Padres Could Steal $52M Star Infielder, Dodgers Target In Blockbuster Deal

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The San Diego Padres are looking to upgrade their roster this winter. San Diego has consistently been a few steps behind the Los Angeles Dodgers, but this winter, the Padres could get one step ahead of their rivals.

Both the Dodgers and the Padres were on the reported wish list for trade candidate Nolan Arenado of the St. Louis Cardinals. But with the Dodgers being hesitant to swing a deal, the Padres could steal him before Los Angeles gets a chance.

Here's a deal that could send Arenado to the Padres before the Dodgers could grab him:

• San Diego Padres receive: 3B Nolan Arenado, $20 million
• St. Louis Cardinals receive: OF Tirso Ornelas (No. 18 prospect)

This deal is simple. The Cardinals would send Arenado to the Padres along with $20 million in exchange for No. 18 prospect Tirso Ornelas.

The piece of this deal that makes it unrealistic is the Padres' lack of need for an infielder. San Diego has highly paid stars all around the infield. But if the Friars are looking to move some guys around and make room for Arenado, this is an easy way to slot another Gold Glover into the lineup.

Heading back to St. Louis would be No. 18 prospect Tirso Ornelas. Ornelas posted a .864 OPS in Triple-A last season as he's slowly improved through his professional career. The Cardinals could use another outfielder to compete for a roster spot in 2025.

This deal is quite unlikely, but if the Padres begin unloading players like Luis Arraez, they could become real suitors for Arenado.

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