While the Los Angeles Dodgers added to their deep crop of infielders and outfielders this offseason, the depth lends to some roster questions. With Howie Kendrick’s re-signing the infield is all but set, with Corey Seager replacing Jimmy Rollins at shortstop, however there are some questions in the outfield.
Joc Pederson and Yasiel Puig are expected to regain their starting jobs in center and right field, respectively. Andre Ethier’s bounce back 2015 season lends to the belief he’ll start in left field ahead of Carl Crawford.
Beyond that, Kiké Hernandez, Chase Utley, Scott Van Slyke and one of Crawford or Ethier are there to provide production of the bench. Alex Guerrero is also included in that group, though he is often the forgotten one.
With plenty of outfielders ahead of him on the depth chart, the Dodgers tried Guerrero at third base last spring.
He proved serviceable at the position and swung a hot bat out of the gate last season. However, Guerrero eventually cooled at the plate and ultimately became a piece that didn’t quite mesh with the roster.
Facing the prospect of being buried on the depth chart this season, Guerrero reportedly is being shopped in trade talks, according to Ken Rosenthal of FOX Sports:
Sources: #Dodgers trying to trade IF/OF Alex Guerrero. Talking to numerous teams. Fits best with an AL club.
— Ken Rosenthal (@Ken_Rosenthal) February 11, 2016
Guerrero batted .423/.429/.1.077 with five home runs and 13 RBIs over 28 plate appearances in 13 games during the first month of the season. He also hit .245/.269/.491 over his first 72 games (167 plate appearances) in 2015.
He finished the year batting .233/.261/.434 with 11 home runs, 36 RBIs, a .297 wOBA and 89 wRC+. Guerrero was mentioned as a trade candidate prior to the deadline last July.
Potentially muddying the waters is Guerrero’s contract includes a clause that allows him to opt out after the season concludes in which he was traded.
However, it was reported last season Guerrero was at one point willing to waive the clause if financially incentivized and it leads to more playing time. He has $10 million over two years remaining on his deal.
