The Los Angeles Dodgers answered some of their critics Wednesday morning by completing a three-team trade with the Chicago White Sox and Cincinnati Reds.
Todd Frazier was shipped to the White Sox, while the Dodgers and Reds both received a trio of prospects.
Los Angeles’ haul is headlined by Frankie Montas and includes speedy second baseman Micah Johnson and outfielder Trayce Thompson.
Cincinnati’s three prospects received — all of which came from the Dodgers — are Brandon Dixon, Jose Peraza and Scott Schebler.
The trade seemingly served two purposes for the Dodgers: continue to get younger with talented prospects, and also add to their pool of Minor Leaguers to better withstand a trade that would require them to tap into that resource.
According to Ken Rosenthal of FOX Sports, Wednesday’s trade could lead to others with an eye on improving the 2016 team:
One thing about #Dodgers: Their continued amassing of young talent easily could lead to other moves to strengthen the team for 2016.
— Ken Rosenthal (@Ken_Rosenthal) December 16, 2015
One immediate name that rises to the forefront of conversations is Miami Marlins ace Jose Fernandez. The Dodgers are likely to use just-acquired Johnson and Montas in effort to trade for Fernandez, via Phil Rogers of MLB.com:
#Dodgers seem almost certain to use Montas and Johnson in their attempt to pry Jose Fernandez away from #Marlins.
— Phil Rogers (@philgrogers) December 16, 2015
Dodgers president of baseball operations Andrew Friedman downplayed the idea Wednesday’s trade was to lay the foundation for other moves, according to Bill Shaikin of the LA Times:
Friedman said he knows some teams are interested in players Dodgers acquired today but trade is not necessarily precursor to another.
— Bill Shaikin (@BillShaikin) December 16, 2015
Despite Friedman’s comments, the Dodgers will likely be tied to trade rumors involving Fernandez and any other marque pitchers who may become available.
Although Fernandez did miss much of last season after undergoing Tommy John surgery in May 2014, the 23 year old bounced back well. In 11 starts, Fernandez posted a 2.92 ERA, 2.24 FIP, 133 ERA+ and 1.16 WHIP.
He collected 79 strikeouts and walked 14 in 64.2 innings. Fernandez also continued his dominance at home, going 5-0 with a 2.57 ERA in six starts at Marlins Park in 2015.
