Cleveland Indians: Possible Jason Kipnis trade destinations
By Tim Boyle
Los Angeles Dodgers
Hollywood could put together a television show inviting second basemen everywhere to compete for the Los Angeles Dodgers’ starting job next season. Chase Utley is a free agent and Logan Forsythe’s option is tempting to decline. Absent of any other MLB-experienced choices on the roster, it could be time for the Dodgers to join the Kipnis sweepstakes.
The Dodgers will employ whoever they want at second base next year. They always seem to get their man without paying an arm and a leg. Somehow, they’ve managed to pick up Yu Darvish and a few other big names over the past two seasons without losing Corey Seager, Cody Bellinger, or Alex Verdugo. I don’t foresee this changing in any trade for Kipnis.
At first thought, the player I could see the Indians target in exchange for Kipnis is outfielder Joc Pederson. The left-handed hitting Pederson has fallen on some hard times. Soon, Verdugo should replace him in the starting lineup full-time.
It would take more than just Pederson to pry Kipnis away. Thankfully for the Dodgers, there are others they can sacrifice. It won’t take much either, but will put a small dent on the 2017 rosters. Hopefully, it’s something Kipnis can fix.
One downside to Kipnis is he brings with him a left-handed stick. The Dodgers may already have too many in their lineup. This shouldn’t factor in too largely. Talent always outweighs any split.