Coming off a second consecutive loss in the World Series, the Los Angeles Dodgers are widely expected to at least tinker with their roster this winter. At minimum, the club should see a change at catcher and possibly second base.
Thus far, Los Angeles has been linked to potential trades for Corey Kluber and J.T. Realmuto, and the possible signings of Bryce Harper and D.J. LeMahieu, among others. In the event of a trade, the Dodgers are widely expected to tap into their excess of outfielders.
The Cleveland Indians reportedly have interest in Alex Verdugo, while the Miami Marlins were said to covet Cody Bellinger and Verdugo in a possible trade.
According to ESPN’s Buster Olney, the Dodgers included multiple outfielders in trade talks, as well as starting pitchers Rich Hill and Alex Wood:
Dodgers have talked to other teams about moving two outfielders among the group of Kemp, Puig, Pederson, Bellinger, and as they look to re-shape payroll, they are also are prepared to move starting pitchers Rich Hill and Alex Wood.
— Buster Olney (@Buster_ESPN) December 11, 2018
That Matt Kemp, Joc Pederson or Yasiel Puig could be on the move is hardly a surprise. Kemp is entering the final year of his contract, Puig is due to reach free agency next season, and Pederson has become somewhat expendable due to the team’s depth and his inconsistent play.
Hill potentially being traded is a mild surprise, even if taking into account his longstanding history with blister trouble. The veteran left-hander has fared well in big-game settings for the Dodgers, though like Kemp, is entering the final season of a three-year contract.
Wood, like Pederson, could be a victim of depth. He put together an All-Star season in 2017 but regressed some this year. He’s been bumped to the bullpen for a stretch in each of the past three seasons.
Trading an outfielder could pave the way for the Dodgers signing Harper, just as moving Hill or Wood could be related to possibly trading for Kluber.
