SAN FRANCISCO, CALIFORNIA – APRIL 21: Max Muncy #13 of the Los Angeles Dodgers stands in the dugout before their game against the San Francisco Giants at Oracle Park on April 21, 2026 in San Francisco, California. (Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images)
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The Los Angeles Dodgers have demonstrated that they will consider virtually every potential personnel move in pursuit of a World Series championship dynasty.
For the most part, that has meant relentlessly increasing the payroll to acquire a series of high-profile free agents. But it wouldn’t be surprising to see the team execute a blockbuster trade, even replacing a long tenured member of their roster, if it meant increasing the chances at another title.
For much of last year, that meant continuous speculation around third baseman Max Muncy, who was mired in numerous injury setbacks and struggles at the plate before turning his performance around.
Los Angeles Dodgers Linked To Nolan Arenado Trade Amid Max Muncy Struggles
Up until he was moved to the Arizona Diamondbacks, the Dodgers were continuously linked to superstar third baseman Nolan Arenado, who is a native of Southern California and was looking to leave the St. Louis Cardinals to pursue a championship.
“Meanwhile, (the Cardinals) still are trying to trade All-Star third baseman Nolan Arenado,” USA Today’s Bob Nightenale reported just ahead of last season. “The Los Angeles Dodgers have yet to express interest while still hoping that third baseman Max Muncy escapes his early-season struggles.”
On paper, a move to the Dodgers made sense as Muncy was failing to meet expectations. And though there might not have been any formal negotiations to bring Arenado to Los Angeles, speculation and reports about a potential trade were common. So much so, that Muncy himself spoke out about his willingness to move aside for a new third baseman as trade rumors swirled.
“You also understand if there’s any chance that they can improve they’re probably going to take that chance,” Muncy said of potentially being replaced via trade by a player like Arenado last year, according to The Athletic’s Fabian Ardaya. “But at the same time … if there’s a chance to improve this team, they can definitely do it. I’m willing to accept any role in that. They know that.”
Los Angeles Dodgers Executive Andrew Friedman Offers Max Muncy Trade Rumor Response
Ultimately, the Dodgers remained committed to Muncy as the everyday third baseman and the veteran has rewarded them for that with an All-Star nod this year.
And with Arenado joining the Diamondbacks as Muncy returns to form, Dodgers president Andrew Friedman finally addressed the former trade rumors head on.
“A lot of it — I think all of it — has been BS,” Friedman said of the trade reports surrounding Muncy, according to a follow-up report from Ardaya this week.
Friedman might feel more comfortable denying the Arenado trade reports at this point, given that Muncy has alleviated fan concerns and Arenado has joined a division rival instead. But after trade speculation dominated the team news cycle last offseason, it seemed like an overdue public vote of confidence for the All-Star Dodgers veteran.