The Los Angeles Dodgers entered the offseason with an open-minded approach toward upgrading a roster that won a franchise-best 106 games during the 2019 season.
Already boasting one of the deepest teams in baseball, the front office made it clear that their desire was to acquire frontline talent. It led to pursuits of Gerrit Cole and Anthony Rendon, although both ultimately signed elsewhere.
During the process, L.A. was believed to be willing to trade some of their higher-priced players to help offset the significant salary they would have taken on had they secured a commitment from a top free agent.
Among those rumored to be available were Kiké Hernandez, A.J. Pollock and Joc Pederson. For the latter, it was an all-too-familiar situation that he once again found himself in.
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 year, and in some circles, a deal was thought to be imminent.
While consistent chatter could potentially take a toll on a player, Pederson revealed at Dodgers FanFest that he has tuned out the noise for the most part. “Yeah,” Pederson said of his attempt to ignore the trade talk.
“I guess it’s a good thing to be wanted. It is what it is. I’m under Dodgers’ control and they can do what they want. I love playing here and I love playing baseball, so whatever my future holds, I’m excited for it.
“I would love to be in L.A. and win a World Series here. We have a great group of guys that’s extremely close. It’s something that’s right at our fingertips. It’s looking promising.”
While a significant trade has yet to come to fruition, the Dodgers have nonetheless improved on the fringes this offseason, bringing in the likes of Blake Treinen, Jimmy Nelson and Alex Wood.
Treinen is expected to bolster the backend of the bullpen while Nelson and Wood will battle it out for the fifth spot in the starting rotation this spring. “We have a great group of guys,” Pederson began.
“I think that goes to show why we’ve been to the World Series two out of the past three years. Added some bullpen guys that are pretty elite. I’m just happy I don’t have to face them anymore.”
With roughly two weeks until pitchers and catchers report to Camelback Ranch, the Dodgers are eager to turn the page on a disappointing end to the 2019 season. “Definitely,” Pederson confirmed.
“I think you invest so much time, energy, sweat, tears, all that. You start to miss it. It’s been a good couple months off with the family but we’re all excited to head back to Arizona.”
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