There has been no big player transactions and it is a holiday weekend, so pickings for material are pretty slim. However, as long as the Dodgers are mentioned in some big-name transactions, I will continue to think that something could happen. At the very least it allows for a lot of conjecture and good writing material. We all have our favorite Dodgers who we do not want to see moved to another team. So, no matter what move is made there are going to be those that will agree with the transaction as well as many who will not agree.
Last week I proposed a trade for Giancarlo Stanton. Other than Dodgerrick just summarily dismissing the idea (which I might have as well), there were some interesting takes. I got the impression that most do not want Stanton but do want Harper, which baffles me. I would rather have the RH bat and superior defense over Bryce Harper. When all is said and done, the dollars will be commensurate. However, it was simply an exercise to show how it might be done if everyone was agreeable to even make a deal. That being said, neither Giancarlo Stanton or Bryce Harper will be wearing Dodger Blue next season. And I am NOT on board for either.
As an unlikely as my Giancarlo trade scenario was, there have been some truly CRAZY trade proposals coming out. They will certainly generate much discussion, but how realistic they are is another story. Anthony Castrovince at MLB.com had 5 real doozies. He readily acknowledges that none will occur, but that in his opinion they all made sense. https://www.mlb.com/news/mlbs-5-blockbuster-trades-that-make-sense/c-301037694.
“Names” that have been mentioned by many pundits in relation to the Dodgers are, JT Realmuto, Corey Kluber, Yan Gomes, Edwin Diaz, Jean Segura, and Noah Syndergaard. Other than Bryce Harper and Manny Machado, the only other FA names that I have seen even remotely connected to LAD have been DJ LeMahieu, Kelvin Herrera and Jeurys Familia. All make sense, but probably only one would be signed (if any). One can make an argument for any of the three and one can make an argument against all three. It only matters what Andrew & Co. think.
For Syndergaard, Bums pointed to one pundit’s proposal as to what it may take to get Syndergaard. Per Brook Smith, Dodgers Nation…“Muncy, Alexander, Ferguson, and then some to even consider a conversation over Syndergaard. Perhaps a few prospects come into play. The Mets are in need of catching and the Dodgers have a few backstops in their system that will be ready in a few years. Experts have high praise for Diego Cartaya (#11 Prospect) and he could certainly entice New York. They might also consider putting Dennis Santana (#6 prospect) and/or Mitchell White (#7 prospect) into a package.” https://www.dodgersnation.com/noah-syndergaard-could-become-available-but-is-he-needed-bs0193/2018/11/22/
The only reason that the Dodgers are considered a trade partner with NYM is because LAD has players at the ML level that can help NYM in 2019. The Pads are the clear favorite to get Syndergaard if he is moved. While they have a tremendous farm system, far and away the best in MLB, maybe (BIG MAYBE) three of them will be ready to start the season in ML…Luis Urias, Francisco Mejia, and Cal Quantrill. The Mets and Brodie Van Wagenen truly believe the Mets can be contenders in 2019, but they are going to need a catcher, 1B, and bullpen help. Maybe the Pads can package Francisco Mejia, Wil Myers, Kirby Yates and prospects for Syndergaard. That makes more sense to me than what the Dodgers would be willing to spend.
That is a no for Syndergaard.
The Indians are another team that needs ML players. They are willing to move Kluber and Gomes if it can get them the OF and relief help. Leodys Martin and Bradley Zimmer are both LH and are scheduled to start in the OF, so Joc is a non-starter in this discussion. Unless the Dodgers are willing to give up Yasiel Puig, Kluber is not coming to the Dodgers. With one year remaining on the contracts of Yonder Alonso, Edwin Encarnacion, and Jason Kipnis, I can see where Max Muncy would be of some significant interest to the Tribe. I think one of Puig/Muncy, and Wood, Farmer and a pitching or OF prospect for Kluber and Gomes gets a discussion going. I think Tito can turn Wood into an Andrew Miller type reliever. He did it with Miller when they were both with the Red Sox.
Kluber and/or Gomes – Maybe – There is a path if either team wants to make it happen. There are a lot of potential moving pieces.
The next two M’s that could be on the move are Jean Segura and Edwin Diaz. The M’s have a p poor farm system and a bloated ML payroll with a couple of non-movable contracts in Felix Hernandez and Kyle Seager. I see no way that Andrew will expend the personnel capital to obtain Edwin Diaz. He is not going to go in that direction for a reliever when he believes he has multiple other options. The M’s can use OF help, 1B/DH help, and prospects. If the Dodgers are going to get Segura, CT3 would probably be included as a Segura replacement. With Cano going to 1B and or DH, maybe there is a place for Edwin Rios. Or maybe Gordon goes back to CF and Cano stays at 2B and Max Muncy is considered for 1B/DH. The M’s have one catcher on the 40 man so maybe Kyle Farmer and Connor Wong would be of interest. Would CT3, Edwin Rios, Kyle Farmer, and Brock Stewart be enough Jean Segura? I would let the experts balance it out. One other sticking point is that Segura has a full no trade clause. He just may want to stay in Seattle. One additional consideration is that Segura has 4 years remaining on his contract. What will happen to Lux? It is a consideration.
Jean Segura – Maybe – There is a path if either team wants to make it happen. I am not sure that either do. I would label this as highly doubtful.
Edwin Diaz – I do not see the Dodgers making a significant trade of multiple prospects for a reliever.
JT Realmuto is the most discussed player on the move in the baseball blogosphere. Naturally the Dodgers are considered interested (as are the Astros and Braves and Angels and Mets). The Fish need to make a homerun trade to make up for the swing and misses on Stanton, Yelich, and Ozuna. The other teams may not be so willing to comply with what Miami wants. That is usually when Andrew backs off. I do not see why the Marlins are reluctant to trade JT within the NL East since they are not going to be legit contenders until well after JT becomes a FA. I can see why they would trade with the Braves and their top pitching prospects. If the Braves want Realmuto, I think they will get him. I think the Braves can address RF with Michael Brantley who they are strongly considered as the front runner. Realmuto and Brantley make the Braves a legit NL pennant contender. Right now I am not sure which of Keibert Ruiz or Will Smith is the most likely prospect, but at least one of them is going to be on the roster in 2020. Do you really want to give up one of the catching prospects for two years of Realmuto, when maybe all the Dodgers need is a catcher for one year?
JT Realmuto – Highly unlikely, but not due to not trying.
I know many are reluctant to make trade proposals. I am not opposed to it no matter how lopsided they may be. I am not advocating that LAD do any of the above. They are just possible trades that may or may not be fair (depending as to who you ask). I know the Dodgers could have given the Pirates a better package than what the Astros did for Gerrit Cole, and for the package that the Brewers gave to Miami for Christian Yelich. Based on who was included, there is no doubt that I would have overpaid. I do not know who the agreed to players were in the much-discussed 2016 deadline trade for Chris Sale, but the insistence on Julio Urias would not have stopped me. That is way too often described as the reason that Chris Sale is not a Dodger. True or not, who really knows? Sometimes trades work out, many times they do not. But unless Andrew & Co. is willing to make trades that absolutely will be questioned and criticized, the 2019 team will not improve, while a half dozen other NL teams will. I have my list of untouchables, that would undoubtedly differ from everyone else’s list (other than Clayton Kershaw who is untouchable because of 10 & 5 rights) .
Of those mentioned above, the only significant trade that I can see the Dodgers making is one for Kluber and Gomes. If they cannot get Kluber, they will pass on Gomes. They can find a less expensive catcher in Maldonado for one year.
Discussion (41)
Disagree, not disagreeable
I don’t think the brain trust would reduce our starting depth that much. However, I don’t think we would miss most of those guys. How about Russell Martin for Kemp? Don’t know if we would want him or not.
The Dodgers could get Stanton and Gomes and Kluber, but the lineup would look dramatically different…. maybe that’s a good thing. It would involve trading the following players:
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Pederson – $4.3 Million
Puig – $11.3 Million
Barnes –
Wood – $9.0 Million
Hill – $16 Million
Maeda – $8 Million (approx)
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That’s about $46 million off the books.
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If the Yanks want to trade Stanton, they have to take Hill and his Salary AND Max Muncy AND pay $20 Million of Stanton’s salary in 2019.
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As I said earlier, the Dodgers trade Puig, Wood, Barnes and White for Gomes, Kipnis and Kluber.
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Next, I would trade Maeda, Pederson and Kasowski to Seattle for Diaz. There may be an adjustment of players here… Floro, etc.
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Lineup:
1. Verdugo RF
2. Turner 3B
3. Seager SS
4. Stanton LF
5. Bellinger 1B
6. Kipnis/Hernandez 2B
7. Taylor CF
8. Gomes C
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Bench: Rios/Beaty/Farmer, Smith, Kemp, Toles
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Starting Pitchers:
1. Kershaw
2. Kluber
3. Buehler
4. Ryu
5. Stripling/Urias
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Bullpen:
1. Fields
2. Baez
3. Cingrani
4. Garcia
5. Alexander
6. Ferguson
7. Diaz
8. Jansen
Mark what about your confidence in the dh coming to the national league? At one point you were pretty adamant about this was going to happen. Manfred sure isn’t buying in. I don’t know why people are talking about getting rid of Muncy, ct3, kike etc. they are not going to get rid of these cheap assets unless they can take advantage of someone. The dodgers claim to be in on all these high priced free agents but only to drive the price up. If I could get it done I would get kluber unless he is damaged goods which the brass would know. Otherwise they are going to try to get the guy before he is the guy. If arenado is available next year the dodgers could make a run. Barring any big splashes this year the dodgers should be in very good financial shape just in time for Friedman to re-up. There will be no big financial splashes, Friedman will tell them how much money he has saved them and they will ink him to another deal. The deal will be with the understanding no going over the luxury tax first priority and winning second.
If we could clone JT, we’d be the Champs Forever
Will the Yankees trade Stanton?
https://sports.yahoo.com/could-yankees-trade-giancarlo-stanton-214038355.html
Another trade I put together in my imagination (with out any consideration of whether the finances work) is as follows: From White Sox to the Dodgers: Omar Narvaez, Nick Jones and Lucas Giolito. From Dodgers to the White Sox: Kenta Maeda, Puig, Will Smith, Kendall, Sopko and Alvarez.
Dodgers’ owners providing security to insurance companies who’s funds may have been used to purchase the Dodgers?
https://www.cnbc.com/2018/11/24/la-dodgers-linked-to-20-billion-plan-to-stabilize-big-insurers-wsj.html?__source=yahoo%7Cfinance%7Cheadline%7Cstory%7C&par=yahoo&yptr=yahoo
It takes something good to get something good. At some point, don’t you have to just go for it? Make whatever deals that you think you need to get the team to the next level?
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The Dodgers traded Frank Howard away to get Claude Osteen when they knew they needed another top starting pitcher to win. The Dodgers traded 5 guys to get Dusty Baker when they needed a RH power bat to play OF. Sometimes these deals work and sometimes they don’t but at some point don’t you have to go for it?
Love your ideas AC! I’m all in on anything that would bring us Kluber and Gomes. That just seems to logical of a fit for both teams.
Here’s my Saturday morning trade idea: From Pittsburgh to LA: Cervelli, Marte, Kela and Taillon; from LA to Pittsburgh: Wood, Puig, Will Smith, Kendall, Alvarez and Uceta. May need to add some other pieces, but could work.
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Sorry to see Scavusso go. He seemed the type, if given the opportunity, could have some major league success. With the players in front of him, however, it was never going to happen in LA. Underscores how difficult minor league life can be and how difficult it it is to become a major league player.
In yesterday’s thread, 59inarow stated “Seems like a lot more than the Yankees paid for Paxton” in a discussion as to what it may take to get Kluber. That is the point some of us are trying to make. I liken it to the Verlander vs Darvish the year before. Verlander and Kluber are probably HOF pitchers while Darvish and Paxton are good but not elite. Verlander and Kluber are game changers and they will cost more in $$$ and/or prospects. Even with Paxton, NYY gave up their #1 prospect in Justus Sheffield. Why? Because Paxton will help them win this year. They already have Severino as their Ace and Tanaka as their #2 who they will gladly drop to #3 when NYY acquires another top pitcher (Kluber/Corbin/Keuchel). That acquisition will make NYY the clear favorite for next year, and they will get one of those pitchers. If it means going above the CBT threshold to sign Corbin or Keuchel, oh well. If they must give up additional prospects for Kluber, oh well.
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I agree with Mark that Guggs wanted the team to be under the luxury tax no matter what for 2018, which is why it cost them Verlander in 2017. And it probably cost them a WS championship Getting under the CBT threshold is more important than a WS Championship? That is why I think there is more to the Dodgers finances than people think. I tend to think that MLB looked at their balance sheet and said that their debt was too high to continue to go over the threshold and “strongly advised” them to get under. The tax for 2018 & 2019 would not be onerous because they were never going to go for Harper or Machado or Corbin or Keuchel or Donaldson in 2019 anyway. They did the salary swap with the Braves for Kemp already knowing that Kemp would preclude them for signing anyone of significance in 2019. If the Dodgers were not concerned with the CBT threshold, they would never have made the trade last year, and they would be in much better position for a FA splash this year. Yes, there would have been a 50% tax on the excess, but if a team with an estimated value of $3B+ cannot afford the additional $10MM to $20MM in tax then there is a financial problem. John Henry doesn’t have that concern. But the swap got them under for 2018 and no doubt 2019. That is why Andrew said they will be in on FA, but maybe it will be next year. There is no maybe about it, the Dodgers will not go over the CBT this year, while NYY and Boston will continue to spend $$$ or prospects to get to the top.
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Since 1996, NYY (5) and Boston (4) has won 9 of the 23 WS played. I think they like winning and are not afraid to spend now to get it.
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My heavens people are afraid to trade CT3 or Kike’. How do you expect to compete with the NYY, Boston, Houston, Atlanta, Philadelphia, Chicago, Milwaukee or St. Louis if CT3 and Kike’ or even Muncy are your untouchables? I would have 3 untouchables at the ML level, and that is Seager, JT, and Buehler. That is it. Kershaw is untouchable because of 10 & 5 rights. If it takes Puig to make Cleveland give up Kluber, then I am all in. If I were the GM in 2016, Urias would be a ChiSox and Sale would be a Dodger. If Segura were not a mini early Kemp, why wouldn’t you include CT3 or Lux to get 4 years of one of the best bat to ball players in the game today. If it costs CT3 or Kike’ to get Diaz, so what? What was the problem last year? It wasn’t that we did not have enough .250/.260 hitting utility players, it was in large part because we did not have another top late inning reliever. If I could move Muncy to the AL for an impact player, where do I sign? Max had a fantastic season, and I was the one who wrote about him last winter as a potential keeper when most had never even heard of him. But I do not expect him to hit 35 HRs this year, and I do not see his value being any higher than it is right now to an AL team. What would NYY give up for Muncy and his LH bat at 1B. Ruiz is not untouchable if they can turn him into a JT Realmuto. How long are the Dodgers going to hold on to DJ Peters and Jeren Kendall before their value diminishes as has Brock Stewart’s.
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I am all for financial restraint. But it wasn’t Friedman that got them into the financial abyss that they find themselves in. Friedman was hired to get them out of it, keep them competitive, and then stay under the CBT threshold, which I am sure that the ownership group are looking at as a salary cap. I will repeat that I am not in favor at all for Harper/Machado/Stanton. But I cannot understand why $15MM in 2019, with options of $15MM in 2020 and $16MM in 2021 would be a factor for Corey Kluber, even if they end up at $210MM and over the threshold. Rich Hill, and Hyun-jin Ryu will make more this year, and neither one of them is comparable to Corey Kluber. I want to win in 2019, because it is only going get harder in 2020. The balance of power and the vast number of elite teams will be in the NL. Boston and NYY will continue to improve because they will refuse to let $$$ or prospect stop them. But teams like Houston and Cleveland will be starting to go down, the Angels are going to lose Trout after 2020. Maybe Texas will step up with their new stadium, but what other AL franchise will excel in 2020?
Per MLB Trade Rumors, Jacob Scavuzzo has signed a minor league deal with San Diego.
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I would love to see the Dodgers make a deal that had the prospect of putting them over the top. I would love to see a high end reliever, or a co-ace, or an impact hitter to improve the Dodgers immediately. The problem is that this would either cost a lot of $$ or a lot in prospects. You could say, for example, that signing JD Martinez put the Sox over the top last year, that trading for Verlander did the job for Houston in ’17, that signing Jon Lester did it for thet Cubs in 2016. The Braintrust just hasn’t operated that way since they have run the team, and I would be surprised to see it happen this off-season.
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Historically, they have play through to the trade deadline and then have made moves to shore up the team’s weaknesses. They usually trade for guys on expiring contracts so they don’t take on long-term payroll. I expect more of the same in 2019.
AC, I’m curious as to who your Dodgers untouchables are? Right now, I would definitely not trade Urias, Bueller, Kershaw, Seager, Bellinger from the MLB roster. Ruiz and Lux in the minors. Unlike Mark, I would be reluctant to trade Puig, but I can’t say he’s untouchable. He just isn’t my first choice in EVERY trade like Mark. Unlike Mark, I can see that Puig has had past success hitting lefties and think that last year was an outlier that can be fixed, perhaps with a different hitting coach. If the Indians are insisting on a RH OF, I don’t see us trading our only RH OF. Because why would the Indians be reluctant to have an all left handed OH, but the Dodgers would be willing to have an all left handed OH? That doesn’t make much sense. And don’t say because Kemp, because he barely played at the end of the year.
When all is said and done on this off season I have a strong suspicion Friedman will find a taker for the Hill or Kemp contracts (one remaining year with some cash going in the deal) to give them more flexibility. I think they roll with CT3 and Hernandez at 2B/SS until Seager is fully healthy but still think we’ll see either Joc, Puig and Wood, or maybe all three in a different uniform next year.
Muncy is bound to regress….sell high and let Bellinger settle in at 1B for the next 10 years. I’m all in on the Stanton or Harper sweepstakes. Just say no to Machado.
Would Seattle trade Diaz for Muncy and Kasowski?
The other day on MLB.Radio, they talked openly about Jean Segura and that he may not be a good teammate. Kind of a surly young Kemp. That could wreck a clubhouse… or a change of scenery could be the cure. You never know…
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Cleveland wants to cut some payroll, so I can’t see Wood AND Puig going there, because Wood and Puig maker a little more than Gomes and Kluber. What I do think would work is if the Dodgers took back Kipnis. Wood and Puig will make around $21 million, while Gomes and Kluber make $20.5 million. Kipnis makes $14.7 million plus a $2.5 million buyout. The Indians would still ask for May, but Might Settle for White or Grove… plus a lower level prospect. Kipnis is capable of a big season, but he’s another Lefty. Friedman probably would not do that!
If the Dodgers were to trade for Kluber or Syndergaard, would they try to trade Hill for Chad Green? I don’t think the Dodgers would do well against Hill if the Dodgers and Yankees faced each other in a WS though.
Love the Post AC. It covered most of the conjecture without leaving you exposed to being unrealistic.
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Freidman, I think, said he is more likely to sign a free agent next off-season. I think he wants to have patience with Kemp’s and Hill’s contracts and just let them expire. He may not be a huge fan of platoons but Kemp and Pederson define platoon with the younger and more mobile bat/fielder lefty bat getting 70% of play and the older tiring player getting 30% of play to match up to MLB’s righty dominant pitching.
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I still think Puig and Wood will be traded to make payroll room, make room for Verdugo, and make room for someone else in the rotation such as Urias later in the season or for Syndergaard or Kluber.