The Los Angeles Dodgers had been seeking right handed hitters to balance out their left handed heavy lineup. Signing A.J. Pollock to a four year deal helps bring some of that balance.
Throughout free agency, the Los Angeles Dodgers had been connected to outfielder A.J. Pollock. He certainly would fill a need – a right handed bat in a lineup that was decidedly left handed hitter heavy. However, there was not an opening in the outfield, especially as the Dodgers had far more outfielders than spaces available.
That has changed over the past few weeks. Matt Kemp and Yasiel Puig have been traded to Cincinnati. Joc Pederson is on the trade block. There are openings in the lineup now, and room for the Dodgers to add Pollock.
That room, and newfound payroll flexibility, have allowed Los Angeles to make that long anticipated signing. Pollock is now heading to the Dodgers, signing a four year deal worth $55 million, with an opt-out after the third year, and a player option for a fifth season.
AJ Pollock has already passed physical onhis Dodger deal. Slated to earn $55m in first 4 years, but could earn opt-out after Year 3 if he reaches set no. of PA. 5th year player option for $10m, w/ $5m buyout
— Buster Olney (@Buster_ESPN) January 24, 2019
If Pollock is healthy, this contract could be a tremendous bargain. The problem is that he is almost never healthy over the course of a season, as Pollock has appeared in over 115 games just twice in his seven years in the majors. During his career, he has dealt with a broken elbow, broken thumb, groin and quad injuries, amongst other assorted ailments.
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Even in another injury shortened campaign, Pollock had a solid showing last year. He produced a respectable .257/.316/.484 batting line, hitting 21 homers and stealing 13 bases. While those numbers are a far cry from the torrid start to the season he had prior to broken thumb suffered in May, he still produced a 106 OPS+, providing solid value in the lineup.
While those numbers are respectable, the Dodgers are hoping for Pollock to be healthy once again. In 2015, his last fully healthy season, Pollock produced an excellent .315/.367/.498 batting line, hitting 20 homers and stealing 39 bases. He was an All Star and a Gold Glove winner that year, showing his excellent all around ability.
Even if Pollock has his usual ailments over the course of the year, and only appears in his typical 110 games, the Dodgers would seemingly have a bargain. He will presumably slot into right, leaving Cody Bellinger in center and allowing Enrique Hernandez to resume his status as the Dodgers super utility man.
On the Diamondbacks side, this move should help in the long term. While it will be painful to see their former center fielder playing for a division rival, the fact that he declined their qualifying offer and signed a contract for over $50 million will help the rebuild. The Diamondbacks will receive another compensatory pick after the first round of the draft, giving Arizona six picks in the top 79 selections. That rebuild can get a significant boost of they hit on that plethora of picks.
The Los Angeles Dodgers have signed A.J. Pollock, a player they have been linked to for months. At just $55 million over four years, they could have a significant bargain if he stays healthy.