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Report: Dodgers interested in Arenado

Justin Edmonds / Getty Images Sport / Getty

The Los Angeles Dodgers are interested in trading for Colorado Rockies third baseman Nolan Arenado, reports Jon Morosi on MLB Network.

Los Angeles showed interest in Arenado last winter. However, a deal never materialized, as the Rockies preferred not to trade the superstar to another NL West team and ultimately opted to keep him. The World Series champs wound up acquiring Mookie Betts from the Boston Red Sox instead.

Now, though, the Dodgers have a vacancy at third base with 35-year-old former NLCS MVP Justin Turner hitting free agency.

Morosi mentions second baseman Gavin Lux and pitchers Dustin May, Tony Gonsolin, Brusdar Graterol, and Mitch White as potential trade pieces.

Arenado is coming off his worst year at the plate since his rookie campaign. The four-time Silver Slugger hit .253/.303/.434 with eight homers in 48 games while playing through a left shoulder injury. On Thursday, Arenado shared a video of himself in the cage.

Arenado's contract is a major obstacle in potential trade discussions. The five-time All-Star possesses a no-trade clause and has the ability to use an opt-out next winter after he's paid $35 million in 2021. If the 29-year-old doesn't opt out, he'll be owed $164 million over the subsequent five seasons through 2026.

The Rockies could easily pivot toward selling this offseason after another dismal campaign, finishing fourth in the division. Only the Pittsburgh Pirates had a worse run differential in the National League, and Colorado could also lose shortstop Trevor Story to free agency next winter. Dodgers shortstop Corey Seager - who won NLCS and World Series MVP this year - is also slated to hit the open market after 2021, perhaps motivating L.A. to make additions now.

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