Dodgers Could Re-Enter Nolan Arenado Sweepstakes After Early Ha-Seong Kim Struggles

With the 2024 MLB season just getting underway, the Los Angeles Dodgers are already facing questions about their infield depth. After missing out on top-tier infield reinforcements this past offseason, the Dodgers could find themselves revisiting the possibility of acquiring St. Louis Cardinals star third baseman Nolan Arenado—especially amid an underwhelming start from Ha-Seong Kim, whom they had considered as an option for their infield.

Ha-Seong Kim, who had been linked to the Dodgers during the offseason as a potential fit to bolster their middle infield, has struggled in the early weeks of the season with the San Diego Padres. Through the first couple of series, Kim has been underperforming both at the plate and defensively. His slow start, while not necessarily indicative of his full-season potential, has some within the Dodgers’ organization reconsidering whether they did enough to shore up the infield after losing key contributors over the past few years.

Meanwhile, Nolan Arenado’s name continues to circulate in trade rumors. After the Cardinals’ disappointing 2023 season, many expected St. Louis to consider significant roster changes. Although Arenado initially expressed his commitment to staying in St. Louis, league insiders have hinted that the Cardinals may revisit trade talks if they fall out of contention by midseason. As of now, the Cardinals have had a mixed start to their campaign, and front office sources have suggested they are keeping all options open.

The Dodgers previously pursued Arenado during last year’s trade deadline talks, but the Cardinals opted to hold on to their franchise cornerstone. However, with the Dodgers maintaining a deep farm system and flexible payroll, they remain well-positioned to make another run at acquiring Arenado if the situation aligns.

From the Dodgers’ perspective, adding a player like Arenado would provide elite defense at third base, veteran leadership, and consistent offensive production. Given Los Angeles’ clear “win-now” mentality—highlighted by their record-breaking spending spree to acquire Shohei Ohtani and Yoshinobu Yamamoto this winter—making a blockbuster deal for a player like Arenado would align perfectly with their aggressive approach.

Additionally, Arenado is still under contract through the 2027 season, providing long-term stability at the hot corner. The Dodgers’ current third-base situation relies heavily on Max Muncy, whose defense has been inconsistent, and Miguel Rojas, more of a utility option.

For the Cardinals, if their season begins slipping away by June or July, trading Arenado could help kickstart a retooling phase while replenishing their farm system with high-upside talent from the Dodgers’ deep prospect pool.

For now, it’s early in the season, and neither club is ready to push the panic button. However, with Ha-Seong Kim’s struggles making the Dodgers’ infield depth a talking point again, and with the Cardinals’ long-term trajectory uncertain, it wouldn’t be surprising if Los Angeles re-engages St. Louis about Arenado’s availability as the trade deadline approaches.

This is certainly a storyline to watch closely as the season unfolds.