Nolan Arenado Blocked Trade to Dodgers’ Rival: Report

Potential Los Angeles Dodgers trade target Nolan Arenado has reportedly blocked a move to the Houston Astros, per MLB.com’s Mark Feinsand, John Denton, and Brian McTaggart.

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The Astros and St. Louis Cardinals were reportedly discussing a deal to send Arenado to Houston, but Arenado informed the Cardinals he would not waive his no-trade clause for the Astros. Thus, those talks appear to be dead.

According to the report, “The Cardinals were willing to send $15-20 million to the Astros as part of the deal to help pay down Arenado’s salary.” However, Houston doesn’t appear to be in the cards for Arenado.

The Dodgers are one of the six teams that were on Arenado’s reported wish list. Arenado even fueled the Dodgers rumors when he posted on Instagram with the song “dodger blue.” However, Dodgers general manager Brandon Gomes made it known at the Winter Meetings that Max Muncy would be the team’s starting third baseman, putting a potential Arenado move in jeopardy.

With Muncy at third base and Freddie Freeman at first base, there wouldn’t be any room for Arenado in Los Angeles. It’s also unlikely the Dodgers want to take on the remaining three years and $74 million on his contract.

While a trade to the Dodgers is unlikely, a trade to the Astros is out of the picture.

In addition to the Dodgers, the San Diego Padres, Los Angeles Angels, Philadelphia Phillies, New York Mets, and Boston Red Sox were on the reported wish list.

Under-the-Radar Team Could Land Front-Line Starter

After re-signing right-hander Shane Bieber, the Cleveland Guardians rotation has nothing but question marks. Taneer Bibee is one arm that’s reliable and aside from Joey Cantillo and eventually Doug Nikhazy, the depth isn’t too appealing, either. The need for pitching in general could compel the Guardians to consider trades or free-agent signings. MLB.com’s Mandy Bell reported that Chris Antonetti, the Guardians president of baseball operations, suggested that the team is prepared to “reinvest resources”, potentially making Roki Sasaki a viable target as they navigate the international market.

Roki Sasaki to the Guardians: A Surprising but Intriguing Possibility

It seemed like it was all but certain that Sasaki, who was posted by his Nippon Professional Baseball team, would end up with either the Los Angeles Dodgers or San Diego Padres. However, after his agent, Joel Wolfe, spoke at the Winter Meetings, other teams could be in the mix. Wolfe went as far as suggesting that a smaller market team might be a better fit for his client. It would allow for a low-pressure environment and a smooth transition after dealing with intense media scrutiny in Japan.

Bell highlighted how Sasaki would be a valuable addition to the Guardians. Sasaki boasts a great track record with Chiba Lotte, posting a 2.02 ERA, 11.4 strikeouts per nine innings and a 2.0 walk rate per nine innings. His pitching arsenal features a fastball that can top out at 102 mph, a devastating splitter with a whiff rate of over 57%, and a reliable slider. Sasaki’s talent and abilities make him an ideal front-line starter for the Guardians.

Cleveland Won’t Have to Pay Big for Sasaki

The good news about Sasaki is that money won’t be a factor. Since he is under 25 and has played in fewer than six seasons in NPB, MLB rules state that he has to be subject to international bonus pool money restrictions. To maximize the type of contract he can have, he’ll have to wait until January 15, when the 2025 signing period begins, meaning all 30 teams will be ready to pursue him.