Los Angeles has been a speculative landing spot for left-handed slugger Bryce Harper this offseason, but the Dodgers are currently focused on improving their group of righty-swingers. After trading away right-handed regulars Yasiel Puig and Matt Kemp on Friday, it’s “likely” the club will pick up “an impact right-handed bat,” Jon Morosi of MLB.com writes. To that end, the Dodgers are actively pursuing a trade for a right-handed catcher and/or second baseman, Bob Nightengale of USA Today tweets, while Morosi adds that they could land an outfielder.
As a result of the departures of Puig and Kemp – not to mention the potential exits of Manny Machado, Yasmani Grandal and Brian Dozier in free agency – the Dodgers are currently sporting a lefty-heavy lineup. Their only projected starters who can hit from the right side are third baseman Justin Turner, infielder/outfielder Chris Taylor and catcher Austin Barnes, and the latter is coming off a miserable season at the plate. There’s certainly room for improvement, then, and as Morosi points out, the Dodgers have shown interest in a few established right-handed bats this offseason in Marlins catcher J.T. Realmuto, Tigers outfielder Nicholas Castellanos and free-agent second baseman DJ LeMahieu.
In Realmuto’s case, no team has been able to satisfy the rebuilding Marlins enough to pry the coveted backstop out of Miami. Meanwhile, despite Castellanos’ well-known defensive shortcomings and his lack of long-term control (he’s arbitration eligible for just one more year, at a projected $11.9MM), the non-contending Tigers have placed a “high” asking price on him, Morosi tweets. And, stellar 2016 season aside, LeMahieu may be closer to a mediocre hitter than a game-changer – as shown by the longtime Rockie’s lack of power (49 home runs, .108 ISO) and unspectacular wRC+ (90) across 3,799 major league plate appearances.
In addition to Grandal, Realmuto, Castellanos and LeMahieu, Pirates catcher Francisco Cervelli, Cardinals first baseman/outfielder Jose Martinez and free-agent center fielder A.J. Pollock were each connected to LA before it shipped Puig and Kemp out of town. Anyone from that group would help the Dodgers in their quest to upgrade their right-handed attack at positions of need.
Speculatively speaking, there may be plenty of other righty-capable possibilities on the Dodgers’ radar. At least some of White Sox first baseman Jose Abreu, Mariners first baseman Edwin Encarnacion, Blue Jays first baseman Justin Smoak, Marlins second baseman Starlin Castro, Padres corner outfielder/infielder Wil Myers and Yankees third baseman Miguel Andujar (who’d perhaps make sense at first or in the outfield for the Dodgers) may be logical targets for the club via trade. There are fewer formidable options in free agency, on the other hand, though utilityman Marwin Gonzalez and second baseman Jed Lowrie – a pair of switch-hitters – stand out as potential fits for LA.
While the Dodgers hope to assemble a more balanced lineup, they may ultimately eschew that plan if it means signing Harper, Morosi suggests. As far as this winter’s free-agent class goes, it’s debatable whether Harper is superior to Machado – a fellow 26-year-old superstar who’s also verging on a historic contract. Considering their positions, though, it seems Harper is a better match for LA’s roster, and he reportedly wants to sign with the back-to-back National League champions.
FutureMiLBWife
Only interested if prospects are involved (:
CowboysoldierFTW
Lol trolling for men?
FutureMiLBWife
No I’m not trolling for men or anything else
CowboysoldierFTW
My apologies… Your screen name just suggested you were man hunting.
FutureMiLBWife
No offense taken! It’s just meant to be funny
Bob a booey
I thought it was cute
FutureMiLBWife
Thank you! (:
newyorkyankee7
How about Stanton for Bellinger plus a pitching prospect?
JGCNYYGBP
Yankees should sign Machado and trade Stanton, Bird, and Wade for Bellinger and Chris Taylor. Bellinger plays 1st, Taylor plays SS till Didi comes back and then becomes all utility. Andujar becomes full-time DH.
Codeeg
This is all silly. Also Bellinger is a center fielder on 80% or teams and not a first baseman.
Stevil
Right, LA should trade an excellent pre-arb center fielder and utility player for two unproven players and a right fielder/DH that’s both expensive and consistently broken.
Seriously, this is why Yankees’ fans get such a bad rap.
sax332n86
What makes you think LA wants that deal? 4 more years of Bellinger (under club control) and in return take on Stanton’s bloated contract? No, thanks. The league isn’t around to help the Yankees out of bad contracts.
bronxbombers
It works for the Yankees especially if they can get belllinger for Stanton and sign machado. Doubt anything like that is even possible though.
Mattimeo09
If Cleveland can’t get Bellinger for Kluber there is no way Yanks can get him for Stanton
ASapsFables
Yes. I suspect that Cody Bellinger will be going nowhere anytime soon, especially now that the Dodgers have moved OF’s Yasiel Puig and Matt Kemp. This probably remains true even if they sign FA Bryce Harper to play RF since Bellinger will be their regular in CF anyway.
But the fact remains that the Dodgers are still likely to prioritize that “impact” right-handed bat and fill their starting catcher position above all else. They can kill two birds with one stone by finally agreeing to a trade with the Marlins for J.T. Realmuto which would most certainly have to include their #1 prospect Alex Verdugo as the centerpiece to any deal. Cory Kluber would be more of a “luxury” for the Dodgers who doesn’t fill either role, something that Giancarlo Stanton could.
abcrazy4dodgers
Swap out “pitching prospect” for the salary relief going to NY, then Friedman may at least rub his chin and say “interesting”.
jay47
cute is in the eye of the beholder.in this case your cute.
YankeesWarriorsPatriots
Puig
Blue_Painted_Dreams_LA
Had issues vs LHP the last two season.
trace
“Impact bat”
only when Puig fly.
shortytallz
Rob Refsnyder could be had.
aussiegiants53
Not sure if the Dodgers have the pieces for him…
Mattimeo09
He’d surely put them over the Luxury tax line
GareBear
Only if he’s willing to sign an extension after they get him!
CowboysoldierFTW
He receives rave reviews.
ScottRC
As a Tigers fan, I’d love if we could move Castellanos. Dodgers have a good farm too, very deep.
Syndergaarden Cop
Considering he’s one of if not the worst defensive player in MLB, I’m not surprised. He has no business playing defense at any position,
ScottRC
Very true.
Melchez
Castellanos isn’t that bad. He doesn’t cover a lot of ground, but he’s not terrible. It was his first year as an outfielder and he only had 3 errors. He was a 3b for 3 years and then he was moved. Give him a chance.
wrigleywannabe
Moved because he was awful at 3B.
By the way, he played OF in the majors before 3B.
Errors are nor the tell all. He was neg 19 in runs saved.
He’s awfule, period
Codeeg
He’d be better served as a first baseman and bellinger in the outfield.
wrigleywannabe
Moved because he was awful at 3B.
By the way, he played OF in the majors before 3B.
Errors are not the tell all. He was neg 19 in runs saved.
He’s awfule, period
Melchez
I don’t understand the “move the guy that plays lousy defense to the position where he touches the ball the most” philosophy.
Castellanos was bad at third because he was learning in the majors as a rookie. They moved him to RF in 2018 and like I said, he wasn’t terrible. He caught what came his way… the guy made 3 errors in 300 chances. (second most putouts as a RF, second most assists as a RF, second in range for a RF) A guy that supposedly has a much better defensive rating was Puig… 8 errors in 189 chances. Range factor was 1.69 compared to Nicks which was 2.17
Nick was no gold glover, but he wasn’t as bad as people claim.
ScottRC
Ever heard of fangraph?
Melchez
Did he have more errors, less range and less assists and less putouts on Fangraphs? Yes, Fangraphs UZR had him ranked last, well below Puig who I gave stats for. They had JD Martinez ranked higher than Cargo and Springer and Jankowski and Nimmo… is JD a better fielder than those guys? Fangraphs says so, so it must be true.
dugdog83
Great point.
ASapsFables
Actually this does make some sense for the Dodgers if Nick Castellanos can play 1B. At 6’4″ he would at least profile there and the fact that he has “played” most of his career at 3B and in the OF would suggest that he would be more athletic than your typical first baseman. He couldn’t possibly be a worst defender than either Jose Martinez and Jose Abreu and would certainly come much cheaper than the latter in any trade.
Castellanos is coming off of a career offensive year which saw him produce a 4.7 oWAR in 2018. He also absolutely raked against left-handed pitching to the tune of a .381/.432/.571 triple slash. He did this in a home park in Detroit which is very similar to the one in LA. This idea does have some merit.
The Dodgers still have lefty hitting Max Muncy who produced his own 4.8 oWAR last season with a 1.001 OPS versus right-handed pitching. That could be one lethal platoon combo at 1B if either can play adequate defense. Both also have experience at other positions and could at least be considered as emergency backups at 3B, corner OF and in Muncy’s case, at 2B.
billysbballz
Been saying it over and over. Stanton will cost allot less then Harper and he is a RFer. Yanks will most likely not ask for allot in return. They free up Stanton 22 mill on cap and they in turn can sign Harper for left who is much more versatile then Stanton who belongs in Right (Yanks have Judge) and then sign Machado for 3rd. Now they can move Andujar into a super utility role and let him learn some first while also free up the DH spot. Win win for both teams. Stanton was a beast in NL. Plus the Dodgers are the only team he would waive his no trade.
Thoughts?
DadsInDaniaBeach
I hate it, but with the exception of Machado, it sounds reasonable..it annoys me that the big boys always find a way to get things done..as a Phan, I am jealous…
astrosfan4life
I also hate it, but I also think it’s a reasonable thought. To add Machado too though they’d have to shed more salary.
billysbballz
I don’t think they would. Elsbury contract is gone in 2 years. Elsbury and Tanaka are the only plus 20 mill contracts on the team. Signing both Harper and Machado for 320 mill over 8 seasons for avg of 40 mill per year with multiple opt outs is definitely doable for a team like the Yanks and they will still be under the cap. CC, Gardner, Hicks all gone after season. Trading Gray 9 mill also makes room.
bronxbombers
Sonny gray and Stanton for bellinger plus a pitching prospect
Blue_Painted_Dreams_LA
The Dodgers had no interest in the length of his contract. Nothing has changed. Their aversion to long term contracts for COF is apparent, especially since they believe they can find/develop them. They wanted Stanton on their terms and their terms only. They’ll probably acquire a couple of 1 year contracts. I’ve never seen them in the market for Harper or Stanton. Plus Arenado is a substantially cleaner fit for this team.
billysbballz
Arenado gonna want a 7 year deal hate to break it to you. So your statement doesn’t really hold water.
Blue_Painted_Dreams_LA
I’m not sure how you basically jump to the fact that it holds no water. It simply didn’t fit your narrative and that was all you had. Arenado’s contract is still hypothetically going to be shorter, albeit by a year, and would still hold more value than a COF. The simple fact of the matter is Stanton doesn’t really fit the needs of this team and isn’t a shallow position on the farm. Arenado by far makes the most sense for this team and even the small gain in AAV value, which is 25M, doesn’t change the fact that they don’t value COFs the same.
rob romani
Rather sign Arenado than harper
rocky7
No comment about Stanton to the Dodgers but what makes you think that when Arenado is available, he’ll gladly accept a short term 2-3-4 years from the Dodgers just to appease the Dodgers interest in staying away from long term deals as you say……he is an elite 3rd baseman, and can hit from the time he comes out of the clubhouse!
If the Dodgers are so distressed by “long term deals” why would you think Arenado would accept anything less than what he’ll ask for which surely will be a longer term high dollar deal….he’ll have plenty of teams willing to throw money and years at him for sure.!
Pab
I think arenado will be an angel next year. Proximity to home in Newport Beach. And angels needed a 3B since Troy Glaus. Idk if angels will pony up the money quite yet. Maybe if they get that new stadium deal and build it in Irvine.
Blue_Painted_Dreams_LA
Who said anything about a short term contracts. Again please read what I wrote and don’t jump to assumptions. The Dodgers have basically been adverse to sign/trade for extensive contracts for COFs. Much as they have been for non elite RPs. Their views on both have basically been understandable and essentially ahead of the market. They’ve also placed less value on areas of org strengths, I.E. OFs/SPs. They’ve played top of the market for players they can’t replicate. Their fit for an Arenado type is basically just that and falls within those bounds. They lack long term 3rd base types, they have a significant amount of money coming off the books along with upper level prospects to fill those departures, and he’s the lengthening of the lineup that fits perfectly for the long haul. Add that to the fact that they have droves of lh hitting prospects and mlb regulars under control. I don’t doubt they’d play at the top of the market, for a guy that fits. Where doubt falls into place is where pieces don’t necessarily fit. Don’t get this wrong this FO is mainly unemotional and laid a plan they really haven’t deviated from. They’ll reset their needs with expiring contracts, and trade to fill their needs at the TDL with soon to be FAs. This offseason has basically been an exercise in evening out the line up and clearing out the roster crunch.
abcrazy4dodgers
And make up a city name for the county they actually play in while they are at it? All for it.
Yankeepride88
As a Yankees fan, this sounds ridiculous. We aren’t signing both Machado and Harper regardless of who we trade. I honestly don’t think we sign either of them.
Melchez
The offense isn’t the problem. Should have signed Corbin.
Frisco500
Stanton is not built for October. So in a way he’d be the perfect Dodger. Arenado is legit, year round. Hed be scary on the Doyers.
kenleyfornia2
Stanton has played 5 games in October dude. You sound like Chris Russo
martyvan90
Too funny, Giants fan. Could be, just imagine each comment with Doggie voice and hahahaha at the end.
terror661
Believe it or not. A lot of baseball people don’t like the Dodgers other than Giants fans. Like every other teams fans other than the Dodgers.
kenleyfornia2
If your comments sound like a personal vendetta odds are your a Giants fan or other NL west team
Mattimeo09
Nope. Dodger fans’ misplaced arrogance annoys fans of all teams.
I couldn’t care less about the Giants, Padres, Rockies or D-backs.
abcrazy4dodgers
Very true. Unless you have a vested interest in the gate receipts in those other 29 cities.
kenleyfornia2
Lol sure. Do you have any proof of this? Of course not.
Cat Mando
1) Why would CO who wants to contend trade Arenado to LA?
2) why would LA want to give up significant assets for a guy with severe home (.320/.374/.609) and away (.263/.318/.469) splits?
Blue_Painted_Dreams_LA
I’m not sure I ever implied CO was going to trade Arenado.
Cat Mando
Blue_Painted_Dreams_LA….my reply was to Frisco500. I usually include the posters name in my reply as this comment system is awful, but this time I forgot.
Samuel
“Stanton is not built for October.”
lol
While I agree that Arenado is the better all-around player, the article notes that Andujar’s bat would fit, but they don’t need a 3B.
Look, Stanton is not going to the Dodgers. Harper may….and if we’re talking about a player not being built for October…….
emac22
Andujar is not a third basemen
Samuel
Oh, please…..
emac22
if you need help you should give more details about your problem.
baseball365
I really, really, really, really dislike these Yankees want too or should move Stanton comments. Every single fan in the entire league has literally drooled over and coveted having Stanton on their team. He was quite literally, the 2nd most valuable and 2nd best player in baseball 12 months ago today. He had a very good, not his typical excellent year with the Yankees (his first year), I personally love having Stanton on the team and I have absolutely zero desire to see the Yanks move him.
Yankees wouldn’t want much? Huh? Let’s start with Corey Seager and Gavin Lux. To start. Jeez…
emac22
LOL
the yanks wouldnt want much and if you paid attention youd know the yankees need a lefty and the dodgers need a righty. replacing stanton with harper fixes that and replaces stanton with just as good a player who is much younger.
it doesnt matter how good stanton is if you replace him with a great player who is a better fit.
Samuel
@ emac22;
Bet you’re knocking them out in your rotisserie league!
Empire Exoticz
Yeah, but is Harper worth 10-15 million a year more than Stanton? I bet their numbers will be pretty similar.
billysbballz
Bingo
baseball365
@emac22
Just like that, you don’t say? Poof, just like a fantasy league or a video game. Now in real life, with a real business, one worth north of $5B, let’s consider this a little further. If I paid attention?
billysbballz
If you think Harper avg cap hit will be around 22 million your not being honest with yourself.
emac22
ah yes.
small children lecturing people about how business works.
even better using it to try to show they know something about baseball.
arent you cute.
billysbballz
You have no idea how trades works. Your not getting that for Stanton and his contract while most likely much more reasonable then a soon to be Harper/Machado contract he’s not getting a big return at that contract!
baseball365
Trust me when I tell you, I understand “how trades work” better than 98% of the people that comment and read MLBTR. There is nothing I am more confident in than my ability to assemble a deal. So thanks for the challenge.
emac22
stop sounding like an idiot if you want people to trust what you say.
bush1
I don’t have a dog in this fight. But if you think trading Stanton should or would bring a big package back to the Yanks then you clearly DON’T KNOW “how trades work”. Considering Stanton’s salary I’m not sure there are any teams in baseball that would take that on for free at this point. Heck, the Yankee wouldn’t even cover his whole salary off an MVP when they dealt for him and had to include a crappy player like Castro to help ease Stanton’s contract a bit. It’s simple when a player makes a ton of money, teams don’t want to or can’t take on all that cash and there’s no market for said player. Come on man don’t act like you understand because you don’t.
heater
Miami didn’t get much in return for him from the Yankees (2 low level prospects)plus they had to take Starlin Castro and his money for NY to take all of Stanton’s contract. Why would they expect to get anything more than what they gave up?
Empire Exoticz
Did you see what the Yanks gave up for Chapman compare to what the Yanks got when they traded him to the Cubs?
newyorkyankee7
The marlins wanted out from that massive contract that would strangle them in a rebuild. Castro has just this year left and probably will get moved at some point.
morgannyy 2
Yanks too right handed right now (with only Bird a lefty, if he starts, and Gardner, Hicks a switch). Harper would make more sense if Stanton was traded.
emac22
stanton to la with harper and machado to the yanks has seemed a natural fit for some time even though some people had the delusion puig and kemps expiring contracts would be a reason to say no to getting Stanton.
Samuel
@ emac22;
Since Stanton said his preferred destination last year was the Dodgers – why didn’t he wind up there?
What has changed on the Dodgers part in the last year?
Are you a member of the national sports media?
emac22
you dont sound like a yankee fan if trading an older star to sign two stud free agents sounds like a bad idea not their style.
emac22
@ samuel
i cant imagine anyone would not want a player that good. can you really say stanton doesnt fit really well?
last year the dodgers were committed to getting under the tax line and Stanton would have prevented that.
this year that isnt true, they have a huge need for RHH and Stantons deal has an AAV for tax purposes that is very helpful for tax paying teams.
not to mention hes from there and wants to play there.
emac22
and i am not in the media.
quxdraw
They wanted under the salary cap, which they succeeded in doing thats what changed. Now with their tax rate reset to the lowest level this year and $50 million coming off the books after the 2019 season it frees them up to spend what ever they want.
billysbballz
Nailed it eMac
yanks02026
Stanton is now a older star even though he is 2-3 years older than Harper and machado.
morgannyy 2
Dodgers wanted to get under the tax line. If it was this year, they’d do it in a second
seamaholic 2
There are other teams in baseball besides the Yankees and Dodgers. I dunno if you realize that.
emac22
We do.
if anyone cared about those teams they would talk about them instead of trying to force us to.
Empire Exoticz
Super utility guys usually plays good defense on multiple positions. Andujar is not even good at 1
Samuel
@ bj82;
Do not for a moment think that national sports writers understand the game.
They’re gossip columnists trying to influence others – it’s what they live for….makes them think they’re relevant.
I see you bought in.
newyorkyankee7
Sorry buddy but yanks would most likely want Bellinger and a pitching prospect.. Yankees are not giving him away just to free up money to sign Harper as that could backfire if he doesn’t sign with them. The reason Yanks would trade Stanton is because they are too righty dependent, so a trade for Bellinger plus makes sense.
corey5kersh22
1. Who said the Dodgers want Stanton?
2.Why do the Dodgers have to give up an All-Star player/NlCS MVP +prospects to get Stanton when the Yankees gave up no significant prospects. Your delusional.
newyorkyankee7
There’s absolutely no need to insult me but since you did, you are just plain STUPID if you think the Yankees would just dump Stanton for salary relief. They refuse to get rid of Ellsbury for that reason.
bush1
Wait what? If someone would take on Ellsbury’s salary the Yankees obviously would gladly give him for free. Stanton doesn’t have much if any trade value considering his contract. It’s common sense that when someone is making the massive amount of money Stanton is very few if any teams would even want that contract. So obviously there’s no leverage for a good return. I believe the Yanks would give Stanton away for free to free up cap and sign Harper. Obviously he does fit better than Stanton, and they should be close in salary.
wrigleywannabe
Learn to do what. He hit well last year. The question is his defense and you don’t get better by bouncing around.
thetruth 2
Idk why you’re getting down votes. It’s a good idea.
worthington
dumb
Phanatic 2022
Stanton is going to become a bargain
xabial
Yes! Putting out the “Bryce Harper to LAD” fire.
This gives me a small glimmer of hope, albeit slim.
Bart
Nothing is being put out. The Dodgers know Harper wants to sign with them and they are doing what they can to drive down his asking price.
DadsInDaniaBeach
With not less than 3 to 5 teams interested, I see no reason for Harper to lower his asking price..Boras takes care of his own
Bart
Harper wants to play closer to his Lad Vegas home. And Boras doesn’t get to choose who BH will sign with. Jered Weaver disregarded Boras and signed for less because he wanted to stay in Anaheim.
xabial
Astutely stated, Bart, though I disagree. despite our differences in opinion, I don’t think you’re a troll. Sorry for calling u that Manny thread. Was based on u posted my name in convo not in, beltran hire
DadsInDaniaBeach
I have always thought that the Benjamin’s rule..when you consider the short career life of the average baseball player (10 years), it seems more than reasonable they get as much as they can as fast as they can..
I get the wanting to win part, I really do..but while it happens rarely, players do not leave large sums of money out there…just my opinion
xabial
I know better than to trust anything GM say, which is why although Cashman’s the man, why tip your hand?
Doesn’t mean I agree with it, but transparency is lost art w/ GMs this day and age (all sports)
But despite this, Dodgers have endless coffers Friedman rarely handed large FA contracts because he is disciplined, something you can argue, maybe, Cashman should have followed when the Stanton opportunity presented itself after two trade VETOS to Cards & Giants. Still, mistake can be corrected if sign Harper giving them an OF for the ages. Crossing my fingers.
xabial
Make no mistake, Dodgers are a serious threat for Harper… Moreso after Puig/Kemp dump
I take solace from their extremely LH heavy lineup and seeking impact RH hitter now lol
billysbballz
Harper driving up price using a big market team.
southpaw2153
In what universe is Andujar possibly an outfield fit for the Dodgers? Smfh.
Brixton
cant be much worse in LF than he is at 1B -shrugs-
Brixton
3B, that is.
Brixton
seems like Whit Merrifield could be a match here for 2B/RF
Samuel
Teams stopped calling Moore after he told them Whit wasn’t going anywhere….a couple of dozen times. Ned even jokes about it.
Betts would be a better 2B/RF match; and Scherzer would be a nice fit for the Dodgers.
Blue_Painted_Dreams_LA
The way this team is starting to be constructed it’ll probably be a guy that can handle 1st & LF.
fuzzysocksredbird
Jose Martinez would be a good target for LA.
Zachary Hines
Who could we get in return maybe some left handed bats? Another arm?
Bubbafatt
Wonder if they would do two years of joc pederson for four years of martinez.
baseballpun
I’m sure they’d want someone in addition to J-Mart but I wonder who/what. A swap like that makes some sense.
Zachary Hines
Seager, pederson for JMart and Jedd Gryko and prospects?
kbarr888
Glad to see your sense of humor is alive and well…….LOL
J-Mart & a solid pitching prospect (or possibly Gant) might get it done
larry48
Jose Martinez is a poor defender, need to go to AL and dh ..
Bubbafatt
Larry48, although that is the general consensus, the only two teams that have reportedly shown any interest are the Dodgers and the giants. If they see some use for him without the dh, who am I to complain. Although I did think the Dodgers interest may be in flipping him to the Indians as part of a potential kluber deal.
Syndergaarden Cop
Dodgers want anything and everything. Might be faster to just say who they aren’t into, if such a thing even exists.
LADreamin
You sound upset. We still have holes in the roster, settle down.
corey5kersh22
He’s mad that the dodgers knocked out his Braves in the playoffs. Cut him some slack, of course he’d be upset.
bigdaddyt
Since the dodgers opened their outfield I could see them possibly trading for smoak. Guy has pretty good splits against righty’s and lefty’s and if the jays do trade stro the fire sale is officially on so anything is possible
Dark14ry
I still think the Dodgers need to send Verdugo and Will Smith (or May) in a package to Cle for Kluber. Then sign Pollock and LaMahieu. Would still be cheaper than Harper
socalbum
Pollock injury prone, below average hitter away from AZ, and defense is now below average. LeMahieu has had one good year, all others below average, and away from Coors a well below average hitter.
platediscipline
Col and AZ are in the NL West. They play an unbalanced schedule. They play a ton of games in 3 of the most pitcher-friendly parks. OF COURSE they are going to have wide home/road splits. Duh!
3Tavgreg
They should put together a package and get both Realmuto and Castro from the Marlins. This would solve 3 problems in one fell swoop, needs at 2nd base, catcher, and right handed hitting. Yes it would cost a lot, but they have the farm system and money to absorb it. They would instantly become favorites to win the NL pennant.
LADreamin
You should see what Miami is currently asking for JTR. It’s crazy… everyone is hoping they will come back to earth closer to spring training.
John Shaw
Would love to see us trade for Franmil Reyes, he’s available I hear and he’s a big breakout waiting to happen
Samuel
@ John Shaw;
Like him a lot!
Overweight. Not the best OF. Just had knee surgery.
Wouldn’t expect a lot from him in 2019. 2020 could well be another story.
ChiSox_Fan
Dodgers can have Welington Castillo!
ASapsFables
I have a better idea. The Dodgers can kill two birds with one stone. The White Sox can send them right-handed hitting C Wellington Castillo and 1B Jose Abreu for either top left-handed hitting OF prospect Alex Verdugo or OF/1B Cody Bellinger. The Dodgers can then have at Bryce Harper while the White Sox can get their much needed core lefty hitter for a whole lot cheaper. Chicago can then turn their savings to sign free agent C Yasmani Grandal or make a play for J.T. Realmuto and have the necessary cash to offer him a Buster Posey like extension to buy out his remaining two years of arb-control and 6 more years of free agency.
Castillo would provide the Dodgers with up to two years of relatively cheap control while the Dodgers retain their two near MLB ready top catching prospects in Will Smith and Keibert Ruiz who could be ready in 2020 and 2021. LA would have Abreu’s big righty power bat for the 2019 season. If the Dodgers want to include Joc Pederson into the deal maybe the White Sox can counter by adding righty reliever Nate Jones. As an added bonus maybe the White Sox can help pay for some of the Dodgers added short term payroll here, money that LA can then add to their Harper fund.
Luckybrew
If the Dodgers want a right handed bat the Brewers should trade them Ryan Braun. He could play some OF and 1st base with Milwaukee playing some of his salary.
tv 2
its funny now the reds have a better offense
stubby66
DJ for the money would be the best pick up
socalbum
take a look at his stats away from Coors — well below average hitter
shawn hemp
Stanton to dodgers. Bryce Harper to yankees. Book it
xabial
That would be cool, but this isnt OOTP
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harmoney101575
stay off the hemp
mannyl101
If I was Harper, I’d think twice about excepting a long term deal to the White Sox! A joke of a franchise lead by a bad owner! Take a 3-4 year deal to play in LA! If money is all you want then you shall have it fool! Good luck in Chicago fo 10 years!ASS!!
Dorothy_Mantooth
I would say this is an absolute MUST for the Dodgers if they want to get back to the WS again. The LH pitching of the Sox showed how vulnerable the LH bats of LA were and then they go and trade two of their better RH bats? Does signing LH Harper help them here? IMO, they need add TWO quality RH bats to their lineup. Realtmo would be a great start if they are willing to deal their top prospects. If they just sign Harper and call it an off-season, they will pay for not addressing their lack of RH offense in their lineup.
YakAttack
Boy, do I wish Miggy still qualified as an impact RH bat…
LADreamin
Requesting MLB for a name change from the Dodgers to the Los Angeles Left Handers. Our rotation and line up don’t really even need their right hands… maybe just for high fives.
HalosHeavenJJ
Realmuto. They have the prospect capital and it gives their stud prospects a little, but not too much time.
evpa
I just don’t understand why people aren’t seeing “harper to cubs” as a perfect fit! Other than living in vegas, how has Harper hinted that he wants to play in LA or NY???? Same can’t be said about CHI
baseballpun
CHC has no money.
goldenmisfit
Cubs are desperately trying to cut your payroll.
wedgeant27
Hey, d’Arnaud’s available…
nlikeflynn
Castellanos is likely being looked at as 1b just like Martinez is. These guys can’t play the OF all.
Trading for Martinez or Castellanos as 1b and adding an OF like Pollock while trading for Kluber and Cervelli feels like where this is going. Price on Realmuto is far too high and Dodgers already have Keibert Ruiz in the incubator.
Stan Kasten has a man crush on Harper, but Dodgers should be hoping that Friedman wins that battle and they use those dollars in a more conservative manner.
restingmitchface
A three-way trade where Castellanos end up in CLE seems much more likely.
RIPprosports
Realmuto and Martinez sounds good. Marlins have to come down eventually. Realmuto doesn’t want to play for them. Just a matter of time. Don’t know how much Dodgers want to drain the prospects
stretch123
Realmuto and Castro for Keiburt Ruiz, Dustin May, Jeter Downs and Andrew Sopko.
cjuluca
Add Verdugo and subtract 3 of those 4.
Basebal101
Its comical anyone who thinks the Dodgers are interested in BH. I can see the general fan thinking so, but any Dodger’s fan that knows anything about the team should find it amusing.
RIPprosports
Truth!
goldenmisfit
Personally I have always felt right handed heavy or left-handed have the lineups are completely over blown. They should be looking for right handed that to come off the bench and just go and get Harper.
Priggs89
Breaking news – Scott Boras says Bryce Harper is willing to hit right handed next year.
yankees7448
Yankees trade: Giancarlo Stanton
Dodgers trade: Homer Bailey, Gavin Lux, Mitchell White and Connor Wong
Yankees reload their minor league system a bit and use the savings to bring in Bryce Harper to add some lefty hitting to their right hand heavy lineup. Dodgers get a righty to balance lefty heavy lineup at a cheaper financial cost than Harper. This is even better because if memory serves me correctly the Marlins will kick in 30 million dollars over the latter portion of his deal if Stanton picks up his option. So instead of paying Harper like 320 million or more they will be paying Stanton 255 million.
billysbballz
Not a bad idea. I was think Honed Bailey. I’m not sure they will get that return of prospects but if the Yanks take that Homer Bailey contract off their hands then maybe.
restingmitchface
This proposal is hilariously in favor of the Yankees.
I mean, seriously though — under this FO regime I can’t even imagine the Dodgers doing a Bailey-Stanton one-for-one swap, let alone add some nice prospects. lol
kenleyfornia2
Dodgers dont care about Bailey. They are trying to replenish the farm, not lose from it. If you think they would deal Lux to get rid of Bailey and get Stantons big money your wrong
yankees7448
I didn’t say they would deal Lux to get rid of Bailey. Bailey was just salary ballast. Filler to lessen the initial impact of Stanton’s deal. So Lux wasn’t used to sweeten the pot for taking on Bailey but because someone who still hit 38 home runs in an off year needs to get at least one top 100 level prospect in the return package. The Yankees aren’t the Marlins. We’re not desperate to offload his contract. For me its just a matter of making room for Harper who is a better fit for the lineup and replenishing our minor league depth a bit. While I preferred Dustin May or Keibert Ruiz I really like what the scouting reports said about Mitchell White. Lux was MLB.com’s lowest top 100 level Dodgers prospect and I figured it would be worth the prospect downgrade from Ruiz and May to Lux in order to ensure White was in the deal.
kbarr888
Not sure what I said here that requires “Moderation”, but I guess they are looking at it…???….OK….LOL
yankees7448 brings up a good argument to defend his statement.
The only issue here is……”Do The Dodgers Even WANT Stanton?”
(For the record, I am a Stanton Supporter….Love The Power)
They had a chance to trade for him and never really threw their hat in the ring. They really don’t NEED him. Imagine the shuffle on the field if the acquire him.
Dodgers have Pederson, Taylor, Bellinger, Muncy, Verdugo, Kike, and Toles already
Taylor could play 2B
Muncy could play 1B
Kike is a valuable utility guy
Stanton plays RF. Who sits to allow Stanton to play?
Harper is way more money, but a very different player than Stanton..
yankees7448
kbarr888, Stanton plays left field and DH for the Yankees. So bringing him in would be exactly the same as bringing in Harper who also doesn’t normally play left field.
jekporkins
Didn’t the Dodgers release Bailey?
Payne Train
Ozuna, Jose Martinez and poncedelion for Bellinger.
GarryHarris
Homer Bailey for Miguel Cabrera. Bailey won’t get cut. He’ll pitch 200 innings and have a 5.50+ ERA. Cabrera will take the Dodgers to the WS winners circle.
I know, fool’s folly.
Pab
Another article flooded with yankee fans giving opinions on how to better their team
Chris Turk
This writer obviously doesn’t follow the Dodgers or know much about the team.
1) Puig is a reverse split guy so basically he was a in effect a left handed hitter
2) Grandahl was at best an ok right handed hitter (when a lefty was pitching thats when Barnes usually got his at bats and Grandahl sat the bench
3) The Dodger do have a good hitting 1st baseman his name is David Freeze who will probably get the right handed at bats at first base as the lefty at bats will come from Max Muncy or Cody Bellinger
With all that said it doesn’t mean they wont get some more right handed hitters but I doubt a first baseman
Last note Loved Kemp and his resurgence but he had to go
OCTraveler
Bailey has already been released – what was agreed to so he would drop his 5/10…
Forget the Harper talk and also don’t touch the core of Bellinger, Seager, Muncy, Turner and Taylor as well as prospects like Verdugo.
I would be ok if the Dodgers got Braun for a package that would include one of the two prospects from the Reds trade, Tolles or Hernandez, and arm (Stripling??), but what I’d much rather see is them do what it takes to get Merrifield. He solidifies the infield. Next best option is to get Kyle Seager and move Turner to second base.
Blue_Painted_Dreams_LA
Merrifield is NOT going to be moved. That’s been made clear. Braun stop it please. Seager is another LH bat that’s been on a two year decline, whose option turns into a player option if traded. None of those moves fit. Can we please stop with the Turner to 2b calls. He’s getting older and has his share of knee injuries along with diminished Range. He wasn’t a great 2b to begin with. He’s is a 3b/future 1B. His bat in the lineup is the most important factor so their is zero reason to risk injury to fit a bat in the lineup that has been below average. Muncy is really a guy that should be moved in the right package. He’s not great defensively and is a better fit in the AL. They basically can stand to add an impact bat at 1st and another bat behind the dish that lengthens the lineup. It’s nothing close to drastically try to buy low on a two bad contracts. One that hasn’t hit in two years and one that you’re hoping can stay healthy and produce over the season.
gavinrendar
Do the Dodgers have enough good prospects to go after Haniger?
Stevil
Do the Dodgers have enough to get Haniger? Yes, they do. But it would likely take too much to justify the deal.
However, Domingo Santana, though just acquired, wouldn’t be untouchable. I’ve wondered if he could be flipped with Josh Stowers for Will Smith and Gavin Lux.
Seattle needs a catcher and second baseman for the future. They have an abundance of outfielders, including Lewis, Bishop, and Rodirguez who are all RHH’s. This would be trading from an area of strength to address two areas of need.
LA has virtually zero outfield prospects that are right-handed hitters. Stowers could likely slide in as Pederson hits free agency. So, they too would be trading from areas of strength for areas of need.
Seattle would probably have to throw in an additional prospect, such as Anthony Jimenez, but this deal would make sense if LA was views Santana as that right-handed impact bat they’re seeking. Seattle does. His 2017 and his performance upon his call-up last season suggests he can be.
Ski to Coors
This guy name Puig is pretty good.
chinmusician
trade for JT Realmuto sounds like a potential solution here
Robbyw90
Jose Martinez, Daniel Poncedeleon, Ryan Helsley, Dexter Fowler for Bellinger and Freese Cardinals eat most of Fowler’s remaining contract.
Robbyw90
Also Cards send Lane Thomas, I forgot about him.
Justin Collier
Would love to off fowler in this deal but I don’t see it. I do think they have the pieces needed to trade for bellinger
kbarr888
Why do people think the Dodgers are willing to part with Bellinger…..???
They have come out and stated “Bellinger Isn’t Available”. I don’t see them moving him for less than an incredible overpay. Bellinger is worth WAY more than Jose Martinez, Ponce, and Helsley. Forget Fowler…..he just brings down the value of that 3-player package.
Cards DO have some incredible talent that they could use to acquire some long-term quality talent, but they need to choose a target that is attainable. Gotta find a team that is considering trading someone (“will listen to offers” is a good indication)
A solid bat that I believe will “figure it out” is Maikel Franco. The Phillies would move him for a reasonably simple package of players, and he could become “The New 3B” when Goldy leaves.
Justin Collier
I think Martinez, ponce and Hudson would make a strong case. Also, LA has stated that they would entertain offers on bellinger. We know LA has been talking to the birds about Martinez for awhile. But I agree, they aren’t going to just give him away.
Blue_Painted_Dreams_LA
It doesn’t make sense at all. Martinez doesn’t have much value at all tbh and belongs in the AL. The Dodgers realistically would be acquiring Martinez to flip. The Dodgers also have guys at AAA who are basically blocked/bidding time who are equally as intriguing. Bellinger is going nowhere unless it’s part of discussion for a guy like DeGrom.
Justin Collier
The Cardinals give Martinez, ponce and or Hudson for bellinger. Makes sense for both teams. All Martinez does is hit (Def needs a lil work) and the cards have some of the best young pitching. Bellinger being a slugging lefty who is under team control is exactly the kind of player st Louis would go after.
socalbum
Bader and Flaherty for Bellinger would be more like it
Justin Collier
That may do it but I can’t see the birds making that trade. Plus, there is no impact right handed bat in that trade.
socalbum
I’m certain Cardinals would not make that trade, but it is more realistic than the other mentioned earlier with Martinez included.
restingmitchface
Why would the Dodgers trade Belli to STL when they won’t even include him in a trade for Realmuto?
socalbum
it was meant as sarcasm, but comparing a trade for 2 years of Realmuto where Bellinger would be the center-piece of a multi-player trade with Miami to trading him for Bader and Flaherty is apples and oranges.
restingmitchface
Apologies, my response was directed toward Justin.
socalbum
no problem
Justin Collier
It could make sense because Martinez and two very good young pitchers that cost less then realmuto alone. That would give them a very good right handed bat at first (Muncy to second) and they would still have the money to spend elsewhere. Just a thought, I’m no expert lol.
socalbum
LOL! Clearly I am not an expert! I just don’t see Dodgers trading Bellinger for what has been mentioned above. Martinez needs to go to the AL where he can DH.
Justin Collier
Ideally yea I agree, his Def leaves something to be desired lol. But I’ve seen where LA has been in talks with st Louis about Martinez. Not saying they have spoke about bellinger.
socalbum
Dodgers FO talks with every team and Friedman has openly said that he values misdirection
Dodgers818
Dodgers better do something following that payroll clearing trade. Otherwise – 3rd place.
socalbum
Padres, Giants, and Dbacks still in NL West — no way do Dodgers finish 3rd even if there are no other moves.
RIPprosports
Yes, hurry do something. Puig, Kemp, and Wood were forces in our run for the WS this year. Can’t be replaced. Oh wait, they already have by the massive surplus we have in those positions, hence the reasoning for the trade. We lost nothing in that trade. Gained a couple prospects and payroll flexibility. The Dodgers could stay where they are at now and still make a run. Obviously their not, so chill and relax bro!
kenleyfornia2
Puig is not the diffrence between being a 3rd place team. Im sorry they traded your favorite player but use your head. If you think 1 of AZ, SF or SD are better than the Dodgers you need to seriously re evaluate how you think baseball works
SoCalBrave
JT to the Dodgers makes way too much sense for it to not happen!
JKB 2
Your right about that