Thursday’s news of the Los Angeles Dodgers trading A.J. Ellis to the Philadelphia Phillies caught the clubhouse and fanbase off-guard. After all, Ellis was the longest-tenured Dodger and Clayton Kershaw’s closest friend on the team.
Along with Kershaw touching on how difficult it was to see Ellis gone, Kenley Jansen and Justin Turner were visibly affected by the trade. When speaking with media prior to departing Dodger Stadium, a somber Ellis reflected fondly on his time with the Dodgers organization.
Out of respect for Ellis, president of baseball operations Andrew Friedman said players were consulted prior to the trade being made official. Friedman believed Ellis had earned the respect to be told directly from management and not a teammate.
Ellis’ value extended beyond a stat sheet, as his knowledge of the game and preparation for the pitching staff was not to be outdone. Just how much he meant to the clubhouse was further evident by several teammates sharing heartfelt messages on social media.
Although the backup catcher leaves the only organization he’s known since being drafted, he joins another that was insistent on Ellis being included in the trade, via Matt Gelb of Philly.com:
“It was important as this team parts ways with Carlos, who has been such an important leader for so long, that we add a player with a tremendous reputation as a leader and worker,” Klentak, the Phillies general manager, said. “We were adamant A.J. be in it.”
In parts of nine seasons with the Dodgers, Ellis batted .237/.340/.348, with 66 doubles, 36 home runs, 239 walks and 191 RBIs. He hit .194/.285/.252 with five doubles, one home run and 13 RBIs in limited action (53 games) this year.
Ellis joined the Phillies on Saturday at Citi Field, but did not start against the New York Mets.
