Dodgers acquire David Freese from Pirates

The Los Angeles Dodgers on Friday acquired third baseman David Freese in a trade with the Pittsburgh Pirates in exchange for minor league infielder Jesus Manuel Valdez.

Freese has played in 94 games for Pittsburgh this season, hitting .282 with 29 runs, 10 doubles, one triple, nine home runs and 42 RBI along with a .780 OPS. The veteran infielder hits lefties well, going 31-for-109 (.284) this season. Freese has similar numbers this season against righties, hitting .281 (36-for-128).

The 35-year-old has mostly played third base in his career, but can also play first base. After Friday night’s win against Arizona, manager Dave Roberts said that the Dodgers will use him at both positions against left-handed pitching.

“We’re going to use him against left-handed pitching. He’ll be a bat off the bench against righties,” Roberts said. “He can play the corners, first and third. He’s a veteran presence, offensive, and a great clubhouse guy.”

Freese was part of the St. Louis Cardinals’ 2011 World Series championship team where he earned the World Series MVP Award. In 51 career postseason games, Freese owns a .281/.357/.517 slash line with eight homers and 30 RBI.

Valdez, 20, made his professional debut with the DSL Dodgers this season after signing with the organization on July 20, 2017. In 60 games with the DSL Dodgers Guerrero, he has hit .230 with 44 runs, 11 doubles, four triples, six home runs and 27 RBI along with a .343 on-base percentage.

To create room on the 40-man roster, the Dodgers transferred right-handed pitcher Erik Goeddel to the 60-day disabled list (right elbow inflammation).

As always, Eric Stephen has the math for the payroll.