MLB Rumors: Cardinals, Dodgers have exchanged names in Nolan Arenado trade talks

The Cardinals and Dodgers have continued to discuss a Nolan Arenado trade while naming some key prospects and players who could be in a return package.

Despite the insistence from the St. Louis Cardinals that they are not going to trade All-Star third baseman Nolan Arenado, the Los Angeles Dodgers, a team that has coveted the perennial Gold Glover for years now, have remained in on trying to make a deal. And with the Aug. 1 trade deadline just days away, they might be getting closer to making it happen.

According to Jorge Castillo of the LA Times, the Dodgers and Cardinals have continued to have talks centered on a Nolan Arenado trade. But these aren’t just “we want him” followed by a firm “no” — instead, there are names being floated around.

Castillo reports that the Cardinals would send Arenado and either Jack Flaherty or Jordan Montgomery to the Dodgers in exchange for “a package of majore leaguers and prospects”. Specifically, St. Louis reportedly has eyes for the Dodgers’ top pitching prospects — Bobby Miller, Gavin Stone, Ryan Pepiot and Emmet Sheehan — and would also get utility infielders Chris Taylor or Max Muncy back in the proposed trade as it stands.

MLB Rumors: Nolan Arenado trade package discussed by Cardinals, Dodgers

Given that Cardinals president of baseball operations John Mozeliak has blatantly said the organization’s goal at the trade deadline is to retool the roster to contend in the 2024 season, the Dodgers were always an enticing trade partner. But to part with the top players in their system who would fit the plan in St. Louis, it was always going to cost more than just a rental of Flaherty or Montgomery.

Throw in their long-standing interest in Arenado, and it’s clear how we got here with such a blockbuster trade package on the table.

One possible hindrance to this deal happening, aside from any reluctance on the part of the Cardinals, would be that Arenado has a no-trade clause in his contract with the ability to block any deal he doesn’t want. However, Castillo also reported that the Southern California native would only waive that clause for a trade to the Dodgers and a return home.

Nothing is certain inside a week from the trade deadline, without question. However, when you look at the Dodgers’ rich farm system full of prospects who would help the Cardinals achieve exactly what they’re looking to do while LA continues to be after Arenado, this blockbuster might really have some legs.