The Dodgers and Reds have announced a long-rumored blockbuster that will shift around a variety of notable players. Veterans Matt Kemp, Yasiel Puig, and Alex Wood are all heading to Cincinnati, along with catcher/infielder Kyle Farmer and $7MM. Meanwhile, righty Homer Bailey is going to Los Angeles, accompanied by young righty Josiah Gray and infielder Jeter Downs.
Financial factors obviously weigh heavily here. Kemp is earning $21.5MM in the final year of his contract, while Bailey is earning $23MM — in addition to a $5MM buyout on his 2020 mutual option. Bailey, though, only represents a $17.5MM hit for luxury tax purposes, while Kemp is a $20MM CBT piece. The Dodgers’ cash and luxury tax savings are boosted yet further by moving Puig and Wood, though certainly both of those players are positive-value assets, even as they enter their final seasons of arbitration eligibility. MLBTR and contributor Matt Swartz project that Puig will earn $11.3MM while Wood will end up with a $9.0MM salary. Net it all out, and it seems that the Dodgers will take on $28MM in new obligations, plus the $7MM they’re covering of the old ones, while sending approximately $42MM to the Reds, who’ll end up taking on only ~$7MM in total new salary in the deal. In terms of the luxury tax, L.A. will trim its tabulation by around $16MM (as above, depending upon the final salaries for Wood and Puig), though obviously the actual tax savings will only be a percentage of that amount.*
Clearly, the Dodgers were willing to move on from a trio of useful, albeit expensive players in order to free up roster space and payroll flexibility while also picking up some worthwhile prospect assets. This is hardly the first deal of this kind from a Dodgers front office that is always working angles and contemplating large trade packages. Indeed, both Wood and Kemp came to the organization in other complex arrangements, the former as part of a 3-team, 13-player 2015 blockbuster and the latter in last winter’s tax-avoidance contract swap.
It’s hard not to look at this swap and think about what might be next for the Dodgers, who have now bumped two key corner outfield pieces from their ’19 plans. Clearly, the move opens the door to a potential run at Bryce Harper, though it hardly makes that anything approaching a certainty. Among other considerations, today’s move drops two of the club’s right-handed-hitting outfield pieces, moving lefties Alex Verdugo and Andrew Toles up the depth chart — for the time being, at least. Possibilities abound for the Dodgers, who’ll surely target both high-end assets and talented players who can function in more flexible roles as their winter continues to unfold.
On the Cincy side, the club certainly now has a better 2019 roster, though it’ll cost some near-term cash and (more importantly) some future value. Wood will slot into the rotation alongside the recently acquired Tanner Roark, who’s also a one-and-done asset. Puig and Kemp will presumably both enter the outfield mix along with left-handed hitters Scott Schebler and Jesse Winker.
Certainly, both Puig and Kemp will boost the Reds’ position-player unit. The former is a quality defender who has produced at about twenty percent above the league average rate at the plate over the past two years. In 444 plate appearances last year, he turned in a .267/.327/.494 slash with 23 long balls and 15 steals. Kemp cooled off after a momentous rebound to begin his second stint in Los Angeles, but still turned in 506 plate appearances of .290/.338/.481 hitting with 21 dingers over the course of the season. Kemp is likelier than Puig to function in more of a platoon role; in addition to his poorly regarded glovework, he’s about six years Puig’s senior at 34 years of age.
While Puig and Kemp are the best-known names in this deal, though, it’s certainly arguable that Wood was the key pick-up from the Reds’ perspective. The southpaw, who’ll soon turn 28, has steadily produced high-quality results ever since breaking into the bigs in 2013. Last year, he worked to a 3.68 ERA with 8.0 K/9 and 2.4 BB/9 over 151 2/3 innings.
There’s good reason to think the Reds will get quality output from Wood. In over eight hundred total MLB frames, he carries a 3.29 ERA with a 3.36 FIP, 3.49 xFIP, and 3.66 SIERA. Though Wood has long been dogged by questions about his long-term health, given his decidedly unorthodox motion, he has topped 150 frames in four of the past five campaigns.
Farmer, meanwhile, hasn’t done much in limited MLB opportunities. But he has hit well in the upper minors in recent campaigns and will at least function as a cheap catching depth asset for the Reds.
All told, it’s plenty of bang for the seven million bucks the Reds are taking on here. It’s hard to imagine the team could have done more with that amount of cash. Of course, the return is mostly tied up in single-season assets, and picking up those near-term pieces will mean the sacrifice of some potential long-term value.
Downs was generally considered one of the ten best prospects on the Cincinnati farm, after all, with Gray not far behind him. Both players are top recent draft picks — Downs went 32nd overall in 2017; Gray was plucked in the second round in the 2018 draft — who have shown quite well in their first professional opportunities. Downs turned in a .257/.351/.402 slash with 13 home runs and 37 steals over 524 plate appearances last year at the Class A level, while Gray threw 52 1/3 innings of 2.58 ERA ball, with 10.1 K/9 against 2.9 BB/9, in a dozen Rookie ball starts.
Bailey, meanwhile, is slated to function only as a vehicle for the rest of this deal. He’ll be cut loose by the Dodgers, president of baseball operations Andrew Friedman confirms. Indeed, that seems to have been the reason he elected to waive his full no-trade rights. Bailey, who signed a big extension before the 2014 season that just did not work out for the Reds, has struggled since returning from a long bout with arm injuries. Presumably, he’ll be looking for a chance to compete in camp for a job with another organization.
Jeff Passan of Yahoo Sports (Twitter links) first reported that the deal was nearing finalization and had the key pieces. Bob Nightengale of USA Today added the prospects on Twitter. C. Trent Rosecrans of The Athletic (on Twitter), Jon Heyman of Fancred (via Twitter), and Joel Sherman of the New York Post (via Twitter) covered the remaining details.
*An earlier version of this post mistakenly tabulated the salaries to suggest the Dodgers were receiving, rather than sending, $7MM to the Reds. We regret the mistake.
Photos courtesy of USA Today Sports Images.
Puig is a Red!
Puig for Peraza?
Please not
Unless we eventually do trade for Kluber probably scooter and bailey for puig and wood
This was pretty much what Dodger fans proposed the Indians take for Kluber.
So basically, in the MLBTR comment section…..
Homer Bailey = Corey Kluber
lol
Well done sir!
Love when the fans say “we”
Pfft
Love it when douche bags make comments like this. Pffft
I mean, for Boston fans, we consider ourselves part of Red Sox Nation. So a cumulative “we” is appropriate. Its our team, metaphorically speaking.
I can hope “we” sign a player. That player is now part of Red Sox Nation. Not just part of the Red Sox organization. I think without the label, most fans think of their organization this way and thus use the term “we,” and appropriately.
Well, I was way off. I was thinking they would trade from their infield depth for the dodgers outfield depth but the Reds actually did fairly well in this deal tbh
Better Dead than a Red
Ha
Good deal for both clubs. As much as I loved Puig, he was very frustrating at times as well. His value hasn’t been higher and a great move for the Dodgers. Wood has some great numbers over the course of his career and is a great pickup for Reds. If dealing Kemp, Wood and Puig gets us Harper then so be it. We need to get better.
Two WS appearances was great but I believe changing the culture of the dugout or bringing in a few new faces is a step in the right direction. Depth is great and has its value over a long 162 game season but hopefully dealing from positions of strength will become the norm to let players play more.
Great information.
Don’t know the young guys the Dodgers got but what the Reds got looks pretty good. I also love the player Puig has become over the years; he’s grown up a lot.
No!!!!! DODGERS WHAT ARE YOU DOING!!!
Freeing up money to sign Bryce Harper who has said he wants to play for the Dodgers. Expect Homer Bailey (who has a low CBT cost but a high real life salary) and a prospect to come back to the Dodgers. Some of Kemp, Puig, Wood and/or Joc is most likely in the deal
Has he really said he wants to play there though ? I need quotes lol
Well six days ago there was talk that the Dodgers had reached an agreement.
link to inquisitr.com
link to dodgerblue.com
The Dodgers stressed leading up to and throughout the Winter Meetings that they didn’t feel pressured to trade from their surplus in Vegas, and it held true. They would love to free up payroll by finding a taker for Yasiel Puig and Matt Kemp, but it doesn’t sound like there’s much interest there unless they take on some salary in return. For Kemp, it’s expected. For Puig, not ideal. Still expect them to trade at least one outfielder and one starting pitcher at some point. Bryce Harper badly wants to be a Dodger, but he’ll have to sacrifice years — and thus, total value — to play in Los Angeles.
Alden Gonzalez, ESPN Staff Writer
8d ago
@Yankeepatriot “I really want to play for the Dodgers.” -Bryce Harper
Sad thing is if they sign Harper they still wont win a WS.
Hahaha best comment of the day
This was at formerdraftpick
Any times an article starts off with “.blah blah blah alleges….” makes me automatically skeptic.
Come on man….the story came out of the Dodger fans website…how gullible can you all be!
Harper has never said anything of the sort that his team of choice was the Dodgers…Boras would kill him for giving up leverage by saying that….
And given that the Dodgers tried to get him on the cheap…..Puig as the centerpiece in a trade……COME ON that’s a talent mismatch if there ever was one!
If you believe that one, you also believe in the Easter Bunny and Santa Claus!
Harper admittedly trolls.
It was Brice Harper, not Bryce Harper
When this off-season started, if you didn’t Kno Harper would be Dodger, Manny a Yank,
Then you’ve been over thinking it and haven’t followed baseball
Harpers camp has leaked he wants to play for the Dodgers…
…. then again they leaked he wants to play for the Yankees … he wants to play for the Cubs ….. etc
I don’t mean leaks.
I mean all the good free agents go to Yankees, Red Sox, Dodgers.
That is mlb.
For a few years, the Tigers were the big players on FA. I miss the balance they brought.
Rocky my friend I’m utterly confused. I’m on the fence with the whole Santa Claus thing so I respect your opinion. But why try and destroy everything I’ve ever known and believed about my
sacred Bunny. Im gonna need a minute.
I agree !! Don’t think they will sign Harper, could be wrong but I thing maybe pollock or verdugo it’s a thought!!
He has literally never said this.
This story was leaked on twitter six days ago.
link to inquisitr.com
link to dodgerblue.com
The Dodgers stressed leading up to and throughout the Winter Meetings that they didn’t feel pressured to trade from their surplus in Vegas, and it held true. They would love to free up payroll by finding a taker for Yasiel Puig and Matt Kemp, but it doesn’t sound like there’s much interest there unless they take on some salary in return. For Kemp, it’s expected. For Puig, not ideal. Still expect them to trade at least one outfielder and one starting pitcher at some point. Bryce Harper badly wants to be a Dodger, but he’ll have to sacrifice years — and thus, total value — to play in Los Angeles.
Alden Gonzalez, ESPN Staff Writer
8d ago
By the inquisitor?????really?????Do they even know how to spell baseball?
Well if its on twitter then what? It must be true?
I can go tweet he wants to play for the Giants. Then I can post the link
And people said he also said he wanted to be a Yankee. No one knows, only the players
He’s also said he’s wanted to be a yankee since he was 10
All last year, he was going to be a CUb because he was friends with KB>
Harper never said he wants to be a Dodger. Haha. You’re delusional. Oh wait you have a random twitter link… never mind. Psh. Meanwhile, back in rl, LA has an excellent shot at Harper if they offer more than anyone else does. That’s usually how it works with guys like Harper.
You got that right man….its always about the money…..he’ll sign with however pays him the most coin….PERIOD!
Making room for Harper is my guess
Bingo c1234! You nailed that.
That’s what I like to know. That trade s awful!
GETTING HARPER IT IS SO FREAKING OBVIOUS GET READY FOR A 40 MILLION AAV 5-7 YEARS!!
Hello? Anyone in there?
Dodgers got a decent prospect haul for just a salary dump. No issue here
Dodgers also lost 35 HR’s in the process for two low level minor players, if they don’t get harper they’ll be hurting for the long ball, also Grandall is gone another 20 bombs.
That seems to be the part a lot are missing. The Dodgers were looking to clear salary. And I’m not understating the talent LA sent out. But to shed the salary they were looking for AND get back 2 intriguing young prospects? Both drafted within the last 2 years, and both in the top 2 rounds. I could be completely wrong but I have to think LAs front office exceeded their own expectations. Reminds me somewhat of the Boston – LA trade centered around Nick Punto with A-Gon,Beckett and Crawford. I remember being surprised that LA sent back Allen Webster and Ruby Delarosa when The Redsox should of been thrilled with just the salary relief. Both Webster and Ruby were thought of as pretty solid future assets. Let’s hope for the Dodgers that Downs and Gray have better luck than Webster and Ruby.
Maybe this is a sign they are going for Harper …
Durrrrr, do ya think so george?
Quiet Lenny
Fantastyman its more than a sign
Probably something with Iglesias and Gennett
That would be fantastic… for LA fan.
No why on Iglesias and Gennet, probably Homer Bailey
I almost clicked the report button because there really cannot be anyone that stupid
You must be new to the MLBTR comment section
I’m thinking Puig is one of them.
Lessssss goooooo!!!!
Mindless enthusiasm is the best
Better than being miserable like you.
Boom, still got it
Why would you think I’m miserable? lol
Puig is def involved
Prob Gennett and puig if I had to take a guess and maybe some pitchers as well
Kenley Jansen for Rafael Devers?
Reds would need to get Devers first
Devers plays for the Boston Redsox. The articles says Cincinnati Reds.
That’s just a technicality…
Lol what
Kenley Jansen for Andrew Benintendi?
Puig for sure
How is this news?
how is it not?
It’s a rumor, like the website is named for maybe?
Or a done deal, same thing
The news is the dodgers will now sign Harper. Pretty big news.
i herd its homer bailey for cody bellinger and pedro guerrero
i got half right
There’s 7 players involved in this trade and you guessed one correctly. I don’t think 1/7 is half.
Dodgers threw in Sandy Koufax
Clayton Kershaw, welcome to Cincinnati!
Joey votto welcome to the Dodgers
I wish that was true.
Votto, Puig going in this I bet.
It better be Votto
I bet this is for either scooter or even ….. votto
Everyone on the Dodgers except Kershaw for everyone on the Reds except Votto. What a blockbuster.
Yeah, it almost has to be Puig going to Cincy. Who could be going back as a major league piece? Maybe they’re sending Bailey as a payroll dump?
With one year left on his contract puig is sure to go to cinci. Maybe the reds closer is involved too
I’m guessing the Dodgers are dumping payroll to sign Harper…
Taking bailey’s salary doesn’t help with that though. Doesn’t he havebmore team control left than kemp ?
Bailey has a mutual option for 2020. That’ll be bought out. So they both have 1 year left.
Or a Stanton for Verdugo plus package. Who would the Dodgers want more Stanton or Harper?
Yankees aren’t going to trade Stanton.
Dodgers dont need to give up Verdugo for Stanton. Yankees either dump him or not. Your not getting a top prospect too
The Stanton train has passed and how fittingly is it that it was Kemp we were trying to get rid of last year to get Stanton until the Yanks swept in and got him. Glad Kemp will net us Harper instead of Stanton
If I had to guess two of the players involved it would be Puig and Homer Bailey who, if LA does take him and his contract on, will be DFAd before he can even book a flight to LA.
I doubt he’ll be DFA’d since they didn’t DFA Kemp last year. More likely they try and make him a middle reliever since he still can throw fast.
Puig for Homer Bailey and a prospect.
How about trading the front offices?
If Puig is traded, there goes Yanks’ chances at Harper…
Need a Christmas miracle.
Yanks never wanted Harper
Does it matter if I believed it was posturing? Negotiating ploy? Waving the proverbial white flag…
never seen anyone get so many down-votes my goodness. lmao
Honestly, the Yankees haven’t had a chance at Harper since the Stanton trade. That outfield is too crowded. Machado is a better fit for you.
Can you stop saying that. You really think the Yanks can count on Ellsbury on Frazier next year? Yanks OF was so crowded last year that they traded Jake Cave away and ended up running Billy McKinney, Shane Robinson and Jace Robertson out there before eventually trading for McCutchen. Harper can absolutely start in LF.
Konerko for Shaw
there’s a flashback
Konerko…another dumb Reds trade…
why? they gave up a couple of competitive balance picks. if it does not work they can get them back in July. they got rid of Hamilton and balily and added wood kemp and Puig for the same money. if it does work they can give qualifying offers to puig and wood.
Konerko didn’t get any love for HOF
Frazier, Florial, and Ellsbury for Clayton Kershaw. Get it done, Cashman!
took Cashman 2 weeks to decide if he was going to give Happ a third year, dont think thats getting done, pal
That would have been too much for the Yankees. I’m sure they have the next Cy young somewhere in their system
I think it was a mistake for the Yanks to trade Justus Sheffield. He will be a stud
I REALLY hope you are joking
Gennett for outfielders?
Earlier versions had Homer Bailey Puig and Alex Wood involved
Guessing Kemp could head to the reds. Could be an attempt by the dodgers to clear salary and sign Harper.
Jeff Passan
Verified account @JeffPassan
Matt Kemp, Yasiel Puig and Alex Wood have been traded to the Cincinnati Reds, league sources tell Yahoo Sports. Homer Bailey is one of the players going back to the Los Angeles Dodgers. The return for the Dodgers clearly will be more.
Kemp Puig and wood ohh dang
Wow. Kemp, Puig and Wood to the Reds for Homer Bailey and more.
Puig and Kemp for Bailey
It’s gotta involve Homer Bailey and probably either Matt Kemp or Puig
Gennett going to the Dodgers I bet. Wouldn’t be shocked if Marlins and Realmuto are involved as well. Both teams here are in on him.
Yasiel Puig and Matt Kemp expected to be part of trade from #Dodgers to #Reds for Homer Bailey, prospects and possibly int’l bonus slots, sources tell The Athletic. Bailey has waived his 10-and-5 rights to approve deal. Multiple major-league pieces involved, as
@JeffPassan
said.
Boooooo i was hoping for bigger than that
Puig, Wood, and Kemp for Bailey+ it looks like
Obvi, Kershaw for Scootz and Homerz
Kemp wood and pig to reds for Bailey and a few prospects.
*Puig
you were right the first time
Los Angeles Dodger outfielder Yasiel Puig and Cincinnati Red second baseman Scooter Gennett are 28-year-olds who are projected to earn $11.3 million and $10.7 million, respectively, in their final year of team control.
Could be a match as part of a larger package.
Or not. ;-)
Puig, Kemp and Wood for Bailey, Gennett and Barnett. Plus minor leaguers sprinkled in. LA then trades Barnett and Verdugo to Miami for Realmuto.
Harper will be a Dodger before this year is over. A clear salary dump.
Really? You mean Barnhart?!
Apparently wood is in the deal too. Surprised he is going
Puig, Wood for Bailey and prospects
Harper to LAD
Here comes Harper to LA
Dodgers making room for Bryce?
Yep
If it’s not Puig for an outfielder. Then I dunno who it is. Hopefully they trade for Votto. I am not a dodger fan but I am Votto fan and I would love to see him play with a contender.
I hate this move if the dodgers do get rid of this outfielders this means Harper to the Dodgers too
Yep! I called it when FA started. Harper to the LAD, Manny to PHI.
Don’t think Manny is going to PHI. He’s hinted that New York is where he wants to sign.
Wood is decent, the rest is GIGO: Garbage in, garbage out.
Puig? Even Kemp isn’t that bad. The only bad player is Bailey.
Now the Harper rumors will get louder lol
NOOOOOOO
Which pitchers have the Dodgers shown interest in?
My reds win this trade easily
We got rid of homer while getting three guys who will be paid mostly by the dodgers as well
Plus kemp and puig are off the books after 2019
congrats on continuing to be a NL central doormat i guess
“congrats on continuing to be a NL central doormat i guess.”
They just added a quality rotation piece and rounded out a pretty potent offense as in, maybe the best offense in the NL. What are you smoking?
what a joke. yeah, wood was the missing piece in the rotation. enjoy sucking
The Reds are significantly better with this deal, while getting rid of a HORRIBLE contract and really only one good prospect. Clears payroll for the future and they can pick Bailey up for change after the Dodgers cut him.
They may still be the doormat, but they are better from this trade as they basically lost nothing of real value. Downs is the only interesting piece and he is far from a sure thing.
Josiah Gray is the player with more upside in the future. Hasn’t been pitching for very long.
If the Dodgers do release Bailey, why would the Reds want him back…even at league minimum?
They won’t want him back, He’s a Mule and spent quite awhile in AAA last year because he wouldn’t pitch in relief…glad he and his piss poor attitude are gone…
All 3 of the players you’re getting will be FA after 2019. Bailey would have been a FA after 2019 as well, but you trade him and prospects for what? Reds arent in contention, so why do this? You LOST this trade, Reds are morons.
All three can be flipped at the deadline if Reds are out of it by then…
you’re not getting much for a half season of those bums
You sound jealous.
nah, just not dumb like the reds fans
Plus they can get comp picks for Woods and Puig if they reject their qualifying offers next year. The two prospects they traded to the Dodgers were comp picks. Seems like a win win for both clubs. Dodgers shed payroll, lower AAV towards luxury tax and get two prospects
Yep, just by adding Wood and subtracting Bailey…happy days…
Lol…lol…lol.. you’re delusional
Bailey is a cancer…glad he’s been cut out…
I wonder what money is exchanging hands. Also it may not be Harper, maybe Pollock and use more of that money to gain more FA players. but nah it’s Harper lol
Pollock would be a very useful FA signing by the Reds. He would be a significant upgrade in center field over Hamilton.
Pollock, Votto and Gennet would be a good combo.
That basically means Harper is coming then.
Yep
Reds definitely won this trade and instant respectability. They will be a force. Cardinals Brewers now the Reds in the mix. The Pirates could give the cubs a run for last place if the cubs have a couple of key injuries.
Reds aren’t done I have a feeling…look for an even bigger move. They still hold Senzel and Trammel, and there isn’t any room for Senzel in the OF now with Winker, Puig, Kemp, Schebler there and Scooter still in the fold.
And the Cards just missed the playoffs again for a 4th consecutive year. So sad.
I have a similar feeling. The Reds may not be done. I can’t help but think how intriguing Puig would be to the Indians, who are quite desperate for outfielders and have a surplus of pitchers.
That or they play Puig in CF.
Trammel, Puig, Scooter and a couple of chips for Klubrr?
Yes only cubs will have key injuries . All other teams will stay healthy and have career years . Keep wishing
I wonder what is going through Puig’s head right now. He might be mad at the front office right now, but they have gone to the playoffs each year he played, and the Reds definitely have a worse chance at making the PS than the Dodgers in 2019
He can choose where he wants to go after the season at least
Puig loves Turner Ward, who is the Reds’ new hitting coach. Puig could put up big numbers in Great American Ballpark in his walk year. I’m betting Puig likes this deal.
Puig wanted to be traded. He doesn’t like being a platoon player. This was widely reported all off-season.
Underwhelming return for dodgers. Homer bailey is bad
Harper’s pretty good.
Past 3 years of WAR says different…pretty average
The return for the dodgers is in the departures
It’s a chess move. How does Homer Bailey AND Bryce Harper sound for a return? That’s what this deal is really about.
Sure paying 40 mill for 1 player that puts up mediocre numbers? Would rather have kluber and realmuto.
I won’t argue that he’s worth $40 mil and he certainly has some injury risks but his career OPS is .900 which would rank him 66th all-time ahead of a LOT of hall of famers. His numbers are far, far, far above “mediocre”. Even in a down year he would’ve be 1 behind Muncey in homers (-1), first in walks(+60) and 2nd in OBP and OPS.
They traded 4 guys for nothing lol…
This only confirma that the dodgers will pay higher for Harper. What ya think??? 0_0
Harper to the Dodgers?
Yep
Harper to LA. Bound to happen, but is it the right move for them?
But Kemp and Puig are only signed thru next year, and there’s NO WAY the Reds are competing in the Central next season. Losing prospects for rental outfielders,,,what are the Reds doing?
Watch the reds go after Dallas and whatnot and try for a wild card spot ( won’t be enough but still)
If the Reds sign Keuchel, they have now fixed their two biggest problems (albeit temporarily):
The rotation and the OF.
They have prospects coming up to slot into the rotation and the OF in 2020.
This gets the team competitive at a VERY cheap cost.
I’m not a Reds fan, but I’m sort of baffled. They are taking on money despite getting rid of Bailey. They are also losing prospects and still won’t be competitive in the stacked NL Central. Isn’t Wood a free agent next year too?
makes no sense. Give young guys a chance to prove themselves instead of two players that are FA at seasons end.. They are still gonna be last or 4th
Where’s the downside for the Reds? Added no payroll, improved lineup AND rotation, made ZERO financial commitments with any of these guys past this year, and gave up superfluous prospects. Gray will be a good pitcher but he’s a few years away best case scenario and Downs is the third best 2b prospect and easily the furthest away. Senzel is ready now and Shed Long is pretty close.
They did add payroll. Bailey was set to make $23 mil and had a $5 mil buyout next year. Puig will make around $12 mil in arb, Wood about $9 mil and Kemp is owed $16 mil. That’s $14 mil more this year and $9 mil more overall when you factor in Bailey’s 2020 buyout.
Those additions are not going to be enough to overcome the Cubs, Cardinals or Milwaukee. Plus they gave up prospects which for a small market team is their greatest currency.
Plus….oh wee…. those egos will stay in check when you’re playing for something important. How will they be joining a team that lost nearly 100 games last year in the mid-west of all places? Puig is going to go mental. Better hope he’ll be focused on having a career year headed into a walk year.
This trade may help the Reds sell more tickets.
As a baseball fan that is my concern, a owner who received over $130 million the last 2 years from MLB gets to sell more tickets
I think everyone is selling the Reds short…if they sign Keuchel now, the rotation is pretty darn decent, they have an elite closer, and Winker, Schebler, Puig is a pretty good hitting outfield (although the defense isnt that great). One player away?
People are selling the Reds short. Their starting pitching has been an obvious mess, but their lineup has the ability to be truly special, possibly the best in the NL.
Forgetting Votto and Saurez. This offense might be special.
Adding Wood (solid lefty) and dumping Baileys contract. Sets them up with more money next year (no longer have to pay Bailey $5 MIL buyout) and fixes their CF problem this year (move Schebler to CF, put Puig in RF). Good prospects, but none are top 5. That’s what they’re doing.
The Reds gave up Jeter downs and Gray. They’re good prospects but not elite. If Puig and Wood play well they could easily sell them off for a similar return while giving fans something to be excited about for 2018. At least for the beginning of the season.
If the dodgers cover Harper would the White Sox and Phillies get super desperate if the Yankees land machado ? If so than Harper could possibly get 400 million in that bidding war
White Sox? No
Phillies? Maybe
Congrats on the smart LA dodgers for dumping OFers and salary to sign a superstar like Harper. Yankees meanwhile feel like its not necessary to dump average at best guys like Hicks or attach a prospect to ellsbury to trade him to sign a superstar like Harper. Redsox – Dodgers world series rematch book it.
The rest of this opinion aside, Aaron Hicks is far from “average at best.” He’s a fantastic center fielder.
A Yankee fan saying hicks is average at best ? Lmaooooo he was one of the best center fielders in baseball last season and he’s paid peanuts ! How can you watch him daily and not see that ?
Ummmmm…..in what world is Hicks “average” and what does he, a CF, have to do with Harper, who is (or should be) a corner OF? If his defensive ratings sucked in RF why would you stick him in CF?
Last year, 4.9 WAR, 5th among all OF. 2017, 3.3 WAR in only 88 games.
Try again buddy.
Hicks is average at best, lol.
Might be one the most underrated player in the game.
I’d put him as the third best CF in baseball.
The last Yankee dynasty was built on affordable guys like Paul O’Neil and Bernie Williams.
With Harper in that lineup, the lineup will be extremely LH heavy. Harper, Seager, Bellinger, Muncy in the middle of the lineup with JT there was well. 4 if the 5 best hitters will be LH. Interesting.
I don’t expect muncy to repeat last season to be honest. I think Cody has a better year than 2018 though
They are going to be very bad against left handed pitching.
Dodgers AVG/OBP/OPS vs LHPs
Bellinger* .244/.347/.813
Muncy* .298/.416/1.023
Seager* .353/.429/.984
Joc* .164/.309/.636
Toles* .167/.167/.500
Verdugo* .318/.318/.682
Freese .315/.382/.915
Barnes .248/.377/.809
CT3 .232/.377/.754
Kike .260/.335/.780
Turner .336/.448/1.028
Dodgers will be fine against lefties, only real weaknesses against lefties were Joc, CT3 & Toles, they will be platoon/matchup guys anyway in LF
BOOM! And this is why I predicted Harper to the LAD when FA started. Great move by the Dodgers in finding a taker for Kemp and Puig.
Bryzzz your so smart
You mean “you’re” so smart.
Josiah Gray traded on his birthday! Wonder how often that’s happebed.
And it’s his 21st too. Someone should check to make sure he survives the night, because he’ll be doing a lot of celebrating.
127 times, latest 5 months ago.
The odds at 1/365.25
Turner Ward and Yasiel Puig’s love story will not be denied.
BAM!!!!
Harper incoming. Has to be. Makes too much sense after this move clearing outfielders and payroll.
Bold prediction: Jeter Downs will be included to sweeten an offer to the Indians for Kluber
Enough with the Harper stuff… I would guess they are getting rid of a couple big contracts because they had an absolutely GIGANTIC payroll last year. According to spotrac.com they spent $235M on salary last year. Yes – they could be clearing space for Harper… or – they could just be clearing bad contracts.
Actual salaries due is pretty much a wash with the 7 mil going back to Cinci. And all the MLB players involved are either arb or final year of contract, so it isn’t about clearing bad contracts lol. It’s about clearing roster space and CBT space.
$7 mil for a team over the lux tax the last few years is a lot more than you think.
Dodgers were under the tax last year. But that isn’t what I said anyway. The tax implications are $25 mil less for LA. The salaries are like 5-10 mil less
Looks like Harper to the Dodgers.
Bailey about as garbage as they come. Should just be outright released by the Dodgers, not even worth a roster spot
Rosenthal said he’s getting released
As he should be, he sucks big time despite his no hitters he threw
literally looks like garbage was traded for garbage. Except wood, hes a solid arm
said the same thing and got downvoted by losers of both fanbases
well its true. Kemp of 2011 would be different but not now lol
Matt Kemp of 2018 had an OPS+ of 122. Man, that dude sucks. Puig had 121
Matt Kemp got better solely because he likes being a Dodger. Expect regression when pouts the whole year away in Cincy. Puig on the other hand could finally cash in on that MVP level potential in that band box.
Puig, Wood, and the two specs are really nice assets.
Kemp and Bailey both grossly underperform their contracts.
Maybe calling players — who are humans beings — “garbage” is a bad idea.
I dont get why the Reds would give up prospects when for Kemp, Wood, and Puig, who are are FA after 2019, when they are absolutely not in contention next season. Makes 0 sense, even if they are saving a sliver of cash?
Desperate attempt for a postseason run ? Can’t say for sure. Worse case scenario they are all off the books after he season or trade bait in July
Bailey would have been a FA after 2019 too. And you wouldn’t have had to give up prospects. So why do this?!
Will it’s not like the reds are ran well lol
The prospects they gave up won’t affect them, the important thing is they still hold onto Senzel and Trammel while adding Wood…
for one season that they arent in contention. not like he’s an ace or anything with tons of trade value
wont affect them? Scout on Downs: “Jeter Downs a stud….don’t care what he is ranked…future all-star.”
They can’t be done. They want Senzel in the lineup next season and there’s no room in the OF and Scoter is still there, look for another deal very soon…Kluber?
I’ll clarify…they weren’t looking for him to contribute at the ML level for a few years, definitely a good chip for the Dodgers…
Puig and Wood do have value (albeit minimal value). Kemp for Bailey is a straight up cash exchange. Reds don’t mind Kemp because he can easily hit 30 homers in Cinncinati
Again, they arent in contention for 2019. SO why give away prospects for 1 year of what they got?
S Cop
If the Reds aren’t in contention at All Star break, they can flip Wood and Puig for some prospects. Stop hating dude! All you do is btch at everyone.
lol so easy to rile you up
Didn’t rile me up. I was very respectful and just wanted to make sure you know not all prospects will always live up to the hype. Again have a Merry Christmas, I just enjoy reading the articles and comments, just don’t see any reason for any of us to call other commenters name because they disagree with you. That’s all brother.
The Reds didn’t give up all that much.
Bailey? Look at his last 4 years.
Downs? The Reds have a glut of 2Bmen.
Gray? A prospect somewhere rated around #16-20 for the Reds. He’s the only one that I’m sorry to see go. High ceiling, low floor kinda guy. Hasn’t been pitching that long.
Sign Keuchel and they’re contending this year, and beyond (Buzz Lightyear voice).
Scout on Downs: “Jeter Downs a stud….don’t care what he is ranked…future all-star.”
A package starting with Trammel and includes Scooter head to the lake for Kluber or Bauer
Cleveland does not need Scooter. Scooter is only control one more season. IF Cleveland trades Kluber they need players with years of control with their biggest need being outfield.
7th and 20th prospect. They didn’t give up anything special.
Harper is coming to LA. That’s why the OF purge regardless of the surplus. LA needed to do this before signing up Harper. Stay tuned.
Definitely smells like Harper to the Dodgers and don’t be surprised if they turn Downs into another trade piece for Kluber or Realmuto (or both).
Kemp, Puig, Schebler, Winker….who plays CF?
Is Cincy insisting on contending to justify keeping Scooter and being reluctant to deal Votto?
What are they doing with Senzel?
Those stories plus Andy Rooney on the next 60 Minutes…
Puig and Kemp are corned outfielders for sure. Reds can always sign Pollack or another CF
My point was this: there’s at least 1 more move to make for Cincy, maybe 2.
Dealing an OF plus more for a pitcher, perhaps signing Pollock or dealing for a CF.
I agree Trimreaper…
Schebler in CF (he couldn’t be worse than Choo). Puig in right.
Goota believe that Gennett will be traded now, and Senzel is your opening day starter at 2B,
Just need Keuchel now.
Votto has a full no trade and wants to stay in Cincy, crowded outfield no doubt, betting the other shoe drops quickly, they aren’t done…
Been a big fan of Wood from his time with the Braves. Hope he does good in Cincy
Goodbye “squeal the pig”!
Kemp is what. $22mm for two more years, Puig $5.5Mm and Wood is over $6mm. Bailey is $19mm. So, Dodgers sign Harper?
Kemp is a FA after this upcoming season.
Also Puig and Wood with be about $20 mil combined this year.
Dude both Puig and Wood are arbitration eligible in 2019 which means the Dodgers freed up in excess of $40M. For extra players they didn’t need and allows
them to go after Harper now.
Wrong. They only saved ~$7M
kemp and 7MM = bailey. Dodgers don’t have to pay puig and wood for 2019 – approx $20MM. You are both wrong
If they sent Kemp and 7 mil that doesnt equal baileys 28 mil. Simple math. That would essentially make kemp’s salary 14.5 mil or baileys 35 mil. To be even the reds would have had to send the 7 mil
wrong
you are correct – i got hung up on numbers equaling out and forgot which way cash was going. Means LA saves about $13MM cash and approx $24MM cap hit space ( difference between baileys cap number and kemps plus saving from puig and wood)
You forgot Bailey’s buyout
Your numbers are all about cash flow. The Dodgers care about the salary hit against the “salary cap.” Cash flow is less important because they bathe themselves in gold and silver. Bailey is only a $17.5mm hit against the cap, so he’s less than Kemp. The Reds, in contrast, care about cash flow, so that’s why cash was sent to the Reds to make this cash neutral.
Trade would be wasted for Dodgers. They guessed that Bryce Harper sign with Dodgers. They would clear up salary to make some room.
That would be dumbest if they didn’t sign Bryce Harper. They don’t have anything to replace Kemp and Puig. Great job!
BREAKING NEWS!!!!
Bryce Harper will sign with Yankees.
They have Verdugo if they so choose.
I’ve got to imagine they don’t finalize this deal unless they already have a deal in place with Harper. I’m guessing a signing announcement is made within 24 hrs.
I would flat out LMAO!!!
As a Reds fan, given the players so far connected, this looks like a phenomenally good trade. Alex Wood and Puig will really help the Reds roster, and I expect they will try to unload Kemp on an AL team for a small return (as he really only has value as a DH at this point).
As much as it makes sense to go and dump Kemp, they failed to dump Harvey for whatever reason. Dont bank on it
Harper to Dodgers???
Puig, Kemp, and wood for Josiah Gray, Jeter Downs, Bailey and PTBN and international bonus money.
Frankly, I don’t understand this trade from the Dodgers’ perspective.
I understand moving all those pieces to clear payroll. But taking Bailey (and likely dumping him immediately) washes a good portion of their benefit. That seems like a lot of depth to move (which the Dodgers value) for the sole purpose of clearing salary.
I think they use the cleared salary to sign harper. Or those prospects to help ease a trade for kluber. And now verdugo also has a place on the big league roster.
If the Dodgers make a trade with Cleveland, Verdugo would likely be involved.
I wonder if the Phil’s even pondered a deal with LA? These players have been talked about the last couple weeks. They’re not getting Harper or Manny, they need an OF and a LH starter. I like both Wood and Puig. They have plenty of payroll space. It’s not like LA got anything except some cash and salary dump. I’m pretty much done being optimistic about this offseason. At this point I just hope they can stay ahead of Miami cuz everybody else in the East will be improved.
They’re still waaaaaaaaay ahead of Miami
Heyman states that machado will make his decision after he new year to the teams he met with. If true than chances are Harper won’t sign till after machado is signed
If all three Dodger players -then salary dump. Maybe for Harper money, maybe not. But if there are good prospects and no Scooter, then maybe a Kluber or Reamuto deal coming.
FOs trying to get their final shopping done before the holiday.
Dodgers are only saving about $7M with this trade, and you guys think they’re getting Harper? Yeah, it was that $7M they needed to clear to get him. Thanks for the laugh.
Edit: Bailey has $5M buyout, so it’s actually $7M the Dodgers are saving.
Good point. They would go past luxury tax if they sign Harper
Thank you for the Logic. Cracks me up that its now automatic that he goes to LA…..right.
It wasn’t just money, it was also about roster space. 2 less outfielders to juggle around.
Inform yourself before you post. Puig and Harper alone are arbitration eligible and will make in excess of 11M each. Kemp’s salary was 22M for one year so they’ve freed up over $40M. Yes. Harper is coming to LA.
Inform YOURSELF.
Kemp $21.75 mill
Puig $11.3 mill projected
Wood $9 mill projected
——————————–
$42.05 mill
Bailey $23 mill
LA sent $7 mill
——————————–
$30 mill
$42.05 – $30 = $12.05
Bailey has a $5 mill buyout so they’ll save $7.05M total
What’s the luxury tax math? That is more relevant.
If you think Harper is arbitration eligible you need to inform yourself before you post.
harper arb eligible. LOL moron
I’m sure he meant Wood
puig projected to make like 9m iirc and bailey’s salary is about equal to Kemp (plus they are sending 7m to reds). Not sure that it comes out to exactly 7m saved, but it’s a lot closer to 7 than 40+
Edit: Should have referenced the article. wood is the one projected to make 9m
Say goodbye to Phil Ervin’s playing time!
Which would you rather have? Phil Ervin playing a lot on a 70 win team or Puig and Kemp playing for a team competing for a Wild Card?
Could be Winker/Schebler/Puig with Kemp flipped in another trade.
Competing for a wild card? The Reds offense was already one of the best n the league. Replacing Bailey with Wood isn’t going to win them 20 or so more games. It MIGHT get them above the Pirates, but it’s not going to get them in competition for a wild card. Their pitching is not that good. Wood isn’t some dominate pitcher. He’s had ONE really good year. The rest were meh. Will they be better? Yeah, but they won’t compete for a wild card. I think they will finish 4th in the Central though, so that makes them better.
They’re also replacing -0.7 WAR Romano with 3.4 WAR Roark. That’s 4 more wins right there. Also dropping out replacement level Billy Hamilton with Puig/Kemp. One more solid move puts the Reds in wild card contention.
Trade bait…
Dodgers are about to sign Harper that’s the only reason this trade makes sense
Wrong! Why do you think it was headlined with prospects? They’re going to the marlins for Realmuto. Consider it done
So when Wood and Puig become FA, the Reds would get draft picks; as, I assume, they both would reject the qualifying offer. Correct?
Petals plays CF and Senzel breaks in at Shortstop. No loss if he can’t cut it at SS then move peraza back to SS and trade scooter before deadline for CF help.
Peraza autocorrect
Senzel is not a SS. Peraza will remain there. Scooter is probably traded now and Senzel is your opening day starter. If not, Scooter is traded before the summer deadline.
No…just no. You don’t shuffle Peraza and Senzel around like that and mess them up. Another deal is in the works and it likely is a big one that involves Scooter. Then go get Pollack…
I’ll miss Puig
*pig
Good move by the Dodgers if they get do get Harper. I laugh though because if this had been the Pirates making this trade, All you would be hearing is the Pirate fans, who listen and read the words of the talking Pittsburgh talking heads, crying about the huge salary dump. Even if they did what I believe the Dodgers will do and sign Harper, they would still be crying about the salary dump. This is how you do business.
It’s not for Harper. It’s for the Realmuto trade
Either or would still make it a good deal for the Dodgers and Manny would not stop the lemmings from crying salary dump either :)
They just took the prospects for the trade for Realmuto
They weren’t getting realmuto for them.
Ugh….Puig. Glad to see Bailey get moved on…but Puig?? Hopefully, Reds FO has another place to flip that over-priced headcase…
Shoulda traded Teheran for the same AA!
He has his thumb up his ……………………………………..
Never a good move when a rebuilding team gives up two good prospects to get 2 trash outfielders who have no intention of staying for a rebuild. Unless they plan to flip all these guys for more prospects? idk
Reds are not in a rebuild. They are ready to contend. All they were missing was starting pitching last year. Take a look past the W-L record and you will see they have a very solid roster minus starting pitching. They have already gone a long way in addressing that short coming this week. Don’t be surprised to see the Reds as a dark horse in 2019, buying, not selling, in July.
Are you kidding me? They are the fifth best team in a 5 team division
They’ve addressed their two biggest weaknesses this offseason. Their rotation and their OF.
Now they sign Keuchel and they have a solid rotation.
Alex Wood replacing Homer Bailey isn’t going to push the Reds into contention. Wood had 1 good year, the rest were average. The Reds offense was lights out last year, but they’ve not really improved their starting pitching a whole lot. Yes, it’s better with Wood in and Bailey out, but it’s not going to push them over the hump. They would need another good starting pitcher to have a chance at contention.
They also added Roark, so right now it looks a lot better than the 18 rotation. Dick Williams has also said they are not done. There was rumors less than 48 hours ago that the Reds and Indians are still pursuing a trade for Kluber. If that happens…Kluber, A. Wood, Castillo, Roark, DeSclafani. I’d take that over any other NL central rotation.
A girl on Instagram posted a picture of Puig Kemp and Pederson that said: “This is the best outfield in baseball and it will haunt the Madres for years to come.”
Girls dont know anything about years to come.
Surprised the Harper signing didn’t happen seconds after this deal happened
another uninformed poster. dodgers only saved about $7M
It’s less about money as the Dodgers reset their luxury tax, and more about an OF spot for a potential superstar in LA
you may very well be right – but how did you get to that figure
Hey look another meaningless number you are tossing around over and over obsessively without context. Man you apparently love embarrassing yourself…
20M – Kemp
11M – Puig
9M – Wood
17.5M – Harper
They saved 23.5 million in AAV – the only number they are really concerned with
“17.5M – Harper”
lol dummy
You have to add bailey’s aav …
Oh no, a typo!
*sigh*
Cleary that should day Homer (Bailey)
Point stands, you’re here doing the same thing you did in the last – obsessively ranting and raving about numbers you flat out can’t grasp at all
There is was the 98 OPS+ Road numbers Profar put up that you called “terrible”
Here it’s the 23.5 million AAV the Dodgers save that you insist doesn’t help in pursuing Harper.
Syndergarden cop here’s your active offseason day and you blew it in the comments. Dodgers are under the luxury tax and by trading 2 outfielders there thinking about acquiring Harper so there’s less games with platoons. Especially now that bellinger will play against lefties
you, random internet poster, said it, so it must be true
You know you’re building a superteam when you clear out Kemp, Puig and Wood to make room for new signings.
In unrelated news, Scott Boras was seen with tears of joy running down his cheeks, yelling something about milking every last cent out of somebody.
Dodgers: “take my trash, please! we will even through in money”
“through in money” beautiful, sir
THROW….in money for Pete Rose sake…
If we don’t sign Bryce Harper, or get Kluber, or sign another good reliever like Britton we need a new GM. SMH.
I can picture the Reds flipping one of these outfielders.
Kemp
Ruiz,Verdugo and downs for Realmuto. Watch
Horrible proposition
Jeter trading for Jeter. Nice.
Realmuto is not that good. Rather spend that on Kluber. Plus Ruiz would be his replacement after his 2 years is up.
Verdugo/Joc/Alvarez will be going to Indians while Ruiz/May/Ferguson go to the Marlins
I hope this isn’t a precursor to a Puig-to-Atlanta trade.
The guesses were hilarious. And of course Yankees fans come in any post and offer their trade predictions no matter what teams are the topic lol. This is by far my favorite site to read the comments. Love you guys. Keep it going.
settle down brad
If I were a Yankee fan: Frazier to the Reds for Scooter, Winker, Senzel, Trammel and Garrett straight up…
Puig is going to be great in Cincinnati. Just great offense.
This deal is a Kemp for Bailey dump. Not really I think that the Dodgers just hated Puig that much. Probably a necessary evil. Puig marches to his drummer.
Parting with prospects for one year of Kemp and Puig is certainly questionable, but replacing Bailey with Wood has to feel pretty good for Reds fans.
I don’t understand this deal for the Reds. They send $28 mil in salary to the Dodgers (other teams were covering $6 mil of what Kemp is due) and they take on $36 mil AND trade away two legit prospects for a bunch of guys on 1 year deals? How does this help the Reds?
Their FO is full of morons
Those guys on one year deals will be winning games for the Reds during that one year. It is really very simple.
More wins, worse draft position.
You play to win the game. Not draft higher.
Love this deal for the Reds. Yep, Wood, Puig, and Kemp are all on the last year of their deals. So what? The Reds want to try to compete. They have some solid lineup pieces and are going to see what happens. If things take a turn for the worse and they can’t compete, Wood and Puig can be traded at the deadline for WAY MORE than Jeter Downs and Josieh Gray, the two prospects they gave up.
This is a total win.
The Reds have a very strong farm system. They traded away their #9 and #20 prospects. The #9 is at a position of particular strength organizationally for the Reds; 2B.
It helps the Reds by bridging the gap between last year and a number of prospects being ready by 2020.
Sign Keuchel and your nipping at contention next year.
I guess I’ll have to go elsewhere to find out about Josiah Gray and Jeter Downs.
OK, Downs was the Reds’ No. 7 prospect, Gray No. 20 according to MLB. How hard was that?
Sounds like you got their games down solid.
You ever think about becoming a scouting director?
The point is this article provides exactly zero context in regards to the prospects acquired. I’m sorry you’re too dense to understand that.
From the article
“Downs was generally considered one of the ten best prospects on the Cincinnati farm, after all, with Gray not far behind him. Both players are top recent draft picks — Downs went 32nd overall in 2017; Gray was plucked in the second round in the 2018 draft — who have shown quite well in their first professional opportunities. Downs turned in a .257/.351/.402 slash with 13 home runs and 37 steals over 524 plate appearances last year at the Class A level, while Gray threw 52 1/3 innings of 2.58 ERA ball, with 10.1 K/9 against 2.9 BB/9, in a dozen Rookie ball starts.”
Welcome to LA Bryce Harper
If the reds keep both Kemp and Puig I can see a package of either Scott Schebler or Jesse Winker along with Scooter gennett and a couple extra pieces to Cleveland for either Corey Kluber or Trevor Bauer that would open up 2ndbase for Nick Senzel. Cleveland might even try to include Jason kipnis in the deal back to Cincinnati
LOL
Again – Why does Cleveland need Gennett for one year when we have Ramirez or Kipnis for 2nd base? Senzel would likely come to Cleveland. With the earlier trades that the Indians have made, they don’t need to tack on Kipnis in a trade for Kluber or Bauer. Cincy’s spare parts are not going to get you Corey Kluber.
For the Yankee fans out there – here’s a bad trade offer….
Kemp, Gennett and a prospect for Hicks and Gray.
Yanks probably need a bit more…but the Reds would be complete for the offseason.
After seeing how much money LA saved this trade seems almost pointless
They saved 20 million and traded 2 guys they wanted to replace for 2 prospects. The prospects are actually prospects as well. Not throw in junk.
The prospects are not “actually prospects”. They r decent prospects with upside, but nothing suggesting they can be worth anything great in the future. They are exactly what they were used for today. Good players to attach to a deal. If I’m the Dodgers, I try to flip them also
As soon as the Dodgers release Bailey, Reds should bring him in at the minimum. Then watch him become the Comeback Player of the Year.
Ummm…no….lmao!!
Oh look another team in the nl central not named the Cubs do something.
hoping my brewers do something soon. Lowrie would be a nice fit. Its been quiet. and what are you talking about? Cards got Goldy and Miller. Cubs havent done much. still very early.
Cubs just did that Daniel Descalso block-buster signing! LOL
Aren’t the Dodgers still paying for Adrian Gonzalez? lol
I actually like what the Reds are doing. They’re going to field a competitive team without a very long-term commitment and aren’t sacrificing much in the process. Fridge prospects, etc. Sonny Gray would fill out that rotation well at this point and oddly enough, the Reds could be a team to watch in the NL Central next year. They need one more starting pitcher.
Best of all? They can evaluate a lot of these guys on 1 year flyers offer QA’s or resign if they like the match.
Some may argue stockpiling young players and draft picks and continuing tanking is the better option
Wrong. One NL scout on new Dodger prospect: “Jeter Downs a stud….don’t care what he is ranked…future all-star.” Reds are morons.
Or, they just MIGHT know more than you …
im not the one who said it
Downs might turn out to be really good…but the Reds have Gennett, Senzel and Shed Long also at his position. They traded a prospect from a position in which they had a surplus.
And India. There is no doubt that Downs has potential, and could become a good major leaguer. But we lost two prospects that are not very highly ranked turned a 28 million dollar commitment to Bailey (a guy they were cutting in spring) into a windfall for 19. It works out it will cost the reds a little over 6m to sign Puig, Kemp, and Wood for a season. Not bad at all.
I think sonny Gray in Cincy would be ideal
I could definitely see the Reds signing Keuchel now in an effort to compete for the wild card game. Who knows they may even try to deal for Realmuto.
Keuchel, yes please.
Realmuto, a big pass. No thanks.
Sign Pollack and deal for Kluber starting with Scooter, Trammel…and so on
Puig and Turner Ward are reunited!!
I get the money part of it… but I still feel like the dodgers got taken to the bank on this deal. The prospect return on this deal is very meh… and the talent you just traded away was worth the money ish. Kemp has played lights out the last 2 season to start a year. Just eat it one more year and keep woods and puig. Idk.. money really speaks volumes sometimes but I still feel like they could have gotten a better return for freaking woods and puig even attaching kemp and his contract to it
Money is relevant, but it appears they want Harper. It’s a fair and logical assumption and they needed to open those OF spots. Signing Harper with both Kemp and Puig in the folder, even if limited to this year, still had it’s constraints. Runway is clear for Harper at this point.
they could care less what they get back. this was simply a “get the hell out of town, we are going for Harper” move. Puig had to go. He burned every bridge there, and management HATED him.
If the Dodgers are serious about not going into the tax bracket forget Harper. Realmuto and Kluber become more logical in my opinion. Dodgers still need to do more as they are the opposite of the Yankees very left handed hitting.
Speaking of which they are talking about an Andujar for Bellinger trade.
Then Yabks sign Machado and Dodgers sign Harper.
Not the craziest thing I’ve heard.
Dodgers will now flip Baily and Bellanger to the Yanks for Stanton and Hicks.. Yankees Sign Harper and Machado.
Trading two outfielders and $43 million in salary just screams making a push for Bryce Harper.
They’re taking back a guy who’s owed $28m and sending $7m to the Reds. So, no.
Well the Dodgers still have to pay the players they obtained so its not a huge savings but it helps
All this in an attempt to sign a guy that just hit .249, and was arguably the worst defensive outfielder in baseball. Doesn’t make sense to me, but i’m not a Dodgers fan so what do i care.
Bryce Harper was the 17th best hitter in baseball last year by WRC+. He was 35% better than the average major league hitter and, after the DL stint, he was the 9th-best hitter in baseball in the second half of the season. The defense was bad, but he’s never been bad before, and some of the bad defensive numbers are because of his time in center, and possibly the injuries; There’s a pretty good Mike Petriello article on MLB.com about this (not sure if I can post links) that discusses one year defensive flukes that makes some sense, especially because Harper is young and the skillset seems to be the same as it ever was.
This trade busted no blocks.
Development here helps Machado. Now with at least the perception LAD will be heavy favorite to land Harper, others may offer Manny a fair bit more than planned. Thinking that’s Philly making it hard for Yanks to want to match.
Reds FO one of the dumbest in the game. One NL scout on new Dodger prospect: “Jeter Downs a stud….don’t care what he is ranked…future all-star.”
You said basically that literally one minute earlier.
Got anything else?
Do you wake up angry or does it build during the day?
Dude, you need to find a new dog to hump.
@sSyndergaarden .. hhhmm funny thing I just hears some other guy say the same thing … oh wait its just you cutting and pasting your one thought.
Hey by the way …. Another NL Scout on the trade: “Jeter Downs not a stud”. Who is right?
25.5 million less AAV in 2019 easily frees up enough luxury space for Harper/Manny – the reason the Dodgers did this is blatantly obvious
Not sure what Reds get in this though. Cant imagine they honestly think they can compete
*23.5 million AAV saved
The Reds can’t compete?Their starting pitching, undoubtedly, is not great, but their lineup is incredibly, incredibly stout. Here ‘s a hypothetical batting order:
1 Gennett
2 Puig
3 Votto
4 Suarez
5 Winker
6 Kemp
7 Barnhart
8 Peraza
Is there an NL team that can out hit them?
They had one of the worst pitching staffs imaginable. Syre they can hit, but…
And there pitching just got better. It’s a start. Can’t really see how you don’t see this as a move that improves the Reds.
Didn’t say it doesn’t improve them. Said can’t see it pushing them over the top
I guess you have to try. You can’t fault a team for taking a minor chance at a postseason push. Odds are they can sell off wood/Puig for a similar return in July. I don’t think it’s a horrible gamble. Think the dodgers were very motivated to clear out these salaries. If Puig is tearing the cover off the ball at Great American Ballpark I could see him brining back a better package alone in July. I don’t think it’s that far fetched to see him doing that either.
I have to give props to the Reds GM, picked up Roark, Woods, Puig, Kemp…..if they get Keuchel with their shutdown closer Iglesias? Watch out for Reds and that offense, Puig and Kemp could feast in that home ballpark.
Good job and their farm is tough as well. Can also flip Puig or Wood at deadline if all else fails. Cincy will be tough this year
Yes, they were terrible, but not terrible in the sense that you dump them all and start over. Castillo, Romano, Mahle, Lorenzen and many of the other kids they ran out there are exactly that…kids. There’s talent there, but talent that needs time to develop. Look for several of them to get time in the BP this year.
I would say they are neck and neck on the hitting side with a HEALTHY Cubs in the NL. But If the Cubs add Pollock, Harper, or Marwin Gonzalez to replace Almora, then Cubs would have the best lineup. Their was a rumor a few weeks ago they were trying to add Almora in some kind of deal to the Mets for Thor but I guess it never panned out, so who knows. Obviously, Cubs have better rotation and bullpen though
Saint Chris are you saying the Reds have the best offense in the league?
It should be
Votto
Peraza
Gennett
Suarez
Kemp
Puig
Winker
Barnhart
Why not lead off Votto. Reds do not run and he’s on base is 40%
He is not a three hitter.. At least bat him second
You have to add bailey’s aav and the 5 million to buy him out if it happens
I did – his AAV is 17.5. Dodgers saved 23.5 million AAV for 2019
not even simple math? really?
20 AAV Kemp
12 AAV Puig
9 AAV Wood
Total 41 million AAV removed
17.5 AAV Homer added
41-17.5 = 23.5 AAV saved by Dodgers
Pretty simple and not sure what your malfunction is
lol so slow, definitely fun to keep around for comic relief
Reds are dumb lol
Thanks for your keen insight.
You’re welcome.
central gets better while the bucco management stick fingers up their asses
Not really. Kemp is the outfield for one year at 21 mil
Puig with his arm and antics
Wood, I’m not sure how well he will fair in a hitters park and division. He was good in the west but the west has 3 large parks
If anything what they should have done first was work on pitching
But that’s my opinion
Remember when all the Pirates fans said they were tanking after they traded McCutchen for a great return and they were buyers at the deadline? Lol I’ve got a bunch of them screen shotted they should have their posting privileges revoked.
This is an actual horrible move by Andrew Friedman when the Dodgers need a top of the line starting pitcher & bullpen help. — Homer Bailey is not a top of the line pitcher & does nothing to help the bullpen & all this BS of a trade does is weaken the pitching staff & takes away another veteran presence on the team in Kemp
Thankfully, you’re not in LA’s front office
Trade for Kluber…….but it’s gonna cost dearly.
How do you figure the Dodgers need another top of the line starter? Buehler,Kershaw,Ryu,Hill is pretty good. I would say they have bigger needs at 2nd,catcher, and bullpen.
MLB network is praising the Dodgers and destroying the Reds. And apparently the prospect the Dodgers got back is now apparently a future Hall of famer… Typical. Smh
Yeah well, it’s a good trade for the Reds. Must be exciting to have ownership that is committed to upgrading. In Pittsburgh, we drop veterans with average salaries to get utility players from Cleveland and scrap heap pitchers from the Padres. What a joke
Lol I’m not a fan of either team but the moves or non moves the pirates have done are way better than what the reds just pulled off. Simpleton fans think teams are win any trades when they get the established players.
You have no idea what you’re talking about. it’s not like the Reds gave up Hunter Green or anyone in their top 8. We’re talking about a guy who’s still in single A and a pitcher who just stsrted pitching in the last 3 years. This will do nothing to damage the Reds in the future because they still have plenty If prospects left, plus the 7th pick and a competitive balance pick. Plus, if they do end up competing, they would get draft picks from whoever signs Puig and Wood.
Do everyone a favor and just follow the Yankees or whatever big market club that seem to dominate espn headlines, because you clearly haven’t followed the Reds.
At some point they have to start at least trying to compete. This move already adds to a top ten offense, and gives them a solid piece in the rotation. I think the Reds will surprise a lot of people this year.
The Reds finished 8th in the NL in runs per game and they play half their games in a band box. They are closer to a bottom 10 offense.
this move is 100% about clearing room for Harper and perhaps adding a starting pitcher as well. Dodgers got what they want. do not understand it from the Reds side of things…In a tough division, not sure how bringing in these short contract veterans and giving up prospects makes sense. Enjoy 4th place!
Lol that MLB Network thinks they’re important.
Puig and Turner Ward reunited!!!
Would like this deal much more if the Dodgers were able to get Garrett.
Man the Reds really want to win between 76-79 games for some reason. But the simpletons yelling collusion love teams making god awful deals like this because teams acquire these expensive terrible veterans appear to be trying to win. When in reality that’s not how you win in today’s mlb.
Kemp will be missed but Puig won’t. His numbers didn’t justify him acting like a clown. He never lived up to the hype. Even though certain Dodgers fans and media will try to make you think differently. Puig is an average baseball player and I’ve been wanting him gone for years.
Yeah you’re in the minority
You might think that the dodgers could get much more than a few prospects, one is very good, for Wood, Puig, and Kemp.
I am shaking my head.
Not when they’re paying another team to take tens of millions of dollars off their hands.
Puig is going to miss being in LA. Hopefully for Bell’s sake he buys in
The big story here is now Bailey is free to sign another cringe-worthy contract with the Reds.
Reds simply didn’t want another year of Homer Bailey, and can you blame them, guy is 9-26 6.29 ERA since coming back from surgery! Instead, they get a year of Puig/Kemp/Wood combo(also flip-able at the deadline as rentals) for like 10/mil more than they were already giving Homer B.(who won 1 game in 20 starts last season) plus 2 solid prospects 3 years away from majors! Makes at least some sense to me, especially if they can re-stock those prospects they lost(who I like) later down the road! Dodgers deal from surplus, get some luxury tax relief and possibly put themselves in-play for Harper(or Pollack), and more future asset ammo for Realmuto or Kluber trades, giving them more payroll flexibility to do what they really want! Fun Deal, and It didn’t Involve either Tampa OR Jerry DiPoto(or Both…LOL)
Who will be the dodgers starting outfield (don’t include Harper) and the two backups?
Bells in LF, AJ Pollock in CF & Verdugo in RF
Without trading Verdugo, it looks like Pederson, Bellinger, Verdugo. With a mix of Toles, Taylor, and Kikè. I don’t think Verdugo necessarily fits on this team as a tweener, and I think he’s a guy that gets moved. I don’t think they sign Harper either. So you’re looking at Pederson, Taylor, Bellinger combo to start the year with a Toles, Kikè, platoon/bench bat.
LA needs to stay away from Harper. Maybe AJ Pollock for CF, Realmuto @ C, Kluber #2 behind Buehler.
“The cash included in the swap from Los Angeles, then, will almost completely even out these salaries”
I think this sentence would read a lot better without “then” surrounded by commas. Like this for example:
“The cash included in the swap from Los Angeles will then completely even out those salaries”
Also I think “though” is unnecessary in this sentence. It confuses me slightly. I don’t know if you’re saying “on the other hand, Bailey only represents” because it contradicts what you just said the sentence before? The two statements don’t seem to negate each other.
“Bailey, though, only represents a $17.5MM hit for luxury tax purposes, while Kemp is a $20MM CBT piece”
Thanks for your opinions on all things unrelated to baseball .
Someone’s gotta defend the English language. He’s got a point though, those sentences confused me too.
Time to ask for a refund for your free instant breakdown of baseball news.
I love this trade, even though we gave away two pretty strong youngsters. It clearly sends a message that Williams is in win now mode. If we sign Dallas, the Reds will be very dangerous in 2019. Desclafani as a 5th starter? Yeah, that’s the look I want to see!
Dallas K
Alex W
Luis C
Tanner R
Anthony D
The Salary difference in 19 is 11.8M more for the Reds, and if you consider they would have payed homer an additional 5M in 20, then it’s a 2 year net cost of 6.8 Million. That is huge. The Reds should still be able to get Dallas, based off of their expected budget increase for 2019.
I think the Reds are still looking at fourth place but good for them for trying to field a competitive team rather than just packing it in.
Maybe this helps them convince Keuchel to sign. Then the Reds start to look legit.
But with the East as strong as it is only one team, at most, is making the WC game from the Central. Gonna be awfully tough for the Reds to jump two of CHC, MIL and STL. And their reward would be a single road playoff game.