UPDATE (Dec. 7, 12:00 p.m.): The Kansas City Royals traded Wade Davis to the Chicago Cubs in exchange for Jorge Soler.
While the Los Angeles Dodgers have been connected to several elite players on the trading block, the organization has ultimately shied away from parting with any of their top prospects to acquire the proven talent.
Los Angeles did package Jharel Cotton, Grant Holmes and Frankie Montas to the Oakland Athletics prior to the non-waiver deadline in exchange for Rich Hill and Josh Reddick. All the while the likes of Cody Bellinger, Jose De Leon and Julio Urias have been off-limits in trade talks.
In the eyes of some, Alex Verdugo has entered that territory. Though, if the Dodgers wish to trade for Kansas City Royals Lorenzo Cain and Wade Davis, it may require a package that includes Verdugo.
According to Chris Cotillo of SB Nation, the Royals have looked into the 20-year-old outfielder:
Royals have been doing background work on Dodgers prospect Alex Verdugo, source told SBN. Dodgers thought interested in Cain/Davis combo.
— Chris Cotillo (@ChrisCotillo) December 7, 2016
The Chicago Cubs made significant progress late Tuesday evening toward acquiring Davis. Whether the Dodgers would be willing to part with Verdugo in a trade that potentially only includes Cain is unclear.
Verdugo spent the season with Double-A Tulsa in what was his first experience above High-A Rancho Cucamonga. He appeared in 126 games and hit .273/.336/.407 and set career highs with 13 home runs, 63 RBI and 44 walks.
Los Angeles aggressively promoted the outfielder to Triple-A Oklahoma City for the Pacific Coast League championship. He went 4-for-12 with three RBI while appearing in four games.
Verdugo was then one of eight prospects the Dodgers sent to the Arizona Fall League, though suffered from fatigue and largely struggled to produce. He nonetheless was named to the Fall Stars Game and enjoyed his time in the AFL.
Verdugo was the subject of trade interest earlier this year when the Dodgers were believed to be in pursuit of Sale prior to the deadline, when he was a member of the Chicago White Sox.
