to their infield logjam already this offseason, accommodating Mookie Betts' request to move back to the infield. But with Arenado still on the market, he's a few more Instagram hints away from making LA a reality.

With third base already secured by Max Muncy, some adjusting would be necessary, but this isn't a task the Dodgers are foreign to. Betts had his go at shortstop last season, and spectators could see him return to the infield in 2025, as strange as that may seem. However, with the addition of Hye-seong Kim, Betts could still return to his spot in the outfield with Kim sliding to shortstop. This would allow for Muncy to shift to second base in Gavin Lux's place, making room for Arenado at third.

While there seem to be crickets from the Dodgers when it comes to an Arenado trade, that isn't to say the deal is entirely off the table. As we've seen, LA is comfortable spending big money and moving guys around if that's what it takes to secure a World Series ring.