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Reds Acquire Kemp, Puig & Wood From Dodgers For Homer Bailey, Prospects

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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.

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Comments

      • 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

          12

        • 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.

          1

      • 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

        1

    • 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.

      3

    • 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.

      1

    • 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

      10

      • Has he really said he wants to play there though ? I need quotes lol

        8

        • dodgerblue.com/mlb-free-agent-rumors-bryce-harper-…

          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

          3

        • @Yankeepatriot “I really want to play for the Dodgers.” -Bryce Harper

          3

        • Any times an article starts off with “.blah blah blah alleges….” makes me automatically skeptic.

          1

        • 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!

          7

        • 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

          1

        • 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.

          1

        • 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!!

        • dodgerblue.com/mlb-free-agent-rumors-bryce-harper-…

          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

          1

      • And people said he also said he wanted to be a Yankee. No one knows, only the players

        5

      • He’s also said he’s wanted to be a yankee since he was 10

        6

        • 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.

        4

        • You got that right man….its always about the money…..he’ll sign with however pays him the most coin….PERIOD!

          1

    • GETTING HARPER IT IS SO FREAKING OBVIOUS GET READY FOR A 40 MILLION AAV 5-7 YEARS!!

    • Dodgers got a decent prospect haul for just a salary dump. No issue here

      7

      • 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.

        1

      • 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.

        1

    • Prob Gennett and puig if I had to take a guess and maybe some pitchers as well

  17. Everyone on the Dodgers except Kershaw for everyone on the Reds except Votto. What a blockbuster.

    3

  18. 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?

    3

    • With one year left on his contract puig is sure to go to cinci. Maybe the reds closer is involved too

      2

    • I’m guessing the Dodgers are dumping payroll to sign Harper…

      7

      • 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?

        • 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

          1

  19. 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.

    2

    • 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.

      1

  22. If Puig is traded, there goes Yanks’ chances at Harper…

    Need a Christmas miracle.

    3

      • Does it matter if I believed it was posturing? Negotiating ploy? Waving the proverbial white flag…

        3

    • 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.

      5

      • 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.

        3

      • 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.

        3

  24. Frazier, Florial, and Ellsbury for Clayton Kershaw. Get it done, Cashman!

    1

    • took Cashman 2 weeks to decide if he was going to give Happ a third year, dont think thats getting done, pal

      2

    • That would have been too much for the Yankees. I’m sure they have the next Cy young somewhere in their system

      1

      • I think it was a mistake for the Yanks to trade Justus Sheffield. He will be a stud

        1

  27. Guessing Kemp could head to the reds. Could be an attempt by the dodgers to clear salary and sign Harper.

    2

  28. 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.

    1

  32. It’s gotta involve Homer Bailey and probably either Matt Kemp or Puig

  33. 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.

  34. 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.

  38. 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. ;-)

  39. Puig, Kemp and Wood for Bailey, Gennett and Barnett. Plus minor leaguers sprinkled in. LA then trades Barnett and Verdugo to Miami for Realmuto.

    1

  45. 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.

  46. 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.

      1

      • Don’t think Manny is going to PHI. He’s hinted that New York is where he wants to sign.

  47. Wood is decent, the rest is GIGO: Garbage in, garbage out.

    2

    • We got rid of homer while getting three guys who will be paid mostly by the dodgers as well

      2

    • congrats on continuing to be a NL central doormat i guess

      2

      • “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?

        7

        • what a joke. yeah, wood was the missing piece in the rotation. enjoy sucking

          1

      • 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.

        2

        • 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?

          1

        • 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.

      3

      • All three can be flipped at the deadline if Reds are out of it by then…

        6

        • you’re not getting much for a half season of those bums

          1

        • 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

          1

    • Yep, just by adding Wood and subtracting Bailey…happy days…

      2

  52. 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.

      • 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.

        4

        • 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.

          1

        • 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?

          1

        • Yes only cubs will have key injuries . All other teams will stay healthy and have career years . Keep wishing

  54. 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

    2

    • 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.

      5

    • Puig wanted to be traded. He doesn’t like being a platoon player. This was widely reported all off-season.

      1

    • It’s a chess move. How does Homer Bailey AND Bryce Harper sound for a return? That’s what this deal is really about.

      1

      • Sure paying 40 mill for 1 player that puts up mediocre numbers? Would rather have kluber and realmuto.

        2

        • 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.

          3

  56. This only confirma that the dodgers will pay higher for Harper. What ya think??? 0_0

  58. Harper to LA. Bound to happen, but is it the right move for them?

  59. 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?

    10

    • Watch the reds go after Dallas and whatnot and try for a wild card spot ( won’t be enough but still)

      1

      • 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.

        1

    • 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?

      4

      • 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

        1

        • 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.

          3

        • 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.

        • 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

          1

      • 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?

        2

        • 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.

    • 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.

      4

    • 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.

      5

  60. 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

  61. 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.

    3

    • The rest of this opinion aside, Aaron Hicks is far from “average at best.” He’s a fantastic center fielder.

      5

    • 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 ?

      9

    • 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.

      1

    • 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.

  62. 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.

    1

    • I don’t expect muncy to repeat last season to be honest. I think Cody has a better year than 2018 though

      2

    • 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

      1

  63. 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.

    2

  64. Josiah Gray traded on his birthday! Wonder how often that’s happebed.

    1

  65. Turner Ward and Yasiel Puig’s love story will not be denied.

    4

  67. Harper incoming. Has to be. Makes too much sense after this move clearing outfielders and payroll.

  68. Bold prediction: Jeter Downs will be included to sweeten an offer to the Indians for Kluber

    2

  69. 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.

    1

    • 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.

      1

      • $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

          1

  71. Bailey about as garbage as they come. Should just be outright released by the Dodgers, not even worth a roster spot

    1

  72. literally looks like garbage was traded for garbage. Except wood, hes a solid arm

    2

    • said the same thing and got downvoted by losers of both fanbases

      2

      • well its true. Kemp of 2011 would be different but not now lol

        1

        • Matt Kemp of 2018 had an OPS+ of 122. Man, that dude sucks. Puig had 121

          3

        • 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.

          1

    • 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.

  73. 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?

    2

    • 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?!

        1

        • The prospects they gave up won’t affect them, the important thing is they still hold onto Senzel and Trammel while adding Wood…

          2

        • for one season that they arent in contention. not like he’s an ace or anything with tons of trade value

          1

        • wont affect them? Scout on Downs: “Jeter Downs a stud….don’t care what he is ranked…future all-star.”

          3

        • 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…

          1

    • 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

      2

      • Again, they arent in contention for 2019. SO why give away prospects for 1 year of what they got?

        1

        • 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.

          2

        • 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.

          1

    • 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).

      4

      • Scout on Downs: “Jeter Downs a stud….don’t care what he is ranked…future all-star.”

        1

      • 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.

  74. 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.

  75. 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).

    1

  76. 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…

    2

    • 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.

    • 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.

      1

    • 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…

      1

  77. Been a big fan of Wood from his time with the Braves. Hope he does good in Cincy

  79. Kemp is what. $22mm for two more years, Puig $5.5Mm and Wood is over $6mm. Bailey is $19mm. So, Dodgers sign Harper?

    • 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.

        • kemp and 7MM = bailey. Dodgers don’t have to pay puig and wood for 2019 – approx $20MM. You are both wrong

          2

        • 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

          1

        • 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)

          1

        • 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.

          2

  80. 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.

    2

    • 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.

  81. 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).

    4

    • As much as it makes sense to go and dump Kemp, they failed to dump Harvey for whatever reason. Dont bank on it

  83. Puig, Kemp, and wood for Josiah Gray, Jeter Downs, Bailey and PTBN and international bonus money.

  84. 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.

    2

    • 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.

      1

      • If the Dodgers make a trade with Cleveland, Verdugo would likely be involved.

        2

  85. 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.

    2

  86. 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

  87. 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.

    1

  89. 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.

    3

    • 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.

      1

    • It wasn’t just money, it was also about roster space. 2 less outfielders to juggle around.

      1

    • 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.

      2

      • 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

        4

      • If you think Harper is arbitration eligible you need to inform yourself before you post.

        3

      • 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

    • 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?

      3

      • 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.

        2

        • 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.

          1

  91. 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

      2

  92. So when Wood and Puig become FA, the Reds would get draft picks; as, I assume, they both would reject the qualifying offer. Correct?

    2

  93. 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.

    • 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…

  95. 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.

    1

      • Either or would still make it a good deal for the Dodgers and Manny would not stop the lemmings from crying salary dump either :)

        1

  97. Ugh….Puig. Glad to see Bailey get moved on…but Puig?? Hopefully, Reds FO has another place to flip that over-priced headcase…

    3

    • He has his thumb up his ……………………………………..

      1

  99. 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

    2

    • 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.

      6

      • Are you kidding me? They are the fifth best team in a 5 team division

        3

        • They’ve addressed their two biggest weaknesses this offseason. Their rotation and their OF.

          Now they sign Keuchel and they have a solid rotation.

          3

      • 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.

        1

        • 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.

          1

  100. 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.”

  101. Surprised the Harper signing didn’t happen seconds after this deal happened

    3

    • another uninformed poster. dodgers only saved about $7M

      2

      • It’s less about money as the Dodgers reset their luxury tax, and more about an OF spot for a potential superstar in LA

        1

      • 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

        2

        • 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.

          2

        • 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

          4

  102. 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.

    2

  103. If we don’t sign Bryce Harper, or get Kluber, or sign another good reliever like Britton we need a new GM. SMH.

    • 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

      1

  107. 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.

    2

    • If I were a Yankee fan: Frazier to the Reds for Scooter, Winker, Senzel, Trammel and Garrett straight up…

  109. 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.

    1

  110. 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.

    2

  111. 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?

    3