JANUARY 29: Bob Nightengale of USA Today has further details on the contract (Twitter links).
Pollock receives a $12MM signing bonus followed by salaries of $1MM, $12MM, $15MM, and $10MM. That sums up to $50MM over four years.
The 2023 player option can escalate up to $15MM if he takes 600 plate appearances in the season prior and can move all the way to $20MM based upon the 2022 MVP voting.
Pollock could alternatively opt out after the third campaign — and keep his $5MM buyout — if he reaches one thousand total plate appearances in 2020 and 2021 or if he tallies 1,450 from 2019 through 2021.
The deal also includes a $1.5MM assignment bonus, per Jon Heyman of Fancred (via Twitter).
JANUARY 26: The Dodgers added a big piece to their new-look outfield by officially signing free agent outfielder A.J. Pollock, to a four-year contract. The Excel Sports Management client receives a $60MM guarantee.
Pollock stands to pick up an opt-out opportunity after the 2021 season if he reaches plate-appearance thresholds. If he stays past that point, the deal will pay him $50MM over its four promised campaigns. There’s also a player option for a fifth season. Pollock will choose between a $10MM salary (which can also escalate further) and a $5MM buyout for the 2023 campaign.
Pollock hit .257/.316/.484 with 21 homers and 61 runs scored over 460 plate appearances with the Diamondbacks last season. Between these numbers at the plate and a solid defensive showing (+6 Defensive Runs Saved, though a -1.6 UZR/150 for his first negative UZR/150 total in six years), it was a decent platform year for Pollock as he entered the free agent market, despite downward trends in his swinging strike and contract rates.
The biggest issue, however, was that Pollock had another lengthy stint on the disabled list, missing roughly six weeks due to a fractured thumb. This makes it four out of five seasons that Pollock has missed significant time, with a laundry list of injuries (fractured thumb, broken hand, groin strain, and a fractured elbow that sidelined him for much of 2016). It was during his one healthy season, 2015, that Pollock exhibited his high ceiling, hitting .315/.367/.498 over 673 PA, while also racking up 20 homers, 39 steals, a Gold Glove, and his lone All-Star appearance.
With this injury history in mind, perhaps it isn’t surprising that Pollock wasn’t able to land the $80MM contract he reportedly sought at the start of the offseason, despite a solid amount of interest from the Reds, Mets, Braves, and Astros at various points this winter. MLB Trade Rumors projected Pollock to land a four-year, $60MM contract in our Top 50 Free Agents rankings, with Pollock ranked eighth in the Top 50 list.
Pollock was linked to the Dodgers earlier this week, and his signing helps solidify a Dodgers outfield that already underwent one shakeup when Yasiel Puig and Matt Kemp were traded to the Reds. While Pollock could end up seeing time as a corner outfielder depending on how the Dodgers shuffle their versatile lineup, the expectation is that Pollock will spend the large majority of his time in his usual center field position, flanked by some combination of Chris Taylor, Max Muncy, Cody Bellinger, Enrique Hernandez, Joc Pederson, Andrew Toles, and/or top prospect Alex Verdugo in left and right field. Perhaps more importantly than just his position, Pollock also gives the Dodgers an everyday right-handed bat to help balance out their lefty-heavy lineup.
Perhaps just as notably, adding Pollock would seem to put to rest any chance of Bryce Harper landing in the Los Angeles outfield. The Dodgers were long seen as potential suitors for Harper, particularly after they cleared some extra payroll space in the Puig/Kemp trade. Adding approximately $12MM in average annual value on Pollock’s reported contract terms, however, would keep L.A. slightly under the $206MM Competitive Balance Tax threshold, as per Roster Resource’s calculations of the Dodgers’ salary commitments.
This doesn’t mean the Dodgers ultimately won’t end up crossing the luxury tax line this winter, depending on what other moves could still be in the offing. (For instance, Nightengale reports that the team is in “intensive ongoing talks” with the Marlins about J.T. Realmuto.) Given the Dodgers’ reported reluctance to again cross the CBT line, however, they could only surpass the $206MM threshold by a minimal amount. Spending between $206MM and $226MM would subject the Dodgers to only a first-timer penalty of a 20% tax on every dollar spent in overage, so it could be that $226MM is the real barrier for the team this offseason, and they could then duck back under the $206MM line next offseason once some big contracts come off the books.
Since Pollock rejected the Diamondbacks’ qualifying offer and signed a deal for more than $50MM, Arizona will receive a compensatory draft pick that will fall after the first round of next summer’s draft. The D’Backs have already received such a compensation pick when Patrick Corbin signed with the Nationals, giving Arizona a whopping six picks in the first 79 (or so, depending on what other compensatory picks are awarded) selections in the draft.
For signing a qualifying offer free agent, the Dodgers give up $500K from their international draft bonus pool, as well as their second-highest selection in the 2019 draft. That pick will be the 31st overall selection, which the Dodgers received as compensation for failing to sign 2018 draft pick J.T. Ginn.
The Athletic’s Ken Rosenthal was the first to report (via Twitter) on an agreement between the two sides, with USA Today’s Bob Nightengale reporting the four-year contract length and Fancred Sports’ Jon Heyman (Twitter link) noting the deal was worth at least $55MM. ESPN.com’s Buster Olney (Twitter link) had the specifics on Pollock’s contract breakdown and the player option details.
Photo courtesy of USA Today Sports Images
bigalcathey
4yr 60mill??
soxsam32
You were soooo close
joshua.barron1
So in all it’s 3/45mm, 4/55mm, or 5/60-70mm depending on his health/performance both early and later in the deal. Not a bad contract at all for the Dodgers
RunDMC
So does this unofficially take LAD out of any hope of getting Harper? I would assume there’s more possibility in trading for Realmuto if MIA is interested in a package deal including Pedersen as a secondary piece – Ruiz being the main piece.
RIPprosports
Dodgers were never signing Harper
socraticgadfly
I assume the $1M salary this year, but big bonus, is for cap reasons, since the bonus counts over the life of the contract for cap purposes, IIRC?
And, how many other teams are going to try to get more creative with bonuses like this?
HoochieCoochieMan
The Dodgers did not want or need another left-handed bat. They weren’t going after Harper,especially at his asking price.
czontixhldr
Agree. Was the Harper/Boras initial ask something like the MLBTR estimate of 14/420?
Personally I don’t think that there’s any team that wants that on its books for a guy who has only averaged 132 games/season.
I wonder how far, if any, the ask has come down.
HoochieCoochieMan
I have never seen the figure that Boras/Harper were asking. Even as an opening gambit, I can’t believe they’d ask for 14.
RunDMC
Maybe so, but there’s always a possibility with the wealthiest team in MLB and one of the top FA. They’ve been connected to him since the beginning and I’m just interested in the domino effect it inevitably will have, and possibly bringing in new suitors.
sidewinder11
Stanton got 13 years. Can’t hurt to ask
billysbballz
This takes the Dodgers out of Stanton talks.
Blue_Painted_Dreams_LA
They were never in the Stanton talks.
kenleyfornia2
There were Stanton talks?
EndinStealth
No, there wasnt.
paddyo furnichuh
Was thinking just that. Maybe Ruiz, Pederson, and one of Jeter Downs, DJ Peters, or Yadier Alvarez.
greydoee
Yep pretty much
shibbynotdude
I think Dodger fans should pay attention to the fact that many of the Nationals hard core fans don’t even want Harper back. Bro didn’t even crack a 2 WAR
luclusciano
Great guess
todd76
They still have Dave Roberts managing. Another lost season.
stretch123
Solid… maybe this would prompt Pederson or Toles and Ruiz + a lower prospect for Realmuto
khopper10
Pederson and Toles have vastly different values
stretch123
My point exactly. The third piece would vary as to what outfielder Marlins would get in a hypothetical deal. They’re insisting on an outfielder.
sandman12
Ruiz, Downs, and either Lux or Santana will do it.
Basebal101
I agree w most all of all of your posts including this one in theory. But I think Pederson or another OF”r would be a substitute based on he Marlins needs. My guess would be Ruiz, Barnes, Downs, Pederson.
paddyo furnichuh
I suspect the Dodgers will try to hold onto Lux after his great year.
seamaholic 2
Value works but I’m not sure why Marlins would want Pederson (not that he’s not a good player, just an odd get for a tear-it-down-to-the-studs rebuilding project.) Quite possibly in a 3 team arrangement though.
Daryl125
Solid player who could benefit from a low-pressure, regular playing time situation. Affordable contract and additional arb years remaining – Pederson could end up returning a lot more value to the Marlins at the deadline or even next offseason.
MahatmaGagne
Joc will go to the WhiteSox in a three team deal
larry48
not Ruiz, he should be untouchable just like Bellinger!
stretch123
He’d be what would be required in a return. Either him or Verdugo as a headliner. Because no way in heck do I expect Dodgers to give up Dustin May for two years of JTR. Verdugo or Ruiz, I can see though.
Swinging Friars
The way the Dodgers keep adding outfielders…..Will Toles or Verdugo ever get their shot??
Seems like they may as well be trade bait
lowtalker1
There’s a reason roles gets thrown around like that
Attitude
lowtalker1
Toles
Swinging Friars
After 2 straight world series appearances…. Why not trade too much for JTR if it gives you 2 more legit shots? People like to clown on the Bills but every team in every sport would like a chance to lose 4 straight championships!
Boogaloo
If the dodgers were in the american league they wouldn’t even make the playoffs, lol.
SoxPow
Who is Will Toles?
norcalblue
Totally agree! Joc, Smith, Toles, a top 15 pitching prospect. We need to keep Ruiz. Realmuto is not needed
Padres458
No.
Michaelchavez22
If Ruiz is that good, they don’t need Realmuto. Trade for Kluber and ride with Martin and Barnes. Mid season, you possibly bring up Ruiz or Smith if they’re tearing up the minors.
nmendoza7
It’s complaining time from the Dodger fanbase.
Toakland
They’re too busy pretending that they’ve always been lifelong Rams fans to notice this signing.
kenleyfornia2
Like the Raiders are too busy paying Gruden 100 million instead of their superstar
yogineely
BOOM!!
Yelsnit
Your jealousy is hangin’ out.
AGAVE
Why do you need a complaint
tarheels23
This makes no sense.you trade puig and kemp for pollock so stupid.fans should be outraged big market team like dodgers and dont get harper or machado.im threw with them
larry48
Kemp -7 DRS and Puig -6 DRS Pollock +6 DRS. With Bellinger, Pollock and Verdugo outfield defense would be great. Taylor could sub for them for days off. Also dodgers got something for puig and kemp they are both free agents after 2019. Other wise they would not have gotten any thing.
Willy Mays
That’s true if Pollock plays. Not knowing opt out possibilities four years seems like too long to give a guy with the injury history of Pollock.And as for you getting back something what you basically got back was money since you also gave up Wood and Farmer for 2 meh prospects. You also got back a useless Homer Bailey at 23 mill this year and 5 mill next year
frankiegxiii
Didn’t Puig have 6DRS not -6?
Nick Stevens
Puig was a +6 DRS, not -6. He’s a +40 DRS in his career. He’s also 3 years younger than Pollock.
Fanof29teams
Wrong
Nick Stevens
who or what is “wrong?”
lukeintothedaze
I could be misreading but I think it says -9 DRS for Kemp..
Either way:
Kemp: 21 hr – 85 rbi 1.1 war
Puig: 23 hr – 63 rbi 2.7 war
Pollock: 21 hr – 65 rbi 2.5 war
Puig looked bad against lefties most of the season and wasn’t happy about them platoon him so this move helps prove depth to the lineup and improves the clubhouse if Pollock can remain healthy.
tv 2
it’s just the smallest upgrade. makes no sense. guys in la got way to into numbers and forgot to use their brain to
pr0ject2501
North Carolina graduate I see.
dray16
pollock > kemp & puig
jcutiger
If Pollock stays healthy, a big if.
gkrake
But that’s where the Dodgers take advantage of their strong depth. Pollock doesn’t have to perform with consistency every day to justify that contract. The Dodgers have plenty of guys to slot in should Pollock get injured, not to mention the ability to give him rest as needed. Shrewd move.
Willy Mays
That makes no sense.Get a player with an injury history so if/when he gets injured you have someone to back him up .Wouldn’t it have made more sense to keep Puig with a smaller one year contract and save money for other free agents either this year or next
DarkSide830
pollock is not better then both combined, especially if he gets injured again.
fox471 Dave
Puig was and is a pain.
Blue_Painted_Dreams_LA
Although I do get your point, the Dodgers do it differently. Pollock plays a premier position and presents a better fit than Puig, which is the whole point I think he was making. You can plug and play Pollock from top-middle of the lineup which you can’t really do with Puig. Puig’s inconsistencies vs LHP along with some of the smaller stuff also makes him a tough fit especially in a contract year. He wasn’t happy platooning, which is completely understandable, but he doesn’t present that much more of a difference offensively in terms of what they possess.
Pollock is basically a gamble a team with great depth & money can make. The fact of the matter remains the Dodgers have an absolute abundance of corner positional players, LH, that can mash so losing Puig isn’t much of drop off when considering all the other factors. If you look at it from the farm perspective, they don’t have legitimate CF options that are even close or foreseeably close(and no Verdugo is not an everyday CF in the NL West). They don’t need Pollock to play 140+ games, but the skill set that he does possess at a premier position is what the Dodgers are betting on. Idk it has always felt as though Pollock is more so snake bit that actually injury prone. A broken hand, broken thumb, groin it’s not as though they scream degenerative injuries that one can exactly predict.
tv 2
yes but if pollok is a 7 then puig is a 6.25
Jockstrapper
Great. They need fans who spell better.
tv 2
ok Jesus
RIPprosports
@tarheel crybaby
Peace!
yogineely
Later poser
fox471 Dave
Bye! Miss you already.
mkeving
From a dodger fan I dig the signing
MahatmaGagne
Yasiel Puig career 18.6 WAR
AGE 28
GMS 712
Hits 686
HR 108
2B 129
3B 19
SB 60
AVG .279
OBP .353
OPS .831
1 X ALLSTAR
Pitchers bp
AJ Pollock career 20 WAR
AGE 31
GMS 637
Hits 640
HR 74
2B 144
3B 29
SB 103
AVG .281
OBP .338
OPS .805
1 GG
1 X All STAR
Who played in the hitters bp?
Nick Stevens
Pollock played in the hitter’s park. What is your point with these stats? To prove Puig hit better in a tougher hitting park?
BrewCrew1302
Bryce to LA officially out. He will be a Philly
HubcapDiamondStarHalo
I was just about to say, “strike the Dodgers from the ‘mystery team’ lists!”
Harvey Wallbanger
Thank you lord! Don’t want Harper in LA!
tarheels23
Are you crazy.you would rather have somebody that is hurt all the time than to have somebody that is going to give you 30 to 40 homeruns a year.wow
petfoodfella
Except he’s only hit 40 once, and 30 twice. And really, 2015 was not the norm for him – so you could even make the case to discount that season.
I’d rather have the $$ flexibility than Harper when you already have 7 players for 3 spots.
Swinging Friars
Interesting argument developing here…. Currently I like this signing but am shocked that Harper didn’t end up a Dodger
I’m not sure that any bad can be found in only hitting over 30 hr’s in 3 seasons, the guy is just about to turn 26.. My guess is that is his main argument for being paid
I think LA is one of the few markets that could have really maximized Harper’s star power. And with that young core they have it would have been great to have a guy there to take the attention, let the younger guys grow without all the stress that comes with playing in a big market
Lefty Grove’s right hand
Maybe he is a giants fan?
Basebal101
No, he understands baseball way better then you apparently. Stick to your day job.
Basebal101
Harper’s numbers have plummeted since teams began imposing the shift on him2 years ago. He’s shown no signs of being able to adapt. That’s why the Dodger’s didn’t spend big on him.
leftcoaster
Yep. Me too
david klein
More likely them wanting to be under the luxury tax.
Priggs89
“Plumetted” to a ~.900 OPS. Oh the horror.
jaysfan1994
@Mack83 And Stanton’s only hit 40+ homers once but he so happened to hit 59 but he was on pace to hit 50+ in 2012 and 2015 but injuries kept him away from those easy targets… These things are easily possible for him in the future when he’s kept healthy by DHing as much as he is.
Same thing can be applied to Harper, if a team liked what JD Martinez did last year by staying healthy for the first time in his career because of DHing then they should look at what a healthy Harper can do which is average 40 bombs over 162 games and post a 1.000OPS like he was going to in 2017 and did in 2015.
MahatmaGagne
Los Angeles Rays
pr0ject2501
Why?
cysoxsale
Bryce will be a national. manny will be with LAD, LAA, NYY, BOS, NYM OR PHI.
White sox get nobody because they dont care
Begamin
are you sure thats where manny will go? might as well list the rest of teams that make up the MLB (+add in some korean teams)
Willy Mays
Really the Mets and LAA are more realistic then the White Sox. You must be smoking some very good weed
Swinging Friars
wouldn’t that be something….. Get a hot box going at the gm meetings! Would love to see that hot stove unfold
Yal
Mets are not, and were not, a realistic landing spot for Machado.
⚾The Heater from Van Meter⚾
Me too, I’ll bring a keg of Sculpin IPA, In-N-Out and we are set.
yogineely
You sound like Paul heyman listing all those teams
rs04071318
Manny to Boston? Absolutely no chance.
seamaholic 2
Nah. Still got my money on Machado to Phils, Bryce either back to WAS or someplcae out of the blue.
dray16
personally i think there’s a better chance the phils sign harper than machado
kenly0
Exactly what I think. Machado to the Phillies and Harper back to the Nats.
StlSwifty
Stl still looks like an ideal landing spot for Harper but his market would have to come crashing down for the cards to entertain a contract like he wants.
KG25Baseball
WOOOOO LETS GO!! Been waiting for the dodgers to make a deal with someone!
larry48
Really like the signing, La dodgers defense should be a lot better in 2019.
Willy Mays
Can you play defense from the hospital and rehab?
yogineely
Haha, I hate you for this comment, but man that’s good
canocorn
No, but you can get the good edibles.
kenleyfornia2
Really dont like this. He hit like Babe Ruth vs the Dodgers last year. Not great vs everyone else
Cat Mando
.301/.354/.753 against the Dodgers yet only .176/.222/.441 at Dodgers stadium
murphydog
OUCH!
Cat Mando
murphydog……………It’s a really weird split
HubcapDiamondStarHalo
Wow. That’s an ugly split.
larry48
Dodgers pitching and game plan worked. Check what Bryant and Harper hit against Dodgers pitching and game plan.
Cat Mando
Well it looks like it only worked with AJ in LA…career splits vs. Dodgers .291/.352/.532 and at Dodger Stadium .220/.269/.384
dodgerfan
Those numbers seem extreme. Makes me wonder who he was facing at Dodger stadium
tarheels23
True
Basebal101
Bam. All that s talking and what I said was going to happen did. Dodger’s knew exactly what they were doing here and it worked out perfectly. Apology accepted.
kenleyfornia2
You said adding Harper would be dumb. I told you adding a 26 year ond in his prime is not. Nothing has changed
Basebal101
I said the Dodger’s know adding Harper was dumb and that AJ would be a better fit.
bigalcathey
First
Joe Kerr
or 7th, 1 of the 2
Swinging Friars
almost made it
luclusciano
So close
HubcapDiamondStarHalo
And yet so far.
justinept
Are you Big Al Cathey- or a bi gal named Cathey?
yogineely
Haha
BrewCrew1302
hes first. Any money hes single
teddyballgame 2
Ugh. Just like when Johnny Damon went from the Red Sox to the Yankees, albeit on a much smaller scale.
Michael Chaney
Literally the only similarity is that they both signed with teams in the same division. That happens all the time.
Begamin
Nah its just like that time Roger Clemens signed with the Yankees… only the scale, positions, and everything else was different
(i’m also being sarcastic)
TreyMancini
It’s like the time Steve Pearce signed with….literally any AL east team
Begamin
now that 1:1 reminds me of the time Angels drafted Trout!!!!!
yogineely
It’s like that one time Cesar izturis signed with every nl central team
MWeller77
It’s like when Edmonton traded Gretzky to the Kings
fox471 Dave
Not interesting when you have to explain it. Funny until then.
scullycap
Maybe in the mind of AZ fans. SF to LA would be a different story.
david klein
Interested to know how many years he got guessing three years. He’s a huge injury risk but the Dodgers have lots of depth to cover his dl stints.
khopper10
If this is a 1 year deal, the internet is going to explode
Swinging Friars
Wow
Really thought Harper was the actual target. Did they get Pollock for half the $$ & half the years that Harper was seeking?
JrodFunk5
Probably less than half for both.
cysoxsale
he probably means half the years and half of aav. he is guessing, then, 5 years 80 million. seems more tha reasonable
natelowda2
I’m sure it was less then half of what Harper wants. This guy has had many injuries. But I’m sure he will turn it around.
Swinging Friars
That had to be one hell of a discount. I like Pollock, but Harper seems like a good fit up there near Hollywood. That Dodger team could have really used a fanboy like Harper to take all the pressure off of the other guys
Swinging Friars
Damn, cheaper than Puig too!
Now this makes a ton of sense, great signing
SoxPow
yes, Bryce was asking for 10 years, 125 million
Swinging Friars
Pollock at that rate should in no way take them out of the Harper running.
My initial thought was that they would be paying good money for Pollock… Maybe a trade or two is needed but this signing leaves a lot of room for more
fox471 Dave
Not 125 million!
fox471 Dave
Yes.
tsolid 2
ETA on first DL stint??
Nick Stevens
May 1st
AngelDiceClay
Right after the National Anthem Opening Day
Monkey’s Uncle
Yesterday
xmadxtiox
Wait, is he off the D/L?
Bunselpower
When he gets up from the table after signing his contract.
Knowthemarket
Okay, this one’s the best. So ROFL! Stands up, trips on a table leg, falls down a flight of stares, rolls out the building, stops in the street and gets hit by a car, while a horde of farel cats finish off the smoldering remains of A.J. Pollock.
Ozzie Torres
Dodgers always being Dodgers. No matter what, they need to sign free agents every year! And the other season, swapping him to another team, and loosing money, of course.
Blue_Painted_Dreams_LA
Why does it matter quite honestly. They are trying to win a championship, and it’s not even like they’re a team that’s lived at the top of market. Condemning a team for trying to win is a fresh one.
tarheels23
This makes no sense
Rickey O'Sunnyvale
Makes a lot of sense. Pollock adds a right-handed bat and significantly improves defense in CF. Bellinger is pushed back to 1B where he belongs, again improving defense. Muncy is pushed to 2b, improving offense over last year with defense about the same. Lots of options for corner outfielders and Harper still a possibility if the Dodgers really want him.
gkrake
OR
Bellinger stays in Center, Pollock in LF and Verdugo in RF. Muncy/Freese at 1B and Kike/Taylor at 2B.
fox471 Dave
Why doesn’t anything ever make sense to folks from North Carolina?
Ozzie Torres
I think that one better way, is spend resources on finding FA with better chances to contribute to the team, like the Pirates or Athletics does. The Dodgers have the money that others teams don’t have, and waste it shopping names, no players.
frankiegxiii
A lot of those no name players have panned out, some even made it to the all star game (Justin Turner), almost threw a perfect game (Rich Hill), participated in the HR Derby (Max Muncy), finished the season with a 1.97 ERA albeit in 15 starts (Hyun Jin Ryu), finished the season with ERA’s in the low twos (Joe Blanton-2.48, Brandon Morrow-2.06 and Dylan Floro-2.25). The Dodgers DO use their resources to trade for players or sign free agents that contribute to the team, in fact they’re pretty damn good at it.
fox471 Dave
Well, yeah. There is that.
Adam6710
A lot of fans would love to have an ownership willing to spend on free agents.
Priggs89
A lot of owners would love to make as much money as the Dodgers.
vtadave
Ozzie – All teams sign free agents. Dodgers haven’t really dipped into the free agent market much lately.
steelehere83
What free agents have they signed every year that stand out from most teams middle of the road signings.? They haven’t had a big name splash since this new ownership group took over.
If you’re taking trades, that’s a different story.
Nick Stevens
I really wonder what some teams are thinking when they make moves like this?
Ryan W
What would you have done as the Dodgers gm?
Nick Stevens
Not my job to be Dodgers GM. But giving this glass slipper a 4 year deal is stupid.
MiserablePadreFan
Great signing by the Doyers. They’ll get 90 games of production every year from this brittle glass vase of a players.
MahatmaGagne
Pollock’s gonna sneeze and hit the DL
canocorn
Gesundheit.
Thronson5
Nice! No Harper but we needed a right hand bat. I personally would rather have Puig and Kemp but I’m still happy with this signing. Figuring he will split time with Bellinger in Center, Verdugo will play RF and Munch mostly handle first base with Bellinger getting some time in there also. Looking forward to seeing what Verdugo can do with a opportunity in the bigs unless they aren’t done making moves. We shall see.
Nick Stevens
He’ll split time between the doctor’s office, the physical therapy office, and CF.
Begamin
does he hi-five ellsbury on his way out the office?
HubcapDiamondStarHalo
If he does, they’ll both get re-injured.
president donald j. trump
no, they hi-five as they walk past each other at the bank
fox471 Dave
Got it. You love the trade, Nick.
teddyballgame 2
Pollock is the everyday CF when healthy.
petfoodfella
Which isn’t often.
HalosHeavenJJ
Wow. He’s really good when healthy. Could be a big move for the trolley dodgers.
Nick Stevens
David Wright was really good when healthy too.
david klein
Really great you mean.
Begamin
Babe Ruth was really good when he was alive
canocorn
I was really good-looking, … prior to my birth.
baseballhobo
He loved hookers!
Prospectnvstr
Which he are you referring to? David Wright, Babe Ruth, or the “i was good looking before my birth ” guy?
baseballhobo
The Babe because I spoke in the past tense.
Priggs89
You do realize people don’t have to be dead to talk about them in the past tense, right?
Yal
Man…why you gotta make me cry…
WalkerBuehlerFan
Things will be a lot more interesting when he goes to Chase Field haha! Maybe I should book a trip.
c1234
I would rather have Puig than Pollock
imindless
I would rather have pollock.
larry48
piug -7 DRS Pollock +5 DRS check it out
c1234
Check out how much pollock has played over the years
frankiegxiii
Looks like they both had 6DRS last season, with Puig’s coming from RF and Pollock’s in CF, where are you getting these stats?
Nick Stevens
Larry48, you need your eyes checked.
fox471 Dave
Whatever for?
Mike415
I’d guess around 5/60
HubcapDiamondStarHalo
I’ll go with 4/60.
Mike415
I feel like this late in the off-season the deals are smaller either by aav or length or both (with the exception of Harper and Machado of course)
larry48
4 /60 with opt out and ability to earn more.
Juggy
Probably 2 stints on the DL in 2019. Good pick up but always hurt.
Soldierofgod619
Padres should counter by signing Machado to a 8 year deal. Dodgers do have plenty of depth on their team and Pollock is an above avg player when healthy.
Michael Chaney
The Padres should counter a short term signing of an injury-prone outfielder by spending $250 million?
Swinging Friars
Yes, strike at an opportune time!!
sheesh, tough crowd
larry48
Padres wont sign any body that changes anything. All padres do is say they are in on everybody and just try to get teams to pay more.
pr0ject2501
“Counter”? The padres aren’t even in the discussion with the Dodgers or the division.
norcalblue
I do hope you are right
Bald Vinny
12M per season will be a steal. Great sign by the Dodgers.
TheIncident
I don’t get it. Outside of his one good season 4 years ago, he’s been either injured or just okay. Is he really going to stay healthy now that’s he’s into his 30s? I’d much rather have Cain and pay an extra $4mil a season. And that’s not counting whatever incentives are in the deal.
kenleyfornia2
I am 100 percent certain they would have signed Cain if they werent trying to get under the tax last year
zachgwest
Dodgers need a star
canocorn
The place I ate last night needs four … (bhuuurpp).
Yal
Pollack ain’t a star. He has played 1.5 good seasons of baseball in his 7 year career.
megaj
You just described Harper
nymetsking
Where’s X? Surprised he’s not on here saying that this means Harper’s going to the Bronx.
Bald Vinny
Too busy buying his custom jersey to comment right now.
canocorn
M’kay.
HubcapDiamondStarHalo
SO many things have changed in regards to free agency in the past few years… It truly seems like another aspect has completely flip-flopped. Used to be the huge money guys got signed first, then teams filled in the spaces. Now, it seems to be the norm that the bargain hunting happens first, THEN the big cash guys get signed, almost as a last resort (or with whoever has cash left over).
Oh, these be strange days we live in!
Cuso
There it is. Harper not going to LA now.
Mike415
Heard it’s for 4/50 and partly because dbags would have received a comp pick between 1st and 2nd rounds if signing was <$50M
Swinging Friars
Which way does this signing push the pick? Do the escalators count and make it more than 50m so they get the better pick or does the guarantee keep it so the D-backs get pushed backwards?
Doug Dueck
Guys; this is from the story that you are commenting on. If you read you will get all the info you need:
The contract is a four-year deal “filled with incentives, escalators and opt-outs,” according to USA Today’s Bob Nightengale, with Fancred Sports’ Jon Heyman (Twitter link) reporting the price tag at more than $55MM.
Nick Stevens
The contract numbers weren’t posted on the original story. They were added after people were speculating on what it was.
Senioreditor
Guessing 4/60 or 3 + options
Bryzzo2016
I really thought this would be the ideal landing spot for Harper, BUT this is a pretty decent contract (value wise) from the Dodger’s perspective. A stud player if he stays healthy, I like the move.
bjhaas1977
I just heard a cheer 99 miles away in Philadelphia!
imindless
Pederson will be moved now mark my words. I still think one of kluber or realmuto will be on dodgers come opening day.
BlueSkyLA
Yup. Trading Pederson is probably the next move.
This is a good signing. The Dodgers now have four players who can handle all of the OF positions. This makes Pederson the clear odd man out.
larry48
Trade Tolles, Peterson and Barnes for JTR
BlueSkyLA
Possibly something along those lines, though don’t rule out a three-way deal that involves Pederson, Barnes and somebody else to get Realmuto.
RIPprosports
I agree. There’s another trade about to happen. They signed Pollock, traded for Martin, checked in on teams for Pederson, and now the next big move! My guess is JTR in blue.
trace
Good for another NL West title.
citizen
whats not to like about this? pollack has shown growth as a player. AJ knows the NL: west. He’s not over valued like harper. Puig needs a baby sitter, kemp had a good first half, decline in the 2nd half, mostly abscent from the playoffs except for a late inning pinch hitting role. Its an upgrade.
southbeachbully
I don’t see why people are so high on AJ? I thought we had a reset on overvaluing guys. He’s missed, on average, 80 games in each of the last 3 seasons. His glove has been positive but far from elite like it was in 2015. He hit’s a few homers but his BA/OBP are below all-star level. At age 31 why give him a 4 year deal? I could see if he was elite level offense but oft-injured. AJ is oft-injured and average at best. Poor use of funds imo.
citizen
above average in ops and slg %, not an over spend like heyward for the value of that contract either. not exactly rogers hornsby here, but value for money could be worth it.
BlueSkyLA
He has oft-broken bones. Three times, which is three more than most players experience in a full career. I am interested in hearing any theories about how breaking bones can be called a chronic medical condition.
Willy Mays
How has Pollock shown growth as a player. He hit a 315 and had an all star year 4 years ago.Since then he hasn’t hit better than 266.and has not been as good a player or healthy. Exactly what is your definition of growth.He put on weight?
azgrnwave
AJ only averages 100games/yr over career
Aaron Sapoznik
This all but eliminates the Dodgers as a destination for Bryce Harper. It also increases the chances that a Joc Pederson trade will materialize soon with the White Sox and Phillies as a possible landing spot, teams that were reported to be in on A.J. Pollock as a fallback option for Harper.
With Pollock no longer waiting on the Harper outcome to unfold, his signing with the Dodgers might actually have the counter effect of accelerating the market of the latter along with that of Manny Machado. I still see the Phillies and White Sox as the likely destinations of Harper and/or Machado.
macstruts
Why would anyone pay top dollar for Harper?
Is he an all-star type player, sure. But his WAR the last is 7th. So he’s not even a starting all-star outfielder.
He’s not a ten year gamble I’d want to make at 30 million a year. Give me the four year deal at 14 million a year. If he gets hurts, the Dodgers are deep. If he’s healthy, he’s a super bargain. I’d much rather have his contract than Justin Upton’s… for example.
macstruts
I hate the Dodgers, but Great Deal for the Dodgers.
timewalk42
Money talks and Harpers I need to be paid more than anyone else in the history of Baseball bullshit walks… good pick up Dodgers
bhambrave
“The deal will become official when Pollock passes a physical.”
Not a given.
corey5kersh22
Nice pick-up. Looks like Realmuto is next!
goldenmisfit
Love to know how this take them out of Harper went odds are their next move will be to trade Peterson. Got to love people who think they know everything about the sport but no nothing.
Senioreditor
Mr. who knows everything, maybe you should brush up on grammar and word usage before you call anyone out?
AndyMeyer
It’s called the luxury tax
ZFanatic
Great signing for the Dodgers, I like the incentives for an injury prone player plus the opt outs. Gives LA a little more speed in the outfield.
Mikel Grady
75 games in 2014 12 in 2016 112 in 2017 and 113 last year . Can he play entire season ?
Prospectnvstr
How many did he play in 2015?
Lets Go DBacks
Thanks for the pick we were hoping for and hopes he stays just as healthy in LA as when he was with us.
canocorn
He’s snake-bit.
timewalk42
100% agree. “Snake Bit”
LADreamin
Have fun with that rebuild! Don’t choke on all those Greinke dollars still owed 😉
stevenlhume
Friedman is like a 36 y/o single woman trolling jailhouse singles dot com……..”I can fix him” Could have got the same production and same amount AB’s from Adam Jones in 2 years than you will get from Pollock in 4 and for probably 3 mil/year cheaper!
Cam
Dear God no. Adam Jones cannot play CF anymore.
stevenlhume
Hard to play CF from the DL plus Bellinger/Taylor played a great CF last year.
Naz57
bingo, I was about to post the same comment. Jones has AVERAGED 25 Hr per year, an played over 14o games EVERY Year for the past 9 years. He’s only 2 years older than Pollock.. Congrats to the Forest Gum of GM’s ” stupid is as stupid does” %%M to a guy who is 31 and has played exactly ONE full season without issues and that was 5 years ago.
Willy Mays
I don’t like Pollock for 4 years because of his injury history but your comment doesn’t hold up.Last year Jones hit 15 hrs.He’s a year older now so not likely to increase that total.Jones’s days of hitting 25 or more hrs are behind him. Capitalizing average doesn’t make your argument any stronger. Also while not a Dodger fan tough to knock a GM who got you to the WS in 2 straight years
stevenlhume
I would have rather added Jones and Josh Harrison with that Money, You still have depth and added 2 Right handed bats and can still look to add Kluber or JTR.
Blue_Painted_Dreams_LA
Thank god they didn’t even plan to go in that direction. As much as I love the player Jones is, he fits none of the Dodgers needs offensively or defensively. Harrison is superfluous on this roster.
stevenlhume
IDK man Righty sticks on a deep roster where they do not need to play everyday, Sure Jones would be stuck in RF/LF but Harrison can play all over. I would say Marwin but I just can’t seem to get excited for Pollock.
Senioreditor
Jones’s production number away from Camden are questionable. Pollock played in Arizona, a pitchers park and had more power and dWAR.
stevenlhume
You are saying Chase Field is a pitchers park? Chase is on the same level as Coors, Hitters park #1 Coors….#1A Chase field.
its_happening
Chase Field might not even crack the top 10. I think they ranked 11th last year anyway.
Senioreditor
Played pretty even
Park Factors: (Over 100 favors batters, under 100 favors pitchers.)
Multi-year: Batting – 108, Pitching – 107
One-year: Batting – 104, Pitching – 103
stevenlhume
Could of had Harrison and Jones for the same price, and still have room to get Kluber!
Basebal101
Rediculous and clueless post. Stick to your day job please.
Senioreditor
Naz57 GM of the year in his own mind. Freidman took a crap this morning with more baseball knowledge than you.
stevenlhume
He know way more than I will ever know, Hard to argue 2 WS, however push for Verlander rather than Darvish and you might just have one 1 or 2 of those WS. I think as a fan I am more frustrated how restrained he is 95% of the time yet he pulls the trigger on AJ Pollock? I would go so far as to say he knows young talent and diamonds in the rough. Other than Rich Hill and Manny, how many of his trades have really panned out? Mind you he stated he has made more moves than any other team over the last 4 years.
Senioreditor
December 16, 2017
Traded Charlie Culberson, Adrian Gonzalez, Scott Kazmir, Brandon McCarthy and cash to the Atlanta Braves. Received Matt Kemp – worked out well.
February 23, 2018
Selected JT Chargois off waivers from the Minnesota Twins – got him for nothing.
May 18, 2018
Released Henry Owens.
Selected Erik Goeddel off waivers from the Seattle Mariners – got him for nothing
July 4, 2018
Traded James Marinan (minors) and Aneurys Zabala (minors) to the Cincinnati Reds. Received Dylan Floro, Zach Neal and international bonus slot money – ditto
August 31, 2018
Traded Jesus Valdez (minors) to the Pittsburgh Pirates. Received David Freese.
Traded Andrew Istler (minors) to the Washington Nationals. Received Ryan Madson – both played a big part albeit Madson poorly but gave up next to nothing.
Friedman is excellent. Had they won folks would have elected him to the HOF. I agree that Verlander would have been the. Enter move but I’m guessing financial concerns were behind that move. BTW Verlander was 0-1 vs them in the WS.
stevenlhume
That just backs up my point he finds diamonds in the rough. he finds solid relief pitchers and bench players. I am happy he hasn’t sold the farm, Kemp worked out ok for the first half. Other than Manny and Hill, what stars came from moves, who can you hang your hat on and say he changed the team and got them over the hump. Add Cain or Brantly last off season, Do something other than add a “nice” piece. 2017 was special, best baseball season I lived through but last year was painful. WS yeah but I never had faith in that team. It felt like that got lucky to get that far and Redsox proved they were. I just do not understand why they change the way they operate for AJ pollock. Yet I will be buy my atbat subscription and be watching those 10pm starts in KY all year long hoping I have never been more wrong in my life. Also If they trade for Kluber or JTR, one or the other I will be pumped going into 2019.
seamaholic 2
Looks like maybe Dodgers caved and agreed to Bellinger to Marlins for Realmuto? Just (sort of) kidding.
RIPprosports
Don’t even say that!lol
Dodgers aren’t that stupid anyways
Thronson5
So sounds like the Dodgers might be adding Realmuto. I really hope that’s the case. Still feel like we should add more pitching though.
Juicemane 2019
Does he even replace Puig’s offensive production from last year? i think not
Nick Stevens
No. Puig OPS+ 120. Pollock 106. Puig 125 games. Pollock 113. Puig .820 OPS. Pollock .800. Puig 10 OF assists. Pollock 3. Puig’s arm is elite. DRS both +6. Puig 15 steals out of 20. Pollock 13 out of 15. Both played in same division, and Pollock played in hitter friendly park; yet somehow, they have basically identical WAR # of 2.7 for Puig and 2.5 for Pollock? Tell me why they gave up a 28 year old Puig for a 31 year old Pollock?
Juicemane 2019
I’m wondering the same thing, probably because they actually save money down the road because of Kemp being gone idk…good work with the stats.
Puig puts more people in the seats too
Basebal101
2 obvious reasons. A- Puig asked to be traded because he didn’t want a platoon role.. B- If you followed the Dodger’s and knew Puig, his mental stability was all due to hitting coach Turner Ward who’s now w the Red’s. Puig was guaranteed to be a club house problem and assuredly his production would have also tanked. The Dodger’s are quite aware of this and wisely got something for him now while he looked good on paper. Good baseball business.
Juicemane 2019
“Puig, his mental stability was all due to hitting coach Turner Ward”
how can you even say this? this makes zero sense and has zero credibility. pulled this one out of your….
wronghanded
The easier explanation is that Puig’s LHP splits were subpar and the Dodgers got chewed up by LHP in the postseason (see Miley, Hader, Sale and Price). The righties in their current lineup need to provide positive production vs. lefties. Puig did not help there, Pollock is a better bet against LHP.
heater
The Puig/Ward thing is widely known. It wasn’t pulled from anywhere.
Senioreditor
He’ll come close with NO DRAMA.
Juicemane 2019
LA. Hollywood…and you say they don’t like drama???
might want to reevaluate your thought process….
They will be a bunch of drama when he only plays half a season, because of injuries
heater
Hollywood is not L.A. Dodger baseball dude!!
imindless
Dont mind juicemane he is a salty pads fan lolz. But for the haters out there educate yourselves dodgers give up puig a 1 year rental for 2 top 15 prospect and replace him with polock who can actually hit left handed pitching for only about 10 million a year. Puig was surely going to get more than that on the open market and yes he is a headcase and rubbed plenty of people the wrong way during his 6 years in los angeles. Honestly glad he is gone.
its_happening
Don’t see Pollock being the fit the Dodgers need to get over the hump. I think Alex Verdugo is ready to contribute at the major league level. I don’t see Pollock holding up health wise.
What’s done is done. Now the Dodgers need to go get Realmuto. May as well just keep using those bullets while the window is wide open.
MLB Top 100 Commenter
Seems to me this is a precursor to trading Joc, Verdugo and/or Toles for Kluber or Realmoto. Might take all three of them to get it done.
Juicemane 2019
LOL, this is absolutely hilarious
None of these guys provide any value outside of a corner outfield platoon…Toles cant even bat over .230, if Verdugo was any good he would be playing.
It wouldn’t even score you Mike Leake much less Kluber
melj
Silly juice 🙂 Verdugo is the 10the rated prospect in the game. When Toles is healthy, he hits. Pederson may be the one going to Cleveland.
spudchukar
Maybe a trade with the Cards. The Red Birds need a left-handed hitting corner outfielder and the Cards have plenty of right-handed pitching the Dodgers could use. Perhaps the teams don’t want to trade with each other, both being post-season contenders, but it still makes sense.
Juicemane 2019
key word: “prospect” you’re making my argument dummy.
AndyMeyer
Where is Alex Verdugo rated as the 10th best prospect in the game?
That’s a reach
Basebal101
Mel, your right his post is ridiculous and makes no sense as usual. Probably a troll Giants fan. That said, with all due respect, Verdugo isn’t the 10th best prospect, he’s listed at #32.
MLB Top 100 Commenter
If I was Florida, I would jump at many years of control of Verdugo, plus Joc, and a lower level catching prospect (not Ruiz) for Realmoto. Look at the return for one year of Goldy. And watch for the Padres to sign Moose for two years and 30 mill.
andrewgauldin
Still a great deal if he averages 120 games, if he produces like the norm. The way the dodgers utilize players, even if he were healthy all season, he’d probably only get 130 games at the most. The dodgers have so many outfielders and so many versatile players, the dodgers can afford to rest him once every 5th day or so. It would probably be the smart and safe move to give him that rest so that his body is in prime shape and not worn out, which would make him more prone to an injury. Overall, great move by the doyers.
Juicemane 2019
“The dodgers have so many outfielders and so many versatile players, the dodgers can afford to rest him once every 5th day or so.”
You traded 2/3 of your starting outfield that got you to the World Series, and now have Andrew Toles? Joc Pederson? Chris Taylor? KeKe? that is not going to get it done.
Watch Puig hit 35-40 bombs next year that might be more than Toles, Keke and Taylor combined.
spudchukar
Muncy, Bellinger, and Verdugo might disagree.
Basebal101
Juice, First off Joc was not 1/3 of that OF. About 1/5. He platooned and was also benched often. Second, Puig asked to be traded, and if you followed the Dodger’s you’d know that Turner Ward who is now w the Reds was the only reason Puig’s antics and emotions got kept in check. The Dodger’s wisely chose to trade him due to all of this while he had value. Thirdly, I guess you think that HR’s are what makes a team a winning team?. The Yankees hit more HR’s then anyone last year and I don’t remember them winning the WS either. The Dodger’s just got better. It’s not rocket science.
dark vengeance
Well cross the dodgers off of making it to the WS for a third straight season. AJ will be on the dl like most of their pitchers. They would have been better off with Puig still on the team.
melj
This guy gets hurt too much.
Harper is out of sight now.
Go for Realmuto and trade Pollok elsewhere as part of a deal for another good starter.
Yankeepatriot
Too many years for the fragile polick. He’s played 140 or more games in a season once in his career I think. They could have waited him out more and got a better deal. That dodgers outfield is meh now
Basebal101
LOL. You couldn’t be more mistaken and it’s Pollock
Yankeepatriot
I’m not. He literally has played 140 or more games in a season once in his career
RedRooster
Diamondbacks draft is gonna be insane this summer. They get their true first rounder, the comp pick for not signing Matt McLain, and then the comp picks for losing Pollock and Corbin.
dswaim
6 of first 79 picks in draft this year
SupremeZeus
The draft results under Deric Ladnier haven’t been very good. Top picks Pavin Smith & Anfernee Grier aren’t looking so hot. The international prospects seem to make up much of the prospect talent in the system. Lots of early picks, but Ladnier hasn’t shown much ability to identify the talent in the draft w/ the Dbacks. Might be all for not.
milkman
No the giants will one up with a hamper signing
HubcapDiamondStarHalo
Shew… Just sitting here wondering how long it would have taken Pollock to flunk an Orioles physical…
raef715
yes, he gets hurt alot but its more fluke stuff then having a specific area of the body you’re worried about going forward.
He was looking like an MVP candidate until hurt, and helps the lineup and defensively.
at that price, seems like a real good deal for the Dodgers.
Phanatic 2022
Why not offer 3/49 and save the draft pick
norcalblue
I never thought Harper was a real target and Pollock, when healthy, is probably a better all around player and better fit for this team. I do not want to see the Ruiz traded for Realmuto though and it seems that may also happen. I’m fine if they deal Joc and the other young catcher (Smith) for Realmuto.
Pollack is not cheap though, so he needs to really produce big .
This probably means Taylor is the 2B in 2019.
Trading Joc just opens up the opportunity for Verdugo who I thank has a chance to be a much better all around outfielder. Some power will come, he’s a better OF with a great arm and he will have as good or better an OBP than Joc.
Basebal101
Well said
of9376
Terrible contract. Won’t stay healthy . Will be lucky to play half a season.
Phanatic 2022
Correct
Nick Stevens
I think LA signed Pollock so Kershaw had someone to hang out with on the DL.
DarrenDreifortsContract
I don’t mind this at all. I was against signing Harper and I rather take a low risk/high reward deal with Pollock. If he can stay healthy he can be a 20/20 guy. It also gives us money to spend next offseason as well.
BlueSkyLA
Good information in the article about the Dodgers and the CBT, but here’s another point to consider:
The Dodgers are currently a little under the CBT with the signing of Polluck. They can probably stay under even if they can trade for Realmuto if they move Pederson and Barnes, who together are being paid almost the same dollars in 2019 as Realmuto.
Basebal101
Based upon the numbers i recently saw they should be roughly 6Mil under the threshold. There is no doubt that Pederson will be on the move after this freeing up another 5. I agree w you that Barnes and Joc would probably wind up both going to the Marlins. Also not trying to be the grammar police, but it’s “Pollock”.
BlueSkyLA
Not sure if the Marlins would be after Pederson but they would have good use for Barnes. The other teams asking about Pederson suggest the possibility of a three-way trade.
Sorry for the typo, a fair call. But it wasn’t really a grammatical error, was it? 😉
Basebal101
HAHA. A lot of people spell it that way. Sorry I probably shouldn’t have even said anything.
The Marlins have just stated they want an OF”r and I don’t see any way they trade Verdugo at this point unless it’s for Kluber. May could be another one we’d lose but I hope not.
BlueSkyLA
Now I’m paranoid about how I spell it, so I won’t. He’s just AJ from now on.
Understood the Marlins were after a starting catcher in return, which makes sense as they’d be short in that department without Realmuto. Hope we’re not getting too far ahead of ourselves here. That other cleat seems like it should drop any minute now, but we can’t be sure it actually will.
Basebal101
Kudos for being light hearted unlike most on here 🙂
i hope we aren’t…..but most that were interested in JT have filled their void. I think the Dodger’s being patient and slow playing this will hopefully work out. I’d HATE to get rid of Ruiz, but I don’t think we can win the WS without JT either. A 3way trade like I believe you mentioned would make sense?
axisofhonor25
This should light a fire for the Harper services
leftcoaster
Another shrewd move by Dodgers management.
Bill Skiles
Now get Realmuto, and Dodgers will be all set. Unless they trade for another arm in the pen as well.
dreifort
Where will Pollock and his .316 OBP and 22% K rate bat in the lineup?
RIPprosports
Throw a dart
Roberts is the manager. Nobody knows.
leftcoaster
Lifetime .338
Frisco500
This is a good add for LA. Pollock fits well on a deep roster that is not strapped for cash. He performs well when healthy, and LA has the pockets/talent to replace him if he goes down. His OBP doesnt seem to fit with the Dodgers philosophy, but his defense and bat make it worth it, imo.
Tiger_diesel92
Watching the d-backs getting 6 picks through the first 79, not bad for a team in the draft if they draft good talent.
megaj
Tremendous potential with Pollock, who really shouldn’t be in any decline. If he stays on the field this will be a solid deal for LA. They have a great lineup and a solid rotation as well. At this point I have them as favorites to win the West, Chicago in the central, and New York in the East. St. Louis and Colorado are my wild cards.
Alan Grossman
Puig is the reason the Dodgers traded Puig. Turner Ward is the “Puig Whisperer,” and wherever he went., Puig was sure to follow. At least the Dodgers got something for him. Puig was exciting to watch, but also very frustrating at times. If the guy could ever get his head straight, he will be truly great. He might hit 40+ homers in Cincinnati but he would have been such a distraction in LA he might have had to visit OKC again.
Alan Grossman
Pollock is a good pickup because he’s right-handed, a really good defender, and can hit when healthy. Some guys just have bad luck with injuries, and hopefully those days are gone for Pollock. I still hope the Dodgers end up with Realmuto and Kluber, but if either cost Bellinger or Ruiz, they should pass. They can trade Smith, Verdugo, Pederson, any of the other really good prospects, but I would hate to see either Bellinger or Ruiz traded. They should have enough to pull off Realmuto without touching either of them. Kluber is a different story. I guess it all depends on what they have to give up to get Realmuto. I would hope that Barnes, Pederson, Downs, and Smith could make it happen. If not Downs, then Alvarez. Verdugo, and a highly-rated minor leaguer like Lux or May for Kluber.
Basebal101
I like your posts Alan. Good logic. I don’t see them getting rid of Verdugo at this point though, nor do I see Kluber being an option until the trade deadline. I think they will end up Realmuto before this is over, just a matter of what it’s gonna cost. Barnes, Pederson, and 2 top 10 prospects would be a guess.
Alan Grossman
Thank you, Baseball101. You’re probably right about Kluber. I don’t think they will trade Verdugo unless they can get Kluber or one of the Mets great starters (deGrom or Syndergaard). I value Bellinger over Verdugo, and as I wrote before, I think Bellinger and Ruiz should be untouchable at this time. I think that right now, they are both in the same category as Seager and Buehler. Bellinger has been working on his hitting since the first week of November. That says a lot about his character. I think he’s going to have a really good 2019 season.
Basebal101
I hope your right Alan. Belli has been a mess since the HR derby as i’m sure you know, as you obviously know the team well. I hate seeing kids as young as him participate in that. Hopefully some time off and a new hitting coach and he will regain some of that magic.
Knowthemarket
Little surprised Pollock got so much. This seems more risky than I would expect from the Dodgers when I look at the years and dollars involved but I have a lot of respect for the Dodgers FO so I feel inclined to give them the benefit of the doubt.
Didn’t think Pollock would turn out getting the richer contract of the three: McCutchen, Pollock and Brantley.
Trolleydodgin
Not overly excited about this signing, but given the need for a right handed bat, it doesn’t feel like an overpay. Would have definitely preferred to ride out a Puig contract year and utilize his defense in right field. But given that the trade was already made, this might be the best right handed option for the team.
And if this is a part of a chain of events that leads to Realmuto, that’s fine. Keep Ruiz though. Have Cartaya be the centerpiece, include Barnes for MIA’s starting catcher this year, include one of White, Santana or May and a lower level prospect and call it a day.
VivaLosDodgers
A player option with a buyout? Seems like a lose-lose for the team. If Pollock thinks he can make $6 mm he’d opt out
rhutchinson
Yes, but escalators are likely to increase the value of the option by at least $5-10m.
jvent
How can the Mets now get Verdugo or Pederson.
corey5kersh22
Verdugo- included in a trade package for Thor or Degrom
Pederson- Joc+ lower top 10 prospect for wheeler
Only players I’d want on the Dodgers from the Mets is one of those Big 3 starting pitchers.
jvent
I would do Thor or deGrom for Verdugo,Bellinger and Buehler. Or I would do Wheeler for Pederson and Stripling
corey5kersh22
The Dodgers would be paying way too much for Thor or Degrom. Walker is in the same boat as Seager in that he’s not getting traded for anybody. I say for Degrom: Verdugo/May/Smith
Thor: Bellinger straight up
Wheeler:Joc and Yadier Alvarez. He’s only got one year left on his contract so Dodgers shouldn’t give up to much prospect capital.
PinstripedPride
If the Dodgers really were only interested in a 5 year deal for Harper, then they were never going to get him. This Pollock signing officially takes them out of the running for him, I am certain. Nationals and Phillies have to be considered the odds-on favorites for Harper now, with the Yankees lurking as usual. Nice signing for LA though, as long as the guy is healthy
Happy2Engage
Steal of the offseason. 2 of the 3 injuries have been breaks and there hasn’t been a reoccurrence of the soft tissue (groin) that he had in ’17.
bigrickdeemann
Now trade Pollack and Verdugo for Kluber and sign Harper.
Basebal101
Pollock>Harper. Verdugo might end up being as well
bigrickdeemann
Right. There is always a Dodger that steps up every year. One of those 2 or both just might like Muncy last year and Taylor the year before
empirejim
If Pollock can stay healthy he’s a nice upgrade. Makes me think Joc, Ruiz, and another minor leaguer or two may be heading to Miami soon….
zachgwest
What about Adam Jones? He’s right handed capable of playing all 3 positions. Pollock is another Brandon McCarthy for the Dodgers.
empirejim
Pollock put up better production in almost every category despite having 170 fewer AB’s. It sure looks like Pollock’s potential over the next 4 years is easily superior to what you could expect from Jones over that same period.
zachgwest
Pollock is not that much better and Jones will sign for wayyy less and could fill more as a stop gap tell they found what they really wanted.
ck420
Should’ve been able to get Pollack for less, not much better than puig
sdfriarfan
Not better than Puig at all.
bradthebluefish
Is he worth it? 2.5 WAR last year. Age 31. Already regressing. Oft-injured. .316 OBP.
MrStealYoBase
Anyone confirm that the signing bonus structure makes no difference to the calculated AAV? It’s still 12.5M right? As far as I know it just makes a difference in the year to year books for LAD.
Harwood
Might have something to do with the MLB debt-service rule that is little talked about but also a factor in the Dodgers’ moves. MLB forced Guggenheim to take on McCourt’s massive debts as a condition of sale.
hunthutch
Don’t know salaries to much , if he makes 1 mil this year are they trying to save cap for someone else
norcalblue
Creative deal that seems to be good for all parties. Would love to see A.J. earn all those incentives!
butch779988
Excellent signing!
Psychguy
Can he play the catcher position?