All-Star Trade Candidate Posts ‘Dodger Blue’ on Instagram.
St. Louis Cardinals third baseman Nolan Arenado posted a series of photos on his Instagram along with Kendrick Lamar’s song “dodger blue” from the Los Angeles rapper’s new album, GNX.
Arenado’s cryptic post caught the attention of several fans as it is widely known the Cardinals are shopping the third baseman this winter. Some of the photos included in the post featured the All-Star around Los Angeles, which could easily be the reason Arenado used Lamar’s new song.
Arenado, 34, was born in Newport Beach and was raised in the Orange County area. Being a Southern California native, it makes sense the third baseman embraces homegrown rappers such as Lamar.
some would call me, delusional!
But Nolan Arenado posted something on IG with “Dodger Blue” playing ? pic.twitter.com/ZOasno2N3z
— Dodgers Muse (@LADodgersMuse) December 1, 2024
There are some reports that Arenado is willing to play at either corner next season to make a trade happen. The Cardinals have been exploring the potential trade market for the 10-time Gold Glove winner throughout the offseason, but there has been little to no indication that Arenado would land with the Dodgers.
There are a few teams that have expressed interest in Arenado and the trade talks are likely going to intensify as the winter meetings quickly approach. There is strong speculation that Arenado will land with a new team by the end of the offseason; however, the Dodgers haven’t been linked to the third baseman.
Nevertheless, there is no guarantee that Arenado will be traded since the move would be quite complex due to his full no-trade clause and the remaining money on his contract. Arenado is reportedly willing to waive his no-trade clause for an organization that is poised to be a contender for several seasons.
Ezoic
Arenado’s win-now mentality certainly matches with the Dodgers’ efforts to embrace a golden era of Los Angeles baseball. The third baseman has been transparent about his desire to play meaningful baseball.
There aren’t several third-base options on the market this winter, aside from Alex Bregman. In the end, Arenado’s choice of song in his recent Instagram post could simply mean nothing outside of music preference.
Houston Astros predicted to replace Alex Bregman’s bat with elite slugger from AL rival in free agency.
One MLB insider believes that if the Houston Astros lose Alex Bregman in MLB free agency this offseason, they will look to replace his bat with, arguably, the best slugger available on the open market.
The Astros are a team to keep an eye on over the weeks and months ahead. After a surprisingly sluggish start to the 2024 season. Houston roared back and stormed to another AL West title late in the season. It seemed like they were primed for another deep run in the postseason.
Related: Houston Astros re-signing Alex Bregman looks very unlikely again after new rumor reveals huge money gap in contract talks
However, their season came to a rapid end when they were ousted in just two Wild Card Series games by the Detroit Tigers. Their 88-win season and being quickly bounced from the MLB playoffs shows the ‘Stros need to make changes if they hope to get back to being a serious World Series contender again.
However, they need to hold on to the top players on the roster and there is a very real chance Alex Bregman is playing elsewhere in 2025. The team great is allegedly looking for a deal for no less than $200 million in free agency. And that seems to be a number the organization is very unwilling to meet. Furthermore, young star Kyle Tucker is also nearing the end of his current contract.
If Houston loses one of their best players of the last decade this offseason, ESPN MLB insider David Schoenfield believes they will replace his bat in the lineup with a specific slugger from free agency.
Anthony Santander stats (2024): .235 AVG, .308 OBP, .506 SLG, .814 OPS, 44 HR, 102 RBI, 91 R
Houston Astros predicted to replace Alex Bregman with Anthony Santander this offseason
houston astros
Credit: Vincent Carchietta-Imagn Images
“[Anthony] Santander isn’t a top-10 free agent but this would be a ripple effect of losing Bregman. The Astros will need to replace that offense and don’t have any strong internal candidates, plus the outfield is thin beyond Tucker (aside from when Yordan Alvarez plays left field, but it’s time to just make him the full-time DH),” Schoenfield wrote.
“Santander would fit in nicely in left and the middle of the Houston lineup.”
Anthony Santander contract (Projection): Five years, $120 million
The Baltimore Orioles slugger has become one of the best power bats in the AL over the last few seasons. He had a career-high point in 2024 when he smashed 44 for the Os. The 30-year-old is in the middle of his prime and would certainly fill the power void in the Houston Astros lineup if they lost Bregman.
Furthermore, he is more likely to get a deal in the $100 to $120 million range this offseason. A number the club is much more comfortable shelling out this winter.
