After three years of reaching the National League Championship Series and with back-to-back World Series appearances with the same core roster, it would not come as much of a surprise if the Los Angeles Dodgers were to shake things up a bit this offseason.
At minimum, there figures to be a changing of the guard at catcher. Yasmani Grandal rejected the one-year, $17.9 million qualifying offer, and the Dodgers reportedly are of the mindset he will not be re-signed.
With that, Los Angeles has been among the clubs connected to a potential J.T. Realmuto trade and are believed to have interest in Cleveland Indians backstop Yan Gomes. The Dodgers and Indians have reportedly discussed a multitude of trade scenarios.
As relayed by Ron Cervenka of Think Blue LA, Jon Morosi reiterated talks are ongoing, with Yasiel Puig and Corey Kluber involved:
.@jonmorosi said on @MLBNetworkRadio that trade talks between Dodgers and Indians involving @YasielPuig and Corey Kluber are still very much on-going.
— Ron Cervenka (@Think_BlueLA) November 28, 2018
Morosi himself added one of Trevor Bauer, Carlos Carrasco and Kluber would likely be moved if the Dodgers and Indians completed a trade:
Sources: #Dodgers and #Indians trade talks remain ongoing this week, as @Ken_Rosenthal first reported. If a deal is reached, a Cleveland starter — Kluber, Carrasco or Bauer — likely would go to L.A. @MLBNetwork @MLB
— Jon Morosi (@jonmorosi) November 29, 2018
While the Indians are said to be shopping several veterans, including Bauer and Carrasco, the belief is their preferred pitcher to trade is Kluber.
The UCLA product and Los Angeles native enjoyed a career year in 2018. On top of going 12-6, Kluber posted career-bests in ERA (2.21), FIP (2.44), WHIP (1.09) and strikeouts per nine innings (11.3).
The 27-year-old is eligible for salary arbitration this winter and is under team control through the 2020 season.
As for Puig, the Dodgers have previously explored including him in possible trades. One of which was in attempt to acquire Bryce Harper from the Washington Nationals after claiming him off waivers.
Although Puig has become a regular name in trade speculation, he admitted playing through as much remains a difficult proposition for him.
