Report: Dodgers inquired about eight-time All-Star

The Los Angeles Dodgers won't be acquiring two-way star Shohei Ohtani ahead of the trade deadline, but they're reportedly eyeing a future infield Hall of Famer as a backup plan. 

According to Jorge Castillo of the Los Angeles Times, the Dodgers have inquired about six-time Platinum Glove Award-winning third baseman Nolan Arenado. The 32-year-old entered Thursday's action slashing .287/.335/.521 for St. Louis this season, to go along with a .856 OPS, 22 home runs and 77 RBI in 98 games played.

“The Dodgers have engaged in trade talks with the St. Louis Cardinals to acquire the eight-time All-Star third baseman, according to people with knowledge of the situation but who are not authorized to speak publicly,” Castillo wrote.”The Cardinals could also send a starting pitcher – Jack Flaherty or Jordan Montgomery – to Los Angeles for a package of major leaguers and prospects.” 

Castillo notes that the Cardinals are seeking young pitchers in exchange for Arenado and have shown interest in Bobby Miller, Gavin Stone, Ryan Pepiot and Emmet Sheehan. Additionally, Los Angeles would have to include one or both of infielder Max Muncy and outfielder Chris Taylor. 

Despite having a full no-trade clause, Castillo reports that Arenado, who grew up in Orange County, California, would be willing to waive it exclusively for the Dodgers. However, MLB.com’s Mark Feinsand has since passed along that Arenado's agent, Joel Wolfe, clarified that the notion that his client would only waive the clause for Los Angeles is "inaccurate."

Although it is worth mentioning that Wolfe did not get into details about the potential deal, possibly suggesting Castillo's report has some validity.

While the Cardinals are in unfamiliar territory, sitting fourth in the National League Central, it is surprising they're fielding offers for Arenado. St. Louis president of baseball operations John Mozeliak said earlier this month that he didn't "have any intentions of trading" Arenado or first baseman Paul Goldschmidt, though he did acknowledge that he'd consider doing so for the right price. 

Mozeliak has been adamant about acquiring pitching and it's hard to find a team better at developing arms than the Dodgers. It makes sense the clubs would be advantageous trade partners. 

Los Angeles has already begun bolstering its roster in anticipation of the Aug. 1 trade deadline. The team re-acquired utilityman Enrique Hernández from the Boston Red Sox on Tuesday and on Wednesday traded RHP Noah Syndergaard to the Cleveland Guardians for his former New York Mets teammate Amed Rosario. Rosario and Hernández have the versatility to play in both the infield and outfield, so in theory, the additions could fill the potential holes Muncy or Taylor would leave. 

Los Angeles landing Arenado and potentially a middle-of-the-rotation starter would be enough to finally start pulling away in the National League West race.