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Oh, where to begin.
For the third straight day, the Dodgers remained active at the winter meetings, coming up in rumors with multiple players. The player that seemed to be at the forefront in every potential deal, was Yasiel Puig.
#Dodgers, #Reds have talked multiple times, sources tell The Athletic. Different packages being discussed; Puig in play as well as other LAD outfielders, pitchers. Dodgers want to clear money for other pursuits. Puig projected $11.3M in arb, per @mlbtraderumors, Alex Wood $9M.
— Ken Rosenthal (@Ken_Rosenthal) December 11, 2018
As I mentioned the other day, it seemed as if Puig would be the best bet to be on the move should a trade take place. However, it was thought to be Cleveland, as the Dodgers are interested in acquiring two-time Cy-Young award winner, Corey Kluber.
In the reported deal that would send Puig to Cincinnati, it looks as if they’d be taking back Homer Bailey, in order to get some prospects from the Reds in the deal. You could make the case that Bailey was the worst starting pitcher in baseball last season, going 1-14 with an ERA of 6.09.
In one variation of this deal, #Dodgers would take back Homer Bailey from #Reds and his remaining $28M commitment as a way of buying prospects. Bailey’s CBT number (average annual salary in multi-year deal) is $17.5M. Deal complex, still in discussion, not close. https://t.co/y3yVs5Rpsf
— Ken Rosenthal (@Ken_Rosenthal) December 12, 2018
If not Puig, then perhaps Matt Kemp would be headed to the Reds, as the Dodgers are looking to move him as well.
According to a source, the Dodgers are actively trying to trade Yasiel Puig and/or Matt Kemp.
— Mark Feinsand (@Feinsand) December 12, 2018
The next bit of news doesn’t have as much going for it, but it is something worth mentioning.
Hearing the Dodgers would likely do a Ross Stripling-for-Francisco Cervelli trade with the Pirates. #pirates #dkps
— John Perrotto (@JPerrotto) December 12, 2018
This wouldn’t come as a shock. The Dodgers are in need of a starting catcher, and there’s simply no room in the starting rotation for Ross Stripling.
Francisco Cervelli, 32, could be an affordable one-year rental behind the plate. He’s definitely serviceable, as he hit 12 home runs and drove in 57 runs in 2018. Cervelli also had an OPS of .809, his highest since 2014.
With the Dodgers being attached to J.T. Realmuto, this could be something to keep a close eye on should LA and Miami fail to reach an agreement.
UPDATE: That rumor was short-lived, as three hours later, it was reported the Dodgers were OUT on a potential Cervelli deal.
Just when things appeared to have settled down, the Dodgers were attached to yet another name. This time, Jose Martinez of the St. Louis Cardinals.
This one is a surprise. #Dodgers talking to #STLCards about Jose Martinez, sources tell The Athletic. LAD could play the defensively challenged Martinez at first base, with Muncy at second and Bellinger in center.
— Ken Rosenthal (@Ken_Rosenthal) December 12, 2018
Martinez, primarily used as a first-baseman, definitely comes as a surprise. With Bellinger and Max Muncy to split time at first next season, it’s unclear why this move would make any sense. Though adding Martinez’ bat would be a help for the Dodgers, there’s little to no reason for LA to make this move, unless there’s potential of Bellinger or Muncy being dealt.
Rumors are simply rumors until something actually happens, but the Dodgers definitely have to be the most newsworthy team at the winter meetings. It will be interesting to see if anything transpires on Wednesday, or they just remain as rumors.
Check out more Dodgers rumors here.