The St. Louis Cardinals have won 10 of their last 11 games and have surged to 24-20 on the season. They are now just one game back of the Chicago Cubs in the National League Central.
However, there is still time left in the season, and if they fall out of contention, they could ultimately be sellers at the trade deadline rather than buyers.
Should they sell, one piece they could dangle in trade talks is third baseman Nolan Arenado. They tried to trade him last offseason, but failed in their efforts.
Garrett Kerman of Clutch Points proposed the idea of the Los Angeles Dodgers trading for Arenado at the deadline if Max Muncy's struggles continue.
"From the Dodgers’ perspective, the fit is obvious. Max Muncy’s inconsistencies and defensive limitations at third base have left a void that Arenado, even at 34, could fill with Gold Glove-caliber defense and a still-productive bat," Kerman writes.
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The trade idea has St. Louis acquiring prospects Dalton Rushing and Josue De Paula, as well as pitcher Bobby Miller.
For St. Louis to acquire such a haul for Arenado, they would need to eat a significant portion of the third baseman's contract. But if they do trade him, they could open up a spot for prospect Thomas Saggese on the roster.
This could also clear the way for more playing time for players such as Jordan Walker and Nolan Gorman, who the team promised runway to in 2025.
Arenado is off to a good start this year, slashing .253/.335/.396 with four home runs, 17 RBI and a .731 OPS. He's an eight-time All-Star and 10-time Gold Glover.
The Dodgers were on his list of teams he would accept a trade to, so it will be interesting to see if anything materializes.
More MLB: Dodgers suggested blockbuster lands Nolan Arenado from Cardinals in 3-for-1 swap