MLB Rumors: Nolan Arenado Had Dodgers, Padres Among 5 Teams He'd Waive No-Trade For

A possible destination for Nolan Arenado in 2025 could have been Southern California.

Katie Woo of The Athletic reported that the Los Angeles Dodgers and San Diego Padres were among the teams that Arenado would have waived his no-trade clause for this winter.

"To help Mozeliak’s search, Arenado presented him with a list of five teams that he would consider waiving his no-trade clause for," Woo wrote. "According to multiple league sources, that list named the Los Angeles Dodgers, Boston Red Sox, New York Yankees, San Diego Padres and Houston Astros as possible destinations. Arenado also said he would be willing to move to first base, or at least play third base less frequently if it would lead to a trade."

Arenado has not been quick to budge on these demands, as Woo reported that other teams checked in on him but it was a "non-starter."

"That’s why talks with the Tigers, Royals and Angels never got off the ground," Woo wrote. "Those teams were viewed as non-starters by the player, a source described, and no substantial discussions took place. But as word spread that the Cardinals were actively taking calls on Arenado, more teams began to take notice."

Woo also reported that a trade would require "multiple concessions from both sides" or a "drastic change" in Arenado's no-trade list.

Arenado was heavily linked to the Boston Red Sox prior to the team agreeing to a contract with free agent Alex Bregman. He is under contract through the 2027 season and is set to make $21 million in 2025.

The 33-year-old is an eight-time All-Star, six-time Platinum Glove winner and five-time Silver Slugger. He hit .272/.325/.394 with 16 home runs and 71 RBIs for the St. Louis Cardinals in 2024 and remains an impact player deep into his career.

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The cost may not be large for either team to acquire Arenado, as the Red Sox are out and the Houston Astros and New York Yankees have plugged infields.

The Dodgers have Max Muncy as the incumbent third baseman and Freddie Freeman at first base while the Padres have Manny Machado at third and Luis Arraez at first.