The Los Angeles Dodgers are trying to break an infamous record: most wins in a season.
Why else would they be pursing Nolan Arenado, the best third baseman in baseball? They already have three MVPs, two Cy Youngs, at least two Rookie of the Year candidates, and a top-five farm system. They just recently won the World Series, and have a strong chance at doing it again next year.
But today, MLB insider Jim Bowden came out with some ground-breaking news. Los Angeles is pursuing Nolan Arenado. So what would it take to get him?
At least one of Dustin May, Tony Gonsolin and Josiah Gray.
The Colorado Rockies biggest issue is pitching. Well, not really. Their biggest issue is the fact that every pitcher they get struggles due to the extreme-hitting park that is Coors field. But ignoring that, their pitching isn’t exactly great at road games. They had a 4.60 ERA when playing in the opposition’s ballpark. Any of the three would at least help on the road.
Gavin Lux or Corey Seager
This is a massive decision by the front office. LA could trade away their top prospect, Gavin Lux, who barely played in 2020. However, he is still young. As the 2019 MiLB Player of the Year, Gavin Lux would be a big acquisition for the Rockies.
The Dodgers could also trade World Series MVP Corey Seager. Seager is on an expiring contract, so the Dodgers would most likely have to give up more assets with him to get Arenado. I doubt the Rockies would want Seager as much however, so it is more likely Lux is traded. If the Dodgers trade Lux, the lineup probably looks like:
- Mookie Betts – RF
- Corey Seager – SS
- Nolan Arenado – 3B
- Cody Bellinger – CF
- Max Muncy – 1B
- Justin Turner – DH
- Will Smith – C
- AJ Pollock – LF
- Chris Taylor – 2B
If Los Angeles choose to jettison Corey Seager, the lineup changes will shift to:
- Mookie Betts – RF
- Max Muncy – 1B
- Nolan Arenado – 3B
- Cody Bellinger – CF
- Justin Turner – DH
- Will Smith – C
- AJ Pollock – LF
- Chris Taylor – SS
- Gavin Lux – 2B
Personally, I think Seager will end up resigning and that the Dodgers should trade Lux.
Kody Hoese
Kody Hoese is the Dodgers’ number three overall prospect. He was a 2019 first round pick. As a third baseman, I think the Rockies will request him with the hope that he replaces Arenado at third in 2021 or 2022, while the Rockies use a replacement-level player until then.
All in all, here are the most predictable scenarios:
Best for the Dodgers:
Gonsolin + Lux + Hoese
Best for the Rockies:
May + Gray + Lux + Hoese
Most Likely:
Gonsolin + Seager + Hoese + one or two additional low-tier prospects.
As you can see, there are many routes for the Dodgers to get All-Star Nolan Arenado. Now all I can do is sit back, relax, and watch the decrepit corpse that is Rockies baseball to try and get back as much as possible for, possibly, their best player of all-time. Best part is, he doesn’t want to be there.
Photo: SI
