9:05pm: Along with Donaldson, the Dodgers seem to have interest in Rendon, who’s “on their radar,” Jon Heyman of MLB Network tweets. Rendon, like Donaldson, has to decide whether to accept his team’s qualifying offer. But the longtime Nationals star is sure to reject it, as he appears to be in line to sign a contract worth more than $200MM prior to next season. It’s not the Dodgers’ M.O. to hand out that type of deal, but if they do win the bidding for Rendon or Donaldson, Turner would be open to changing positions. He has already offered to move off third if necessary.
2:03pm: Josh Donaldson technically still has a decision to make on the qualifying offer he received from the Braves, though rejecting that $17.8MM offer is all but a formality. The Phillies, Rangers, Nationals and Braves all have some level of interest in the the former AL MVP, and Jorge Castillo of the L.A. Times reports that the Dodgers, too, are considering a pursuit of the slugger.
Third base has been Justin Turner’s domain in L.A. for the past six years, but the soon-to-be 35-year-old Turner is entering the final season of a four-year, $64MM contract in 2019. Defensive metrics soured on his once-excellently rated glovework in 2019, as he registered -7 Defensive Runs Saved and a -6.7 Ultimate Zone Rating. A move across the diamond to first base, or perhaps to second base, could open space for Donaldson and give the Dodgers a more palatable defensive alignment. Donaldson will turn 34 himself next month, but he rebounded from an injury-marred 2018 campaign to post a strong year on both sides of the ball in 2019 (+15 DRS, +2.4 UZR).
Donaldson fits the free-agent mold that has become typical under Dodgers president of baseball operations Andrew Friedman: a high-end player who could conceivably had on a shorter-term deal with a premium annual salary. Donaldson’s age could limit him to three years — four seems like the largest commitment a team would make — meaning interested parties could potentially add an elite talent without assuming the long-term risk that inherently accompanies many premier free agents (e.g. Anthony Rendon). In 659 plate appearances this past season, Donaldson hit .259/.379/.521 with 37 homers and 33 doubles to go along with that strong defense.
From a payroll and luxury tax vantage point, there’s room for the Dodgers to fit Donaldson into the budget — particularly since the ever-active front office is likely to make some additional moves elsewhere on the roster. The Dodgers have $91.5MM committed to Clayton Kershaw, Turner, Kenley Jansen, A.J. Pollock, Joe Kelly and Kenta Maeda, and MLBTR contributor Matt Swartz projects an additional $53MM worth of arbitration salaries — headlined by Cody Bellinger ($11.6MM), Joc Pederson ($8.5MM) and Corey Seager ($7.1MM). Including those arb projections and a slate of pre-arb players to round out the roster (plus the dead money owed to Yaisel Sierra and Hector Olivera), the Dodgers will check in around $165MM in actual payroll commitments with about $184MM against the luxury tax (using the estimate from Jason Martinez over at Roster Resource).
There’s not a ton of space between that $184MM mark and this year’s luxury tax limit of $208MM. Donaldson himself could command enough money on an annual basis to bridge that gap and put the Dodgers into penalty territory. But, the Dodgers have ample resources from which to deal in an effort to lower that number. Pederson, for instance, seems like a logical trade candidate with a relatively hefty arbitration projection and only a year of club control remaining. That’s all the more true if the Dodgers make a move that would slide Turner across the diamond to first base, as doing so would lessen the need for Bellinger to ever play first base. Bellinger, Pollock, Alex Verdugo, Chris Taylor and Enrique Hernandez give the Dodgers the outfield depth to explore such a move. (Hernandez or Taylor, too, could be conceivable trade assets.)
Whether Donaldson lands in L.A. or elsewhere, the Dodgers have enviable levels of defensive versatility and quite a few movable assets that are still affordable for most clubs. That should allow them to pursue value targets regardless of their defensive home, and it seemingly sets the stage for another active winter for Friedman and his staff.
You think Kris Bryant would be a better upgrade !……..but do the Dodgers have the Prospects for Theo !
Yes, and yes.
Cuz you’ll always be my baby. Doo, doo, doot… Doo, doo, doot du dah. When I sing this song… I know you’re humming along… Cuz you’ll always be my baby.
The one trade I can see happening is
Bryant – Dustin May and a couple of young guys
Dodgers are craving a ring but Rendon is not the type of guy the front office likes to give long offers to.
(They’ve already talked about moving Turner elsewhere so third base is open as well)
They’d like Bryant as a two year rental and the Cubs would love to have some potential top of the rotation talent.
Prospects for Theo? Sure. Prospects for a WS title anytime in the next 52 years—no. It took them 83 years since their 1883 birth to get their first. They’re 31 years away from their last. THREE CENTURIES of losers—5-131 record in WS quests.
3 centuries?!? They were playing baseball in the 1700s!!!!
19th, 20th and so far in the 21st. More like 136 years, though, and for half of that the Dodgers didn’t even exist. Can hardly blame them for not winning the WS before the west coast even joined the sport.
I think what he meant was the Cubs have played in three different centuries.
Do you honestly not know where the Dodgers player ball prior to LA?
Just can’t hide that padre pride.
It sounds like you majored in Meth instead of Math. The Dodgers won their first WS title in 1955, which is 72 years, not 83. And no matter how you spin the numbers, pal, the Dodgers will ALWAYS dominate the Padres and their little fans. Not to worry though, Manny Machado will be around for along long time, so enjoy his championship winning exploits.
Meth not Math that’s good one!
Meth is a hard habit to kick
This is by far the weirdest obsession with the Dodgers I have ever seen. Imagine thinking baseball games played 4 years after electricity was invented counts.
Abe Lincoln was one heck of a pitcher back in his day
I didn’t know that. I do know that Pete Bittigieg is running for president and I hear he is one heck of a catcher.
Buttigieg dropped out of the race a few days ago
Full count and seven innings to go
I went to a ridiculous week long party with a ton of hot chicks back on 2012. Now I tell people I once scored 4 times seven years ago.
Buttigieg definitely did not drop out of the race. I think he is still considered to be in the top 4. You are probably confusing him with Beto O’Rourke.
La Mesa methhead Padre fan checking in I see…
First off, the Dodgers have six World Series titles, not five.
Second, if you’re going to go back to 1883, add five more titles to the ledger for the Atlantics/Grays/Bridegrooms/Superbas/Trolley Dodgers/Robins/Dodgers. You don’t get to tack on years and then pretend like they didn’t win titles in those years.
Wait a minute… Is this AOGHAUS? That would be the only person I could think of that would change his name for the sole purpose of pointing out his opinion. It would also be the only person I could think of that would make a name that long. This has to be e record breaker. Both in terms of length and in time wasted. Even if it doesn’t take much time to change the name, one second is too long because it is all purely time wasted.
MLB is 150 years. No wonder you’re a Padres fan
Point being Cubs aren’t looking for prospects unless they are flipping them. They are in win now mode. They aren’t looking for top of the rotation potential in 2-3 years they are looking for proven guys who can step in opening day
Oh yea the Dodgers have the prospects. Send Bryant to LA!
How about Bryant for Alex Verdugo and Chris Taylor? LA gets a former MVP who will be revitalized playing for another contender. Chicago gets a starting center fielder and 2nd baseman. If the Cubs are serious about trading Bryant- The return for Bryant will hinge on how the arbitrator rules regarding his service time-Free agent after the 2020 season or 2021 season. To fill the void at 3rd base the Cubs can go after and sign Moose Mustakas.
The Dodgers definitely have the pieces to get a deal done on Bryant. I could see it working any number of ways. Bryant would cost maybe 18.5M this year and 25M next year. That’s cheaper and shorter term than it would cost to land Donaldson or Rendon. The haul in return would not be cheap in terms of prospects. Also, it could be expanded to let the Dodgers maybe move some salary as well in return. I think the main guy in a trade would be Vox. There’d be more coming back to Chicago, but he’d be a guy they could put at 2B. One idea that could let the Dodgers move some salary would be for the Cubs to agree to take Pederson on for the last year of his contract. That lowers the Bryant salary hit by 8M this year and gives the Cubs a left handed bat while adding an OF’er (even if he just doubles down on the Cubs strikeout issues). I’m sure any deal for Pederson makes the trade that much more complicated in terms of moving other pieces on both sides, but I could see this working.
As of now that have 4 INF spots for 4 guys – Turner, Seager, Muncy, Lux. Signing another infielder would take playing time away from one of them, probably Lux. Their best bet is to trade for someone big and that would mean dealing Lux.
Turner has one year left on his deal. They are not dealing Lux
Signing a big free agent doesn’t make sense for 2020 then.
It does if they don’t feel they have a better option they can add between now and then. Turner is going to miss time as he does every year. Roberts and the FO give guys plenty of days off. A five man infield rotation with Turner able to play first and third, Lux able to play up the middle, and Muncy able to play any spot but SS would give the Dodgers what they value more than anything else…. Depth and options. It may not be a perfect match, but it may be a good move if they can add him at a decent price. Dodgers also need a big time righty bat to split up these lefties.
A five man infield rotation with Turner able to play first and third, Lux able to play up the middle, and Muncy able to play any spot but SS would give the Dodgers what they value more than anything else…. Depth and options.
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If they wee smart, the thing they’d value more is an ace-level SP to augment Kershaw, and take some pressure off of May & Urias.
They are capable of looking for upgrades at more than one spot at a time. It’s not like Freidman is going to hang up the phone and say “sorry, can’t talk pitching now, I’m looking at third base”.
How do people keep forgetting about Walker Buehler?
Who?
They may trade Turner to AL team that needs a DH maybe Clevland.
They are not trading Turner. In no world does the clubhouse leader who’s revered in the clubhouse and such a significant cog in your lineup get traded, especially being a RHH. He’s not even a churn type of guy. He’s basically their own version of Utley and Freese who ends a Dodger. He’ll If they find a long term 3B he will play 1st, Muncy 2nd, and Lux gets introduced to the OF, per the brasses thinking in ST. Which realistically, could work wonders with Verdugo coming off a back injury and their interest in saving Bellinger’s legs.
Well Cleveland could use him at third so makes lotta sense but will they take the salary?
Neither Utley nor Freese remained with the teams on which they achieved their fame in the game.
The comparison was a vet type player that transitioned into a part time role later in their career, and were revered clubhouse types. Probably why I said their own version that ends with the Dodgers.
Is it time to trade Turner?
The Dodgers aren’t trading a cog in their lineup, nor should they, for pennies on the dollar. Especially one that has been their best playoff hitter and performed every year in the playoffs. You’d be trading him only to be looking for two bats to split up the lefties and sit in the middle of their lineup, exactly like Turner. You definitely need to supplement him no doubt as he’s getting older, but you’re talking about a guy that put up a 151,152,130 ops+ in the last three years and hasn’t seen under a 121 ops+ since taking the reigns as a full time starter. Offensively he was still a top 10 qualified hitter at 3rd and same if he played 1st. He’s not to play a full slate, he’s not going to hit you 30 bombs, but he flat rakes and it’s a guy you want in the playoffs. You also factor in the fact that transitioning to 1st can take some off him legs and potentially keep him a little healthier.
No.
Lux would be dealt if they determined Kris Bryant was someone who could improve the odds to finally put them over the top. The real question is how serious are they about getting another big bat who can play 3B and moving Turner to 1B?
The Dodgers rotate their players around all the time. Having 5 stud infielders that can play all over the diamond means everyone gets rest and there is always a lethal pinch hitter lurking. This is a VERY Dodgers kinda move (and no they are not trading Lux).
Turner will not be at 3B in 2020, he has neg range and defense so move to 1st is most likely. Rando, Donaldson or Seager at 3 bae 2020
You’re going to need more than 4 infielders to get through the season. The Dodgers roster construction is based around rotation and flexibility – this move is right up their alley.
I hear what you’re saying and don’t disagree on principal. But aren’t most 5th infielders capable of filling in at 2B and/or SS? What am I missing? Is there a 6th infielder for that purpose?
I’m seeing Lux in that role predominantly – if they sign Donaldson. 1B Turner/2B Muncy/SS Seager/3B Donaldson with Lux bouncing around for off days and platooning. I guess part of that comes down to how the Dodgers see Lux though – is he their 2B of the future? Is he their SS of the future with Seager moving to 3B? Seager traded maybe? I’d love to see what they’re thinking.
Turner has apparently said he is willing to play 2B. He has experience there.
Take Kyle Seager off Seattle’s hands lol
That offense was a beast last year. Adding Donaldson to that mix would almost be unfair.
Trade Pederson to get rid of salary and a roster space, sign Donaldson in his place, move Turner to first, play Bellinger, Pollock, Verdugo in the outfield, and have a bench of Taylor, Hernandez, and Lux.
Lux is not a bench player.
For 1 year he is
Sure, if the Dodgers want to waste his talent.
Didn’t look talented last year. Overhyped lux.
You’re right. Super overhyped. They should trade him for whatever they can immediately.
Turner at 1B against LH pitchers and Muncy against RH. Turner would also be a good bat off the bench against LH.
Turner has hit righties better for his career, albeit pretty close. He isn’t a platoon guy.
@larry48
“Turner at 1B against LH pitchers and Muncy against RH. Turner would also be a good bat off the bench against LH.”
And Turner could play 3B in a pinch.
Turner and Muncy aren’t platoon bats.
How about this as a trade idea. Cubs send Bryant and Almora to LA. LA sends Lux, Pederson and more prospect(s) to Cubs. Dodgers have Bryant at 20M average over 2 years and Almora on 1M a year for the next two. Cubs eat 8M on Pederson which takes some of the hit off the Bryant contract. Cubs are able to fill the hole at 2B and non-tender Addison Russell. Dodgers don’t have to make a 5 year commit on Donaldson or a 7 year one on Rendon. Key is what more comes to Chicago in that deal in addition to Vox.
So the Dodgers decide to address their bullpen and possibly 1 starting pitcher by acquiring a 3B they do not need?
Leave the lineup alone. Dodgers are loaded. Lux can take over at 2B and if he falters they have Taylor and Kiki. Go get some arms and win the 2020 World Series.
They need a more reliable righty to put in the middle of all those lefty bats. Turner is slowing down a bit and gets banged up a lot and Smith is not ready to hit third in a NL favorite lineup. Donaldson would be a perfect fit to help break up Belli, Seager, Muncy, Verdugo, and Lux.
I’d rather go for a corner OF bat and potentially deal Pederson since he is in the final year of his contract.
Turner at 1B against LH pitchers and Muncy against RH. Turner would also be a good bat off the bench against LH.
Again, Turner and Muncy are not platoon bats.
Isn’t that what Pollack was for?
Why waste the money on Donaldson when they could sign Cole? If they need a RH bat then trade for Bryant, because they’d have a great chance to extend him. Lastly sign and trade for some BP arms, and this team would be the favorites to win the World Series.
Yes. Sign Cole, trade for Giles.
Hahahahahaha on the title quest!
You realize you’re a Padres fan? They need everything to go absolutely perfect to even have a slim chance of being as good as the Dodgers.
Dodgers need to add Cole. No other way will they win the WS with Kershaw as the “ace.”
Agreed they need to add a top starter; when the Team uses a bullpen game in the middle of Playoffs the front office has failed to properly assess the pitching needs…
You hear the Clayton? They’re saying you’re the reason they won’t win or have won a WS. Sounds like you’ll be the #4, #5 or spot starter. Demand a trade. Padres will welcome you—you & your $30M straight up swapped for Hosmer ($18M) and Myers ($20M). We’ll even kick in the $8M difference to make the trade happen.
Do you smoke your crack, or inhale?
You could give them Hosmer, Myers, and $38M, and the Dodgers would still laugh at you. Nobody wants anything to do with either of those players.
What’s up with the Kershaw hate?
I love Kershaw and root for him hard so this isn’t a diss on him, but Buehler is their ace now. Kershaw is still an ace, but walker would get the ball in a must win game
Kershaw isn’t their Ace anymore.
I’m sure you would say that title now belongs to Bueller, and I’d agree, but after him, where is the 2-3 punch in the rotation needed to win in the postseason? Yes they need someone of Cole’s caliber but I don’t see how they can afford him.
I definitely agree there. As much as it pains me to say, Kershaw looks a lot like a #3 postseason guy now – and the Dodgers really need another half of a 1-2 punch. If they are firm in not spending big, despite having some wiggle room under the tax line.. Freidman has to earn his paycheck and swing a trade.
Yup. They say for public consumption at least that they aren’t being religious about staying under the CBT. The tell as to whether that’s true will come this offseason. They have too many holes to nibble again. They need Cole a lot more than they need Donaldson (or Rendon). Might be a good time to move Seagar to 3B and give Lux the starting job at SS.
It’s widely accepted amongst the fanbase that Buehler is the ace, not Kershaw. Depending on who the front office gets in the offseason, CK is either the #2 or #3 in that rotation.
2020 may be the 2nd year in a row where someone other than Kershaw starts opening day.
Sign Donaldson, package up Seager, Joc & Stripling for Lindor, sign Cole. Like now.
The Indians will most likely demand at least one of their top 2 prospects Gavin lux or Dustin may
That package doesn’t get Lindor and it wouldn’t make sense for Indians to accept Seager in that trade. He is a free agent at the same time as Lindor.
Indians laugh at that offer and hang up
Cleveland President Chris Antonetti stated at the GM meetings on 11/12 that he expects Lindor to be an Indian in 2020. This is according to Bernie Pleskoff and Jon Heyman. The only way that Lindor is traded is if the Indians get exactly what they want. that meets their needs. Seager, Pederson, and Stripling does not come close to meeting their needs of helping in 2020 and beyond. This offer would cost the Indians money in 2020 and provide nothing for the future.
They’d be filling 3 areas of need on the MLB roster with proven MLB players for roughly the same amount of money Lindor. Doinks.
How does Stripling fill a need for the Indians? Lindor is much better than Seager. Pederson is a platoon outfielder. There is nothing there to motivate the Indians.
Feels like a made up rumor by Castillo. Instead of signing Donaldson, moving Turner around, and trading Pederson. how about this:
Leave Muncy at 1st
Leave Lux at 2nd
Leave Seager at SS
Leave Turner at 3rd?
Basically, leave the best offense in the league exactly as it is, and use Donaldson’s money to sign a badly-needed Cole? Or is that too obvious?
What the Dodgers need more than anything are reliable BP arms. That being said, they should be checking in with the Cubs on Kris Bryant.
Why not sign Rendon?
It’s not as if Bryant or Lindor is free.
It’s not worth their salaries plus the prospects needed just to get what amounts to two discounted Rendon seasons.
Dodgers also need to replace Kershaw. It’s time to put him out to pasture
Troll much?
they should be checking in with the Cubs on Kris Bryant.
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To play where? Turner had a bWAR of 3.7 and Bryant had a 3.6. Bryant will likely outplay Turner next year, but by how much? Are you going to give up two top prospects for a modest upgrade at 3B?
Turner is the final year also better to get a replacement when there are several al 3B in the free agency. Also Turner range and defense is now a negative number in only about 110 games.
How about Bryant and Russell for Seager, Turner, and a young arm?
There’s no incentive in that for the Dodgers. First you’re selling low on Seager. Then trading an albeit much older, but at this point a slightly better if not on par hitter in Turner who is beloved in the clubhouse and such an important part of that lineup. Bryant is good, but I still take Turner and Seager, who is going to have a fully healthy offseason. Then you throw in a young arm on top of that. Bryant will probably be a slightly better overall player than Turner next year, but not to the degree you’re suggesting in a package. Russell is nothing more than a NT. Russell can’t hit and quite frankly the Dodgers have two better overall utility guys without the baggage.
I don’t think either team does that deal. The Cubs main aim is going to be to extend their competitive window by getting some MLB ready youth that is cost controlled into the team. Pretty much their entire core is headed to UFA in 2021 and 2022. Turner is old. Seagar is a FA in 2022. Never mind the Dodgers would be trading two big bats in their lineup for one even if Russell is a great athlete.
What I could see is something like Bryant for Vox, Pederson (salary dump by the Dodgers) and a couple of other good prospects who are close to MLB ready (i.e. lower risk).
Turner is the final year also better to get a replacement
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You’d still be giving up two good prospects for the extra year that Bryant provides. Going after a longer-term solution, like Rendon, makes a little sense, but is a long-term solution at 3B the issue you want to spend your payroll on?
I’d be looking at Cole or a BP arm. Heck, if you are looking for a replacement, trade Jeter Downs for Dalbec. You have no spot for Downs and we have no spot for Dalbec.
You’d probably be better off switching Muncy to third and Turner to first
That’s right, geniuses—keep moving the losers around OF & IF. That’ll make a difference.
The Padres will probably finish well below .500 again , but they will have the UGLIEST uniforms hands down next season.
I think the Braves end up with one of Rendon Donaldson or Bryant
I think the Braves end up signing Moose. Donaldson goes to the Rangers, Rendon re-ups with Washington and the Phillies trade for Bryant. You can mix and match any of these 4 names with any of these 4 teams and it would still make sense. I don’t see the Dodgers going for any of them however, allocating their dollars into a rotation piece and bullpen depth instead.
I don’t see Donaldson having any interest in Texas unless they massively overpay. He’s not getting any younger and they aren’t a contender.
The Phillies are not trading for anyone.
Sixto Sanchez is gone.
They would have to deal Kingery and what’s left of their farm for Bryant and that’s only if the Cubs or Indians or Red Sox couldn’t find a better load of talent.
Phillies move is Middleton writing two contracts for Gerrit Cole and Rendon.
If they offered Alec Bohm & Adonis Medina it would be a done deal. Even less if they took on Darvish or Heyward in return. I think the Phillies are better off spending that “stupid money” by taking on a bad contract in order to acquire a superstar as opposed to shelling out another massive contract. Darvish/Bryant, Eovaldi/Betts, W. Davis/J.Gray, I. Kennedy/W. Merrifield etc.
“Too” should never be in the middle of a sentence like it is twice in this article. Should be at the end. Or one can use “also”… someone doesn’t edit very well at MLBTR.
Stop being a tool.
Green Jacket, gold jacket, who gives a chit. Go to the spelling bee talk forums.
Donaldson will be back in Atlanta and rendon will be back in washington.
“Too” should never be in the middle of a sentence like it is twice in this article. Should at the end, too. Or one can use “also”, too…someone doesn’t edit very well at MLBTR, too.
The Dodgers rotate their players around all the time. Having 5 stud infielders that can play all over the diamond means everyone gets rest and there is always a lethal pinch hitter lurking. This is a VERY Dodgers kinda move (and no they are not trading Lux).
I cant imagine a scenario where they trade Lux unless they pair him with Joc in a trade for Lindor. I do believe this is the year they finally move Joc, as hes been a popular trade candidate on MLBTR for 2 straight off-seasons.
Offense doesn’t matter if you don’t have pitching
I think the Dodgers should focus on either Cole or Strasburg and bullpen arms. You can’t keep running Kershaw out there every October.
If you’re willing to spend the money on Donaldson, go top shelf and get the younger, in his prime, Anthony Rendon.
Or Cole.
Sort of not relevant. The Dodgers window is right now. Rendon will command 7 plus years at a higher cost per year than Donaldson.
I agree. They are so close, and it doesnt take an expert to see that what they really need is an ace to pair with Kershaw. If you want to win in the post-season you need a solid 1-2 punch at the top of your rotation.
Buehler and kershaw is as good as it gets. They just need to be mentally tough in the playoffs, and that comes from coaching. They’re one of the most talented teams out there. Not much they need to do to be contenders again. Try to replace Ryu if they don’t sign him with a lower upper tier starter should be their main focus. I can’t get over Roberts being their manager again.
Walker Buehler is already the ace you think they need. He’s been nails in the postseason, plus Game 163 for the NL West in 2018.
I doubt this very much., Makes no sense with all the options the Dodgers have,
You would think the Dodgers learned their lesson last year by signing an aging player in their 30s with a long injury history to big contracts. Pollock was either injured or flat out putrid last year. He can barely move in the OF and went from a plus CF defender to a below average LF. He was so bad in the playoffs that they had to banish him to the bench.
Donaldson is a poor investment from an age, heath, and financial investment standpoint for the Dodgers. Unless they are going to blow through the salary cap, he is a poor investment of financial resources.
Pollock was one of the best hitters in the NL vs LHP. You might want to do research before you say he was putrid
1) I would suggest you watch some baseball games, rather than rely on a small sample size versus lefties of less than 100 ABs versus the mediocrities that are on the schedule during the regular season. .
2) They did not pay that much money to play him sparingly and just versus lefties.
3) Nor did they sign him to play LF, but his defense is so bad that they had no choice. Defense matters and he is a mess.
4) Since his splits are so PUTRID vs. righties, he was useless in the playoffs, and for a team where only October matters, what a waste.
Ok you want the sample size game? His whole sample size in AZ was a good hitter. He will get back to that next season and his OPS+ last season was above 100.
Pollock was probably still not 100 after the staff infection and surgery to fix his arm/elbow that his previous team did not fix right. I expect a different Pollock in 2020 once he rebuilds his arm strength and baseball fitness.
The real takeaway from this article: for all the talk about the Dodgers having enough salary space to do what they need to do, it’s really just $20M between commitments and the CBT. They can’t accommodate a Donaldson let alone a Rendon or a Cole and touch their bullpen issues without making some serious moves to trim elsewhere. The fact that only Pederson comes up in that discussion tells us they aren’t exactly overwhelmed with trade options that get them significant payroll flexibility. I wouldn’t be shocked if they shopped Taylor or Hernandez too.
I can certainly see at least 2 out of Joc/Taylor/Hernandez being shipped out. How creative can Freidman get? We’ll see.
They are comfortably at 165M after factoring in ~7 M in bonuses to Kersh and Maeda, benefits, assuming all arb players are tendered/brought back, and your league min/40 man salaries. Before all is said and done they could easily fit a big time hitter in without churning. With that said I can see this roster/40 man get a bit of a shake up on the bench and 40 man spots. They have a bit of a roster crunch logjam they have to sort through, obviously some of it is roster fodder of course. I think it’s a forgone conclusion that Pederson is going to be moved, along with a Taylor, and I get this feeling some emerging pieces have made guys like Strip superfluous, so I can easily see them sending out ~30 mil through trade/NT alleviating a bit of the logjam and giving guys the famous runway.
According to the article the Dodgers payroll for CBT purposes is around $184M. You don’t say why your numbers are so much lower. I also don’t see where you get $30M out of Taylor, Stripling and Pederson given that their combined arbitration salaries are estimated to be half that much.
if you go to dodgers 2020 payroll table is shows 164,000,000 leaving 44 million. That includes all arbitration estimates and all dead money.
MLBTR cites their source for the $184M figure but you don’t cite any for yours, so I think I will go with theirs.
Well so there are couple things here, Jason has buyouts as a portion of the 20 threshold whem they are a part of 19 calculations. Real money will still be paid out, but just not a threshold hit. He also has a bonus that fell off the threshold ledger. Friedman and co are good at their accounting tricks. Jason is also high man on pre arb players. Eric Stephens estimates 165M. Cots is at 161M, but I don’t believe they included Sierra. So split the pre arb estimates in half and you’re at 165-170, comfortably.
So yes this management has room, and we know this FO will continue to get creative to add more. IMO I think this roster especially bench and fringes has a different look, especially with an extra roster spot. I also believe there will be a good amount of roster turnover a mix of churning, swapping needs, and upgrading. So I think it extends to more than those three players.
Try as I might I can’t figure out what you are saying here. If by getting “creative” you mean shipping out or non-tendering virtually everybody who is arbitration eligible then you are basically gutting the team and that’s what you’d need to do to generate $30M in payroll space by those means. Only a couple of the arbitration-eligible players are legitimate non-tender candidates anyhow, and they represent so little money in the scheme of things they probably are offered contracts.
Why a team like the Dodgers, especially in what must be a win now year, is paying attention to the CBT is beyond me. Obviously they have not learned their lesson from always tripping over the threshold at the WS. If there was ever a “go for it” year, this should be it. Enough’s enough.
You’re preaching to the choir there bud. I’ve been saying this for the last three years and always been told to shush up by the Friedman fans. Probably going to happen again this offseason.
A possibilty is a return to the cubs only they’d have to trade KB first get back a haul of players and prospects..No less than 4 for 1 for kris Bryant
I don’t see 4:1 for KB unless 2 of those are below the top 100 and at least 2 are in single A.
Everybody is talking to everybody!
Kyle Seager for arias
The Padres will probably finish well below .500 again , but they will have the UGLIEST uniforms next season , hands down..
The cards Could use Pederson Miller or another reliever.
Let’s assume eugenio Suarez to the dodgers? What is the return?? He has a super team friendly contract and more power/younger than Donaldson
Lux + what??
Verdugo and call it a day?
Or would it cost may? Or would reds want a catcher??
As good as Donaldson has been and was last season – I’d be a little hesitant to give him a 3/4 year deal given his age. His average was also significantly lower last season than during his prime and I’m just weary that it falling off even a little bit (say 10 points or so) and you’re looking at a guy hitting .245 with 30 or so HRs — idk still a possible upgrade for a lot of teams but I’m not sure I’m as sold as everyone else appears to be on just how valuable he’s going to be with a new team going forward. Especially if we’re talking at something like $25+M/season. If he continues to play like he did last season fine – but he’ll be in his mid/late 30s at the end of the contract and I’m just not sold he’s going to really hold up well enough to justify the amount of $ he’s going to command this off-season.
I Picked Donaldson to the Dodgers. In the trade rumors contest. I think he’s Going There.
I don’t see Donaldson going to the dodgers or to philly. If it’s strictly about the money I think Texas will offer the most cash. I still think he returns to Atlanta on a three year deal for 75 million with a option.
Anyone signs Donaldson for that kind of $$ will regret it.
I am already disappointed that the Dodgers FO still has another 4 years to go with their AJ Pollock commitment. I like Donaldson and it’d be fun to see the “Bringer of Rain” play in Dodger Blue but, I hope they don’t extend a high value, 3-4 year contract to a player who will be on the decline. Pollock would have been a good signing 4 years ago, but now…. I feel like he needs to be sponsored by the Ace bandage company or Duct Tape.
The only aging player I hope the Dodgers sign is Rich Hill – when he’s healthy, he’s great and he;s such a good clubhouse presence. Good health has been tough for him though but he’ll probably only require a one year commitment.
I don’t think they’ll sign Donaldson. I like hearing they are interested in Rendon but it’s Friedman, doubt he will do anything that we are happy with. I really don’t get the guy. We are really wasting such great opportunities year in and year out.
The way to understand Friedman is as a total company man. His job is fielding a team good enough to keep the turnstiles clicking so the Dodgers can raise ticket prices every year. Beyond that, he doesn’t seem to care what happens, because his corporate masters don’t care so long as they get our money. At some point the fans will become sufficiently demoralized by the failures that they’ll become unwilling to fork out for the skyrocketing cost of attending a game. That probably isn’t going to happen any time soon because the Dodgers demanded payment for season tickets in August this year, so they got our money before the most recent postseason wipeout. (Interesting how that worked out.) If they don’t redeem themselves in 2020 the story may change. I’m stuck with the bill for next year, but I for one will not pay to see another postseason failure, and I’m sure I am far from alone.
I’d put Turner on 3rd for the Crew in a hot second. This has Stearns written all over it – value move.
The Dodgers aren’t trading Turner.
I wouldn’t think so either, but folks are throwing it around. I’d imagine they’re trying to figure out how to shake up the roster enough to make it look like they’re trying to get better, without messing up the recipe too much. They just can’t get over the hump.
People are throwing it around, because they want to formulate a way for the Dodgers to sign Rendon and Cole. It’s just not going to happen.
Turner is actually a key part to the recipe. Of the playoff performers taking away Muncy, now, and or Turner makes absolutely zero sense. Then you get the fact expensive, older, close to FA you’re not getting anything close to his value. He may no longer be a full time plus plus 3b, but his bat is indispensable. He does a couple things that makes this a non starter he hits RH (and your looking to even out the lineup), he is a fixture in the middle of the lineup, and he’s a revered undoubted clubhouse leader and community fixture. He’s basically what Friedman looks for when he scours the market for vet presence, and he’s still a top 10 3B/1B type. The inability to get over the hump has more to do with pieces around him not performing up to the level, so even the idea of him being a shakeup is nothing more than weird musings.
I can only dream of what it’s like to be a fan of a team with endless money. Wonder what that feels like…
Sometimes I even wonder what it’s like to be a fan of a team that isn’t greedy with every penny they have….
Could always be worse. You could be a Pirates fan
The one trade I can see happening is
Bryant – Dustin May and a couple of young guys
Dodgers are craving a ring but Rendon is not the type of guy the front office likes to give long offers to.
(They’ve already talked about moving Turner elsewhere so third base is open as well)
They’d like Bryant as a two year rental and the Cubs would love to have some potential top of the rotation talent.
I would say this has a zero chance of happening but that would be overrating it.
They’re trading Seager to free up room.
Bryant for Dustin May, Tony Gonsolin, Edwin Rios, and Marshall Kasowski? That get it done?
No I think you’d also have to throw in the team bus.