The latest MLB rumors on the Los Angeles Dodgers eyeing an upgrade at third base with Nolan Arenado of the St. Louis Cardinals, as well as Tim Anderson and the Chicago White Sox and why a New York Mets reliever isn’t thrilled with trade talks.
Let’s start on the south side of Chicago where Tim Anderson has suddenly become a very interesting potential trade chip. MLB insider Jon Morosi recently spoke on MLB Network about the potential of the Chicago White Sox finding a trade partner in the San Francisco Giants, Toronto Blue Jays and Seattle Mariners for Anderson’s services.
MLB rumors: Second base versatility could move Tim Anderson from Chicago White Sox
There are two big reasons why Anderson is gaining is traction in the MLB rumors mill. First, he showed during the World Baseball Classic that he could hold down second base, something that is very enticing for the teams listed above if they know the 30-year-old Anderson can fortify either of the middle infield spots. Second, Anderson has heated up at the plate at the right time, slashing .378/.439/.432 in 41 plate appearances since the All-Star break. Those are numbers that would be enticing for any team looking to add to the infield.
Anderson becomes a free agent after this season, so don’t be surprised if the White Sox try to capitalize on his hot streak now and look for a trade partner.
MLB rumors: David Robertson of New York Mets “not excited” about trade talk
If the New York Mets actually do decide to sell away pieces of the 2023 team that has been so disappointing, don’t expect reliever David Robertson to be one of the ones who is counting the minutes until he sees where he land next.
In an interview with Newsday, Robertson said he was “not excited” about all of the trade talk and rumors that were circulating around him as the MLB trade deadline drew even closer. The 38-year-old right-hander has a 2.08 ERA/3.61 FIP/1.015 WHIP in 39 appearances spanning 43.1 innings this season and would certainly seem to be a potential trade candidate, especially with what is left of his $10 million salary this season and the fact that he will be a free agent at the end of the campaign.
If traded, it would be the second consecutive season where he was flipped to a contender at the trade deadline. Last year, Robertson went from the Chicago Cubs to the Philadelphia Phillies and threw four scoreless innings in the World Series. That kind of experience, combined with his numbers, makes Robertson a likely player to move, whether he wants it to happen or not.
“If it happens, it happens,” Robertson said in the article. “I’ll pack up everything and figure out where to go and figure out which hotel we’re going to live in and all that crap. Cars getting shipped. It’s just a mess. It’s a mess for a family.”
MLB rumors: Los Angeles Dodgers “enamored” with St. Louis Cardinals third baseman Nolan Arenado?
While there is plenty of talk about the Dodgers saving their resources at the MLB trade deadline in order to make a hard charge at Shohei Ohtani (who is reportedly unlikely to be moved at the trade deadline) in the offseason, Alden Gonzalez of ESPN.com writes that the Dodgers could be looking to make a big splash at third base by acquiring Nolan Arenado from the St. Louis Cardinals.
“The Dodgers have long been enamored of Arenado, 32, and they see third base as a need they’ll have to address in the offseason given their present construction,” Gonzalez said, pointing out that Arenado is still owed $94 million over the next three years. That price tag, however, shouldn’t be a deterrent to the Dodgers, who spent wisely this offseason to stay below the luxury tax.
Arenado is originally from Southern California and always has a contingent of his family at the games when he travels to Chavez Ravine, so the geography would make sense, as would the Dodgers being in the hunt for that World Series ring that has eluded Arenado during his days with the Colorado Rockies and Cardinals. If there was a team that Arenado would waive his no-trade clause for, it would seemingly be the Dodgers.
While the Cardinals are expected to keep Arenado and Paul Goldschmidt as part of their core for the 2024 season, it seems that the Dodgers could have the trade package in place (including pitching) that would entice the Cardinals to at least listen to an offer that could move a generational third baseman back into the NL West.