Rumors were circulating Thursday from multiple sources that the Los Angeles Dodgers are shopping Yasiel Puig. Manager Don Mattingly did at one point say that the Dodgers four-man outfield will need to be dealt with this offseason.
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Of course as we all know Mattingly decided on a final three for 2014 of Matt Kemp in right, Puig in center and Carl Crawford in left field. However, the Dodgers also have one of baseball’s top prospects in Joc Pederson, a center fielder, practically ready for the big leagues. He was given a September call-up in 2014.
So will the Dodgers be stuck with another outfield dilemma or will they shop Puig, who has been known to be a bit of a prima donna with behavioral problems in the clubhouse? Or will they stick with the original rumors that were surrounding Kemp?
Rumor has it that they are shopping Puig.
The rumor is that the Dodgers are shopping Puig per @georgeofman
— Beisbol's Org (@BeisbolsOrg) October 9, 2014
Ofman of WBBM News Radio in Chicago suggested the Cubs as a possible landing place for the Dodgers’ outfielder,
Are the Dodgers shopping Puig? You bet and the Cubs are one of several teams interested.
— George Ofman (@georgeofman) October 9, 2014
This could most definitely be one of many scenarios but the most interesting and also most likely option was proposed by the San Jose Mercury News’ Tim Kawakami,
Late-night thought: Yasiel Puig might be somebody Billy Beane would secretly target for a surprise deal.
— Tim Kawakami (@timkawakami) October 8, 2014
This is true, it is exactly the type of secret and surprising trade that Oakland A’s famed general manager Billy Beane would make. Not unlike the shocking deal he made at the trade deadline, trading left fielder Yoenis Cespedes for starting pitcher Jon Lester.
Puig, who is scheduled to make $6.2 million in 2015, is affordable for both the A’s and the Cubs along with, well, any other team. He is not even arbitration eligible until the 2018 season when he is set to make just $9.2 million. Plus, Puig will not be eligible for free agency until 2020 making him a great deal.
Dealing Kemp with his huge contract would be much more difficult for the Dodgers. Kemp is signed through 2019 and will be making $21.5 million each year.
The A’s could have a slight edge in trading for Puig, being able to supply the Dodgers with much needed bullpen help, but everything at this point is still all speculation and rumors.
However, rumors are often based in truth so don’t be completely shocked if Puig is wearing a new uniform in 2015.