Los Angeles Dodgers: Three players that could be traded
The Los Angeles Dodgers endured a disappointing exit this postseason, so they are looking to rebound next season. Here are three players that could be on the move.
The Los Angeles Dodgers lost in the first round of the postseason this season, ending their hopes of making it to a third World Series appearance in a row.
After a great regular season, Dodgers fans were left stunned after watching their MVP record just four hits in the Divisional round and saw Clayton Kershaw crumble yet again at the hands of Anthony Rendon and Juan Soto.
But while the loss stings they are going to need to regroup quickly.
Dave Roberts is still the skipper and it seems Kenley Jansen will still be the closer at the beginning of the season but there are still questions about the rest of the club.
Starting pitchers Rich Hill and Hyun-Jin Ryu might not be on the roster come Opening Day, so that would leave two rotation spots open which could be hard to fill via free agency.
Cody Bellinger proved that he can’t do it all in the postseason after his tremendous season, so they could be looking for some offensive help as well, especially after they will need to fill David Freese‘s spot after his recent retirement.
So, with that said here are three players that could be traded in blockbuster deals this winter to try to get over the hump the Los Angeles Dodgers haven’t been able to get over since their 1988 championship…
Corey Seager
As I said earlier, Los Angeles might have a big hole in their rotation if they can’t bring back Rich Hill and Hyun-Jin Ryu and to fill that hole, they might want to go the trade route, meaning Corey Seager could be the odd man out.
Adding a starting pitcher of the caliber of an ace, Andrew Friedman would need to give up one of his stars and it could end up being Seager.
Corey Seager has battled with injuries since he won the Rookie of the Year award, and he struggled in the postseason but opposing teams would still love to have him in their infield, as they have seen his potential and could take a chance on him.
Another thing that doesn’t help his case is even if the Los Angeles Dodgers keep Ryu and move Dustin may into the rotation, he could still be moved.
Anthony Rendon is a free agent at the end of the postseason and Justin Turner has already said that he is willing to move positions in favor of Rendon, so Gavin Lux could shift back over to short, ending Seager’s tenure with the Dodgers.
It will be a headline worth watching this winter if Seager stays or goes in Hollywood.
The next candidate just signed with the club before the 2019 season but things haven’t worked out…
A.J. Pollock
A.J. Pollock was set to be the Los Angeles Dodgers center fielder at the beginning of the 2019 season, but then injuries crept up with him and Cody Bellinger became, well, the best player in the National League.
He was placed on the 10-day Injured List with right elbow inflammation in April and then in June was transferred to the 60-day IL. He returned in July but never was the impactful player that LA envisioned when they signed him.
He struck out a ton in the first few games in the Division Series, which resulted in no playing time in the final games of their postseason.
The Dodgers, even without Pollock, would still be set up well with Joc Pederson, Cody Bellinger, and then Alex Verdugo with Kike Hernandez filling in from time to time.
Pollock signed a five-year contract worth $60 million so I think it would be a movable contract. And don’t get me wrong I am not saying A.J. Pollock isn’t a good baseball player but I just don’t think he has been a good fit or will be a good fit and it would be in the best interest of both parties to seek a trade.
The final candidate was a big part of their 2017 World Series run…
Austin Barnes
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Austin Barnes was a big part of the Los Angeles Dodgers roster in their back-to-back World Series appearances but was overthrown by rookie catcher Will Smith this season.
Russell Martin was the backup and they weren’t going to send him down so Barnes was the odd man out. He only received six at-bats in the month of September.
He was recently reassigned to the minor leagues on October 3, which means he will most likely not be an impactful player on the Dodgers moving forward.
Will Smith seemingly is the starting catcher for the future, and Keibert Ruiz is shortly behind him in addition to Barnes being 30, so I think he needs to be moved if he wants to continue a major league career.
I would assume there would be a market for Barnes, as he was playing in the Fall Classic last year. There are plenty of teams that would either give Barnes a chance to be the starting catcher out of spring training (but probably non-contenders) or be the backup on a contending team. I think Barnes would benefit from a change in scenery.
Next. Three possible trade destinations for Mookie Betts. dark
It just is a shame that Austin Barnes, who nearly hit .300 in 2017, doesn’t have many options other than getting moved if he wants to further his career.