The Los Angeles Dodgers have a two game lead on the San Francisco Giants in the National League West, but the addition of Rafael Devers in San Francisco puts some pressure on the Dodgers.
The Dodgers have very few holes in their offense, but with the Giants latest aggressive move, the Dodgers margin for error has decreased. The Dodgers biggest hole may be in left field, where Michael Conforto has struggled. However, Newsweek’s Andrew Wright suggested the Dodgers replace Max Muncy at third base with Nolan Arenado to “counter” the Giants trade for Devers.
“This would be the ultimate ‘anything you can do, we can do better,’ move from the Dodgers if they were to go out and acquire one of the best third basemen in the game, wrote Wright. “Arenado is hitting just .243 with eight home runs, a season well below his standards. A move to Los Angeles could give him new energy and a burst that he needs to get back on track.”
Arenado was the center of many trade rumors in the offseason, and the Dodgers were reportedly his preferred destination. However, he was not traded and started the season off very strong. In fact, the Cardinals looked like they could make a postseason push, outplaying their expectations.
However, after losing three-of-four against the Milwaukee Brewers in their last series, they are in third place in the National League Central and seven games out of the division lead. If things continue to unravel, they could once again consider trading Arenado.
Follow The Sporting News On WhatsApp
The Dodgers may not want to replace Muncy, but may have to be aggressive if they want to maintain their NL West lead. Muncy is slashing .275/.408/.508 since the start of May, turning around what was a terrible start to the year.
Muncy has some positional versatility and could play at second base, allowing Tommy Edman to play in the outfield and move Conforto to the bench. Adding Arenado would put three of the best third baseman of this generation in the NL West between himself, Devers and Matt Chapman. Although, Devers is likely to continue as a designated hitter with the Giants.
Arenado has two-plus years left on his eight-year, $260 million contract. He is not a cheap addition, but would bring elite defense to the Dodgers. His offense has not been as good, but playing in a lineup with stars like Shohei Ohtani, Mookie Betts, Freddie Freeman and Will Smith could help him.
More MLB: Red Sox’s Alex Bregman expected to opt out after shocking Rafael Devers trade
