The Los Angeles Dodgers DFA’d the former All-Star outfielder. Is that it for him or can he revive his career elsewhere?
Andrew Friedman’s continuous tinkering of the Los Angeles Dodgers continues as they try and get rid of the players with bloated contracts from the Ned Colleti era. The latest move came down yesterday as they decided to DFA Carl Crawford and eat the $35 million remaining on his deal.
#Dodgers OF Carl Crawford has been designated for assignment.
— Mike DiGiovanna (@MikeDiGiovanna) June 5, 2016
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Crawford was having a miserable year. He was hitting .185 with a .464 OPS in just 30 games. His WRC+ was 27. League average is 100. His BABIP was just .211. Here’s the thing though, I think another team will take a chance on him.
The first reason is that the Dodgers are paying the freight on him and whatever team picks him up probably would have to pay just the minimum in order to get him as a depth piece. Sometimes if you catch lightning in a bottle for the minimum, it can help you win some games. Teams would sign an alien if they could help them win.
Secondly, there are so many injured outfielders around the game, that some team may just take a shot at Crawford. The San Francisco Giants are without Hunter Pence and Angel Pagan, maybe they could be interested? Plus they could tweak their rival in the process.
Cleveland has seen two outfielders suspended for PED’s. Michael Brantley is also hurt. Could they add Crawford on the cheap? Could the Cubs and Crawford’s former skipper Joe Maddon bring him in as an extra outfielder? Could Tampa with all of their outfield injuries?
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The turf in Tampa Bay probably ruined Crawford’s legs, but I think he still has some ability left. I think he would be best to sign a minor league deal with a club and consistent playing time to get his stroke back and then come back as a bench piece. No one is going to trade for him, but once that 10 day window is up, I think someone will take a chance on him.