Both prior to and since the flurry of activity in free agency during the Winter Meetings, the Los Angeles Dodgers have been linked to a variety of trade rumors.
The bulk of them focused on a potential deal with the Cleveland Indians for Mike Clevinger and Francisco Lindor, along with reported talks to acquire Mookie Betts from the Boston Red Sox. Recently, however, the Cincinnati Reds were said to have significant interest in Corey Seager.
The two-time Silver Slugger reportedly was floated to both the Indians and Red Sox in trade talks. It’s not believed either club was particularly high on acquiring the 25-year-old, and instead coveted top Dodgers prospect Gavin Lux.
Meanwhile, the Reds’ interest in Seager was only part of a three-team trade scenario with the Dodgers and Red Sox, according to Ken Rosenthal of The Athletic:
Seager, at $7.6 million, would be a better financial fit, but the Reds showed interest in him earlier this offseason only as a part of a three-team trade, according to major-league sources. The deal, which would have sent Seager to the Reds, Lindor to the Dodgers and prospects to the Indians, failed to materialize.
Cincinnati and L.A. completed a trade with one another last winter, and previously were part of a three-team deal that involved the Chicago White Sox in December 2015.
Although the Reds failed to take a step forward in 2019 or reap much benefit from trading for Kyle Farmer, Matt Kemp, Yasiel Puig and Alex Wood, the club has been aggressive in the offseason. They are fresh off signing Nick Castellanos to a four-year, $64 million contract, which prompted speculation a blockbuster trade could follow.
The Dodgers’ apparent willingness to trade Seager seemingly stems from their interest in Lindor and having Lux in the wings. Both Lindor and Seager remain under team control through the 2021 season.
“Not bothered, maybe surprised is a better word,” Seager said of the trade rumors. “But you try not to look into it as much as possible. You try and just be in the moment, you try and prepare for next year with the team you’re already with and if it happens, it happens kind of thing.
“I tried to stay out of it as much as possible, I guess.”
Have you subscribed to our YouTube channel? It’s the best way to watch player interviews, exclusive coverage from events, participate in our live shows, and more!
