The Los Angeles Dodgers had been linked to Nolan Arenado throughout the offseason, mostly because of the All-Star third baseman’s not-so-subtle hints that he preferred to be traded to the defending champions.

The trade rumors initially began when Arenado posted a series of photos on his Instagram along with the song “dodger blue” by Los Angeles rapper Kendrick Lamar. Fans immediately took Arenado’s song choice as a clue toward his preferred trade destination.

The St. Louis Cardinals made it clear that the team wanted to trade the 10-time Gold Glove winner. A deal between the Cardinals and the Houston Astros was ready to go through, until Arenado nixed the trade using his no-trade clause.

In a recent conversation with Dodgers Nation’s Doug McKain, MLB insider Bob Nightengale provided the latest update on Arenado.

“The Cardinals still want to move him,” Nightengale said. “I do think that Arenado will get moved at some point. If something ever happened to (Max) Muncy or something like that, Arenado would do cartwheels to get to L.A., his hometown. He could have gone to Houston, turned that down. Could have gone to the Angels, turned that down, too. But he would jump up and down to have a chance to go to the Dodgers. But the Dodgers don’t need him with Muncy, and he still has some good money left (on his contract).”

The Dodgers have expressed their commitment to Max Muncy, and it appears he is the reason the defending champions have not welcomed Arenado with open arms. The chances of Arenado coming to L.A. seem slim — however, it still appears to be a sure thing he’s moved before the deadline.

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