The Los Angeles Dodgers have been at the center of multiple trade rumors so far this offseason, as they are looking to upgrade their rotation and second base position. In addition, the Dodgers need to address third base and the closer’s role.
Los Angeles has viable options to fill those holes in their own free agents Justin Turner and Kenley Jansen, respectively. As for second base, it appears the answer may come via trade.
One player the Dodgers believe would fit well on their roster is Detroit Tigers second baseman Ian Kinsler.
Kinsler possesses two qualities that the Dodgers lacked this season: the ability to be a leadoff hitter and also hit left-handed pitching.
According to Jon Morosi of MLB Network, the Dodgers and Tigers are continuing to discuss a potential trade involving Kinsler:
Sources: #Dodgers, #Tigers have been in contact regarding possible Ian Kinsler trade. Kinsler has partial no-trade clause. @MLB @MLBNetwork
— Jon Morosi (@jonmorosi) November 16, 2016
The price to acquire the 34-year-old may be high though, as it appears that the Tigers are interested in one of the Dodgers top prospects, first baseman Cody Bellinger:
#Tigers have interest in #Dodgers prospect Cody Bellinger, sources say. Has 1.012 OPS in AFL and is what they want: young LHH with power.
— Jon Morosi (@jonmorosi) November 16, 2016
Kinsler batted .288/.348/.484 with 29 doubles, 28 home runs, 83 RBIs and a 124 OPS+ over 153 games. Against lefties he hit .309/.369/.525 with 10 doubles, seven home runs and a 141 OPS+ in 141 plate appearances.
Kinsler has $21 million remaining on his contract over the next two seasons. His deal includes a $10 million club option and $5 million buyout for 2018.
Bellinger had a good year in 2016 while primarily playing for the Double-A Tulsa. The 21-year-old played 114 games and batted .263/.359/.484 with 23 home runs and 65 RBIs.
Late in the season Bellinger was called up to Triple-A Oklahoma City, where he likely will begin next season, and in three games, went 6-for-11 with three home runs and six RBIs.
Along with Kinsler the Dodgers have also been linked to Minnesota Twins second baseman Brian Dozier.
Not long after the report of the Dodgers and Tigers continuing with their trade discussions, Kinsler’s agent said his client would only waive a limited no-trade clause in exchange for a contract extension. The Dodgers are among the 10 teams Kinsler can block a trade to.
