One week before Opening Day, the Los Angeles Dodgers traded AJ Pollock to the Chicago White Sox for Craig Kimbrel. The eight-time All-Star gave L.A. a clear replacement for Kenley Jansen and further bolstered a deep bullpen.
However, in trading Pollock, the Dodgers parted with one of their more productive position players. The move also took a right-handed hitter out of a lineup that already was left-handed heavy.
Although Pollock was viewed as a potential trade chip because of only having one more guaranteed year on his contract, the deal surprised many as there was no indication L.A. was looking to move him.
After facing the Dodgers for the first time since being traded, Pollock said he doesn’t harbor any sort of resentment per Bill Plunkett of the Southern California News Group:
“The longer you stay in this game, it’s like you take offense to everything and can easily do that. But it’s a business. They had some moves they wanted to make. They’re going to look out for their ball club, and I was excited to be on a team that’s contending. It’s just baseball.”
In his first game against the Dodgers since being traded, Pollock came off the bench in the sixth inning with a go-ahead two-run double off David Price that gave the White Sox a decided lead.
Pollock started Wednesday’s game and went 0-for-2 with one walk and a strikeout, then turned in a 3-for-5 effort with two RBI in the series finale.
The Dodgers signed Pollock to a four-year, $55 million contract that included a player option for 2023. Pollock’s deal also had an opt-out clause after the 2021 season, but he fell 11 plate appearances short of being able to exercise it.
Pollock hit .282/.337/.519 with 51 doubles, 52 home runs and 150 RBI across 258 games over three seasons with the Dodgers. He was a 2021 Gold Glove Award finalist in left field, which was won by Tyler O’Neill of the St. Louis Cardinals.
Roberts: Pollock trade was ‘tough day’ for Dodgers
The Pollock trade took place on April Fools’ Day, when the Dodgers only had an intrasquad game to fill time during the lone off day of their revised Cactus League schedule. Pollock gathered his belongings and went to the opposite side of Camelback Ranch without formal goodbyes.
So the Dodgers facing the Chicago White Sox at Guaranteed Rate Field this week made for a reunion, and manager Dave Roberts reflected on the Pollock trade, deeming it a tough day for the organization.
Roberts previously described the deal as a “big loss” for the Dodgers, but also considered the trade beneficial for both clubs as each addressed a need.
Are you following Dodger Blue on Instagram? It’s the best way to see exclusive coverage from games and events, get your questions answered, and more!
