With the start of Spring Training rapidly approaching, the Los Angeles Dodgers on track to enter the 2016 season with the same surplus of outfielders that’s both been a benefit and juggling act.
Last season the depth proved to be of benefit for Los Angeles, as hamstring injuries limited Yasiel Puig to a career-low 79 games, and Carl Crawford missed 78 games due to a stint on the disabled list with a torn oblique muscle.
Recent reports indicated the Dodgers are willing to trade an outfielder — preferably Crawford — though it’s Andre Ethier who has garnered interest from the Chicago White Sox and other teams looking for left-handed power.
According to Bob Nightengale of USA Today Sports, the Dodgers have also fielded calls on Puig, but are not interested in trading the 25 year old at present time:
Teams that inquire about Yaisel Puig_and not Ethier_are being told by the #Dodgers that he is not available, at least not now.
— Bob Nightengale (@BNightengale) February 4, 2016
Dodgers president of baseball operations Andrew Friedman said last December the club is in better position with a healthy Puig in their lineup, as opposed to one devoid of the Cuban native.
Friedman did recommend Puig lose weight over the offseason with the hope it will solve the hamstring issues that plagued him last season. Puig obliged, and he’s received praise from Friedman and Dodgers manager Dave Roberts.
If Los Angeles is to trade Ethier, they would be inclined to do so prior to April 21. At that point, Ethier will reach 10 years of Major-League service time, including the last five with the Dodgers, and thus earn the right to refuse any trade as a 10-and-5 player.
Ethier, who turns 34 years old on April 11 and is the longest tenured Dodger, is owed $18 million this season and $17.5 million in 2017. His contract includes a $17.5 million club option for 2018 with a $2.5 million buyout.
Crawford is owed $20.75 million this season and $21 million in 2017. Crawford’s contract includes a clause that permits him to block a trade to two clubs.
