JUST IN: Dodgers sign Nolan Arenado after declining lucrative deal with Cardinals

According to St. Louis Cardinals insider John Denton, All-Star third baseman Nolan Arenado declined a trade to the Houston Astros as he waits for a final response from the Los Angeles Dodgers.

“He doesn’t want to make a rushed decision at this time of year,” Denton said on ESPN. “He wants to explore his best options. I think we all know—Nolan Arenado wants the Dodgers to tell him ‘No’ directly. That’s his first choice, that’s where he still wants to go.”

Denton also noted that while the Dodgers have publicly downplayed their interest in Arenado, they remain keen on acquiring the 10-time Gold Glove winner.

“The Dodgers have mentioned that Max Muncy will be their starting third baseman, but don’t be fooled. They still want Nolan Arenado,” Denton explained. “By minimizing their interest publicly, they might be trying to negotiate a better financial deal.”

Speculation about Arenado’s desire to join the Dodgers heightened earlier this month after he posted a series of Instagram photos with Kendrick Lamar’s song “dodger blue,” fueling rumors about his preferred destination.

At 34, Arenado has expressed his desire to play meaningful postseason baseball, which aligns with his hope to join the reigning World Series champions. Denton emphasized that Arenado remains determined to join Los Angeles.

“Nolan is going to hold out until the Dodgers tell him ‘No’ to his face,” Denton stated.

While the Dodgers already have Max Muncy slated as their starting third baseman, Arenado’s interest demonstrates the allure of Los Angeles as a destination for players chasing championship aspirations. The Dodgers’ front office has a history of finding creative solutions, so it wouldn’t be surprising if they found a way to integrate Arenado while maximizing the strengths of their roster.