With the Los Angeles Dodgers in need of a second baseman and the Minnesota Twins showing a willingness to trade Brian Dozier, a deal between the two teams has long been presumed a mere formality.
However, in recent weeks the Dodgers and Twins have reportedly remained at odds over a trade package for the All-Star. There appears to be an agreement on Jose De Leon serving as the cornerstone piece in a trade, but questions remain beyond that.
The Dodgers reportedly view De Leon as a sufficient trade chip for Dozier, while the Twins aren’t nearly as bullish on the right-hander and are seeking additional prospects.
According to Ken Rosenthal of FOX Sports, the Dodgers and Twins have reached an impasse in trade talks:
Sources: #Twins, #Dodgers at impasse on Dozier. No momentum toward deal. 1/2
— Ken Rosenthal (@Ken_Rosenthal) January 10, 2017
Impasse on Dozier does not preclude future talks, but #Twins had wanted to give Dozier heightened peace of mind on status with club. 2/2
— Ken Rosenthal (@Ken_Rosenthal) January 10, 2017
After asking clubs to submit their best offers for Dozier, Minnesota reportedly imposed a deadline of sorts to arrive at a decision. While they’ve discussed trades for the 29-year-old, the Twins are said to be content to begin the 2017 season with Dozier still on their roster.
Last season, Dozier set career highs in on-base plus slugging percentage (.886), doubles (35), home runs (42), RBI (99) and OPS+ (136), and hit .268/.340/.546 over 155 games this past season.
Dozier was particularly effective against left-handed pitching, an area the Dodgers struggled in, batting .282/.352/.613 with 11 home runs and 21 RBI in 159 plate appearances.
Over the past two months the Atlanta Braves, San Francisco Giants and St. Louis Cardinals have also been connected to Dozier.
Though, the likelihood of the Braves completing a trade was later dismissed, the Giants lack the necessary prospects, and the Cardinals’ interest was reported to be a ploy and an attempt to gain leverage on the Dodgers.
Considering the current state of trade talks for Dozier, Los Angeles reportedly is revisiting their pursuits of Detroit Tigers second baseman Ian Kinsler and Logan Forsythe of the Tampa Bay Rays.
