MLB Trade Rumors: Dodgers interested in Lars Nootbaar, Nolan Arenado linked to Angels in offseason chatter

Despite consecutive World Series wins, the Los Angeles Dodgers remain on the lookout for additions to the roster this offseason. The NL West team has made a significant addition to the bullpen by signing All-Star closer Edwin Diaz.

However, the two-time defending champions have reportedly turned their attention to bolstering the outfield. St. Louis Cardinals outfielder Lars Nootbaar has emerged as a potential trade candidate for the Dodgers, per Ken Rosenthal of The Athletic.

Nootbaar is coming off a solid season with the Cardinals as he played in a career-high 135 games, batting a .234 batting average with a .325 on-base percentage and a .361 slugging mark. He added 24 doubles, 13 home runs, and 48 RBIs.

Meanwhile, another St. Louis Cardinals player is linked with a move to Los Angeles as veteran third baseman Nolan Arenado has emerged as a trade candidate for the Los Angeles Angels.

The Angels, who finished last in the American League West for the second consecutive season in 2025, are looking to add Arenado to the lineup to shore up their defense.

Arenado has two years remaining on his contract, and a move to the Angels will ignite hopes of a bounce-back season for the eight-time All-Star, who turns 35 in April next year.

Dodgers pursuing Lars Nootbaar amid rumored interest in former NL MVP

The Dodgers' interest in Lars Nootbaar comes amid links with their former All-Star slugger, Cody Bellinger. The former Dodgers outfielder won the NL MVP title with the Dodgers in 2019 and posted solid numbers with the New York Yankees in his lone season with the Bronx Bombers in 2025.

A reunion with Bellinger will not only bolster the Dodgers' outfield but will also add more power to an already stacked lineup that features Shohei Ohtani, Mookie Betts and Freddie Freeman.

However, the Dodgers will face stiff competition from the New York Yankees and the New York Mets for Bellinger's signature.

Edited by Chaitanya Prakash