The Los Angeles Dodgers have been involved in a variety of trade discussions at the Winter Meetings but to this point have not made any moves.
One team they are reportedly in talks with is the Cincinnati Reds, who are believed to be interested in Yasiel Puig.
Among the possibilities would be for the Dodgers to take back the contract of Homer Bailey as a way of buying prospects from the Reds that they can use in another deal to acquire someone like Cleveland Indians starter Corey Kluber.
One other name who is now popping up in the rumors regarding the Dodgers and Reds is Alex Wood, although a trade is not imminent, per Mark Feinsand of MLB.com:
According to a source, the Reds and Dodgers have discussed deals involving Yasiel Puig and/or Alex Wood, though it’s one of many scenarios out there. “Nothing serious at this point,” the source said.
— Mark Feinsand (@Feinsand) December 12, 2018
As the Dodgers also look to trade Matt Kemp, he too has been mentioned with the Reds, per Ken Rosenthal of The Athletic:
#Reds, #Dodgers continue to talk. Kemp also part of conversations, sources say. Lots of names, lots of proposals. As noted yesterday, Bailey likely would go back to LAD.
— Ken Rosenthal (@Ken_Rosenthal) December 12, 2018
The Dodgers have a plethora of starting rotation depth that they could deal from, and Wood seems to be the odd man out after regressing in 2018 and being demoted to the bullpen.
Another big reason that both Puig and Wood could end up being the players that are traded this winter is that they are projected to make $11.3 million and $9 million in arbitration this winter, respectively, and Los Angeles may be trying to clear payroll for other moves.
While president of baseball operations Andrew Friedman and his staff have been very active at the Winter Meetings, it does not currently look like they will leave Las Vegas with any big new acquisitions. Of course, that can change at any moment.
