The focus across MLB through much of the offseason thus far has centered around Gerrit Cole, Anthony Rendon and Stephen Strasburg, and justifiably so. They are the top players available in free agency and don’t lack for suitors.
The Los Angeles Dodgers reportedly have varying levels of interest in each of the three, and the New York Yankees are said to have met with Cole and Strasburg. The Yankees reportedly have zeroed in on Cole and may have already submitted a record-breaking contract offer.
As the free agency process continues to unfold, the Dodgers are also believed to be open to trading their ‘high-priced’ players. Additional context has been given to that ambiguity as L.A. reportedly is willing to part with the likes of Kiké Hernandez, Joc Pederson and A.J. Pollock, according to Bob Nightengale of USA TODAY Sports:
andThe #Dodgers letting teams know that outfielders A.J. Pollock and Joc Pederson, and infielder/outfielder Enrique Hernandez are available at the right price. They have not engaged with Gerrit Cole, but are in on Anthony Rendon.
— Bob Nightengale (@BNightengale) December 9, 2019
Pederson had previously been mentioned in trade speculation as the subject of renewed interest from the Chicago White Sox. They reportedly held trade talks with the Dodgers last offseason, and in some circles a deal was thought to be imminent.
Although Pederson has provided the Dodgers with power atop the lineup, he is in the final year of salary arbitration and due to become a free agent after the 2020 season. Considering their depth in the outfield and the contract Pederson could command, re-signing him next year may be unlikely.
Pollock invariably fits the descriptor of being a player the Dodgers are open to moving because of his contract, but that factor may also preclude a trade coming together. He struggled in his first season with L.A. and missed a significant portion of the year after undergoing elbow surgery.
Hernandez is the poster child for the type of versatility the Dodgers relish, but he too is due to receive a salary increase via the arbitration process. Furthermore, Chris Taylor offers a similar skill set which in turn makes Hernandez somewhat redundant.
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