The Los Angeles Dodgers have been connected to a number of players on both the trade and free agent markets this winter, but to this point had yet to make a big move.
One team they reportedly explored trade talks with was the Cincinnati Reds, who have been looking to upgrade at multiple positions, including their starting rotation.
After reports of various scenarios and discussions that began at the Winter Meetings, the two teams were finally able to come to an agreement on Friday afternoon. According to Jeff Passan of Yahoo! Sports, the Dodgers have traded Yasiel Puig, Matt Kemp and Alex Wood in exchange for Homer Bailey and prospect Jeter Downs:
Matt Kemp, Yasiel Puig and Alex Wood have been traded to the Cincinnati Reds, league sources tell Yahoo Sports. Homer Bailey is one of the players going back to the Los Angeles Dodgers. The return for the Dodgers clearly will be more.
— Jeff Passan (@JeffPassan) December 21, 2018
Shortstop Jeter Downs is headed to the Dodgers in the monster deal, sources tell Yahoo Sports. He really impressed scouts this year and has a chance to be a capital-G guy.
— Jeff Passan (@JeffPassan) December 21, 2018
The Dodgers are also sending cash considerations to the Reds, per Joel Sherman of the New York Post:
I hear #Dodgers are sending $7M to the #Reds as part of this trade
— Joel Sherman (@Joelsherman1) December 21, 2018
Additionally, Cincinnati is receiving Kyle Farmer, per Jon Heyman of Fancred:
Kyle Farmer also in trade to reds
— Jon Heyman (@JonHeyman) December 21, 2018
Puig, Kemp and Wood have all played big parts in the Dodgers’ success over the years. However, they were now part of positions that had a surplus.
The Dodgers will be saving a significant amount of payroll in the deal though as Kemp is making more than $20 million in 2019 and Puig and Wood are projected to make $11.3 million and $9 million in arbitration, respectively. All three players are in the final year of their contracts.
Bailey also has one year left on his contract as $23 million with a $5 million buyout at the end of the season, although his CBT number that goes towards the luxury tax is a bit lower.
The 32-year-old was one of the worst pitchers in all of baseball in 2018, going 1-14 with a 6.09 ERA, 5.55 ERA and 1.64 WHIP in 20 starts. He struck out 75 and walked 33 in 106.1 innings. What the Dodgers plan to do with him remains to be seen although some reports indicate they will release him.
