Massive Nolan Arenado Update: Dodgers Interested, Arenado Wants LA, and More

The Los Angeles Dodgers and Nolan Arenado have been linked ever since the All-Star third baseman posted a series of photos on Instagram with the song “dodger blue” by Kendrick Lamar.

The latest update on the Arenado rumors is the most interesting. Dodgers Nation’s Doug McKain spoke with Cardinals beat writer, John Denton, about his insight on the 10-time Gold Glove winner’s wish this holiday season.

Denton believes the Dodgers have interest in Arenado, but haven’t publicly said so. He also provides context behind Arenado nixing a trade to Houston.

Since then, there has been speculation that the Dodgers will strike a trade with the St. Louis Cardinals to acquire Arenado. The rumors quickly spread, and inevitably, Dodgers starting third baseman Max Muncy even had to address the Arenado trade buzz.

“As long as I get to stay around, I don’t care who they bring in,” Muncy said. “I think Andrew (Friedman) and Brandon (Gomes) know my stance on that extremely well. I’ve never been one that said ‘No, I’m not going to play this position, I’m not going to play that position. I’m not going to bat in this spot in the order.’ I don’t care. As long as you put me out there, I’ll play wherever they want to put me. As long as it means I’m out there on that field wearing Dodger blue, playing in that stadium. You’re talking about arguably the best defensive third baseman if you look at his numbers. I can see why it would be appealing. To me, it doesn’t matter. I just want to be there and help the team win.”

As the Dodgers try to build another World Series-winning roster, Muncy is prepared to move around if Arenado arrives in Los Angeles. Earlier this week, Arenado declined a trade to the Houston Astros.

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Teoscar Hernández Update: MLB Insider Reveals Major Hold-Up in Contract Talk With Dodgers

Contract negotiations between the Los Angeles Dodgers and free agent Teoscar Hernández have stalled because the two parties disagree on the amount of money the outfielder should receive, according to The Athletic’s Ken Rosenthal. Hernández wants a three-year deal between $66 million and $72 million.

While money is a point of contention with the outfielder, the Dodgers are searching for other alternatives as a right-handed hitting option, per Rosenthal. The Dodgers are considering infielder Ha-Seong Kim of the San Diego Padres, right fielder Seiya Suzuki of the Chicago Cubs, and center fielder Luis Robert Jr. of the Chicago White Sox.

Hernández, 32, had a remarkable season with the Dodgers. The outfielder recorded a .272 batting average with 33 home runs, 99 runs batted in, and 12 stolen bases. Hernández not only performed well, but he also connected with the crowd in a manner that endeared the Dodgers fan base.

The last time Hernández spoke directly to Dodgers fans was at the World Series parade when he thanked everybody for believing in him.

“You guys made this dream come true. Thank you for making me a World Champion,” Hernández said through tears. “That’s how much I care, how much I appreciate everything that this organization, these fans have given to me. When I show that kind of emotion, that’s when I truly feel it. I’ve been blessed to be here.”

Hernández had always been candid about his hopes for the offseason: return to Los Angeles, he said time and time again.

“My hopes are really high,” Hernández said of re-signing. “Like I’ve said before, the Dodgers are the priority obviously. I’m going to do everything in my power to come back.”