The Los Angeles Dodgers made a splash during Spring Training by signing Freddie Freeman to a six-year contract but went a brief stretch of having a void at closer until trading AJ Pollock to the Chicago White Sox for Craig Kimbrel.
Although Pollock was viewed as a potential trade chip because of only having one more guaranteed year on his contract and with coming off a strong showing in 2021, the deal was a bit surprising and without any public indication the Dodgers were looking to move him.
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.
The Dodgers facing the Chicago White Sox at Guaranteed Rate Field has allowed for a reunion, and manager Dave Roberts reflected on the Pollock trade, via SportsNet LA:
“It was a tough day. AJ helped us win a championship, he’s very well liked in the clubhouse and organization, and to trade him was tough for everyone. But to be able to acquire a guy who can step in a close was huge.”
When previously discussing the Pollock trade, Roberts described it as a “big loss” for the Dodgers. However, he also considered the trade beneficial for both clubs as each addressed a need.
The Dodgers signed Pollock to a four-year, $55 million contract in January 2019, with his deal including a player option for 2023. Pollock’s contract also had the potential for an opt-out clause after the 2021 season, but he fell 11 plate appearances short of being able to exercise it.
Pollock’s player option for the 2023 season is $10 million but can increase to $15 million if he logs a requisite number of plate appearances this year. His deal additionally includes a $5 million buyout.
Pollock batted .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.
Pollock leads White Sox past Dodgers
Hours after Roberts’ remarks, Pollock broke up a scoreless tie with a pinch-hit, two-out double to drive in two runs in the sixth inning. The White Sox went on to score four runs on four pitches by David Price in their 4-0 win.
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