The Los Angeles Dodgers have had a relatively quiet offseason despite previously being linked to a number of big-name players on the free agent and trade market.
The two biggest have been Cleveland Indians shortstop Francisco Lindor and Boston Red Sox outfielder Mookie Betts as they look to add an impact bat to their lineup.
While it seemed like the Dodgers were making progress on a deal with the Indians for Lindor, the talks never came to fruition as Cleveland continued to be insistent on Gavin Lux being involved in the trade, which L.A. was reluctant to do.
Because of that, the Dodgers shifted their focus to Betts and discussions with the Indians now appear to be all but dead, via Ken Rosenthal of The Athletic:
For now, the Indians’ talks involving Lindor appear dormant. The Dodgers appear more focused on trying to land Red Sox right fielder Mookie Betts, and the Reds seem content at shortstop with Freddy Galvis, an above-average defender and switch-hitter who produced a career-high 23 home runs and .734 OPS with the Blue Jays and Reds last season.
Rosenthal also added that the Dodgers discussed a three-team trade with the Indians and Cincinnati Reds that would have sent Corey Seager to the Reds and Lindor to L.A. Seager recently discussed how surprised he was to hear his name in trade rumors this offseason, although it ultimately looks as if he will be sticking around to be the team’s starting shortstop in 2020.
With Spring Training just around the corner, Dodgers president of baseball operations Andrew Friedman stressed at the team’s FanFest this past weekend that he is happy with how the roster is currently constructed. Trade talks remain ongoing though, so that doesn’t mean he would turn down an opportunity to further improve the Dodgers’ chances to get back to and win the World Series.
If that is the goal then there’s perhaps no better option available than Betts, the four-time All-Star and 2018 American League MVP Award winner. He is in his final year of club control before hitting free agency and with the Red Sox’s desires to get below the luxury tax threshold, unloading his $27 million salary may be the easiest way to do that.
The Dodgers have the prospect capital and Major League talent to get a deal done. If they are unable to during the offseason, talks could always be revisited around the trade deadline if Betts is not traded elsewhere beforehand.
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