MLB insider proposes wild Dodgers-Cardinals contract swap that would greatly favor LA

The rumors surrounding a Nolan Arenado trade to the Dodgers have been almost entirely fan-made, but the man himself hasn't done much to put them to bed.

Instead, he's only fanned the flames, first by adding a Kendrick Lamar song conspicuously named after the Dodgers' signature color to an Instagram post, and then reposting a video from a fan who wondered if he was a "future Dodger." There's nothing to these rumors for now, but Arenado seems to be making it relatively obvious where he'd like to be traded.

There would be risk attached if the Dodgers do get him — Arenado is clearly declining but is still owed $52 million through 2027 — and they've said that they expect Max Muncy to continue being their starting third baseman next season, which would leave them without space for Arenado.

Still, the rumors persist. Buster Olney intensified the rumors on Dec. 7, as well, noting that if Arenado is traded, the Cardinals do expect to have to eat most of the money they still owe him unless a buying club also has a contract they want to get off of their hands. Olney explicitly mentioned the money Chris Taylor is still owed the Dodgers in a potential contract swap.

Buster Olney sees a way for Dodgers to acquire Nolan Arenado and get Chris Taylor off the payroll

Taylor is owed $13 million for 2025 and has a $12 million club option for 2026, which the Dodgers certainly won't be inclined to exercise if his 2025 is anything like his 2024. Taylor seemed to make himself completely untradeable this season after spending most of the season on the bench due to awful hitting. He barely raised his average above the Mendoza line in the last game of the season, finishing off with at .202 thanks to his first homer in over two months.

Arenado is declining offensively, but his 2024 season never reached the depths that Taylor's did, and he's still an elite defensive third baseman. The Cardinals would certainly be getting the short end of the stick if they took on Taylor's contract, but he's still owed only half of what Arenado is owed next season, and the club option for 2026 would allow them to dump him if he continues to play poorly.

Of course, in a potential trade for Arenado, Taylor and his bad contract wouldn't be the only things the Dodgers would have to send over, but it could be sold as a win for both. Taylor could still fill in at multiple positions for St. Louis, and they could also get a prospect or two in the deal. If they're really desperate enough to get rid of Arenado, it could work.