Kevin Kiermaier is off the market after agreeing to a deal with the Blue Jays earlier today, and the former Gold Glover was drawing interest elsewhere on the market. The Dodgers “were in the running down to the end” on Kiermaier, according to Jorge Castillo of the Los Angeles Times (Twitter link), as Kiermaier was presumably being eyed as the left-handed hitting, center field replacement for Cody Bellinger. Dodgers president of baseball operations Andrew Friedman is no stranger to Kiermaier, as Friedman was the Rays’ general manager when Kiermaier began his career in Tampa Bay.
Red Sox chief baseball officer Chaim Bloom is also a former member of Tampa’s front office, but Kiermaier and the Sox had only “periphery discussions” about a possible contract, MassLive.com’s Chris Cotillo tweets. Adding Kiermaier would’ve helped the Sox address their needs in the outfield, but the newly-signed Masataka Yoshida is Boston’s biggest swing in the outfield market to date. For now, the first-choice Red Sox starting outfield looks like Yoshida in left field, Enrique Hernandez in center, and Alex Verdugo in right.
More from around baseball…
- Speaking of past pursuits, Bellinger and Josh Bell were among the players “targeted” by the Marlins, according to Jordan McPherson of the Miami Herald. Both free agents are now off the market, after Bellinger signed with the Cubs and Bell joined the Guardians. Bellinger would’ve been a natural fit for the Marlins’ longstanding need in center field, and would’ve at least provided strong defense, even if it remains to be seen if his bat can return to anything close to his past MVP levels of production. Bell has provided solid (if not always consistent) offense over the last two seasons, and the Marlins naturally have a lot of familiarity with Bell from his days with the Nationals. Miami already parted ways with Lewin Diaz and Garrett Cooper has been a trade candidate in the past, so it would seem like first base could be a target position for the Marlins as they look to add some much-needed pop to their lineup.
- Though the Rays are also looking to add offense and particularly a left-handed hitting first base option, Bell “wasn’t high on their list,” Marc Topkin of the Tampa Bay Times writes. It’s a moot point anyway with Bell now in Cleveland, and the Rays can continue their search for a bat at just about any position. “Outside of maybe a shortstop, there probably aren’t too many other areas where we’d say, ’No, we don’t have any interest in that’….We’re fortunate, because we have enough moving pieces and versatility with our players that there’s a lot of different players we could bring in and make it work,” Rays GM Peter Bendix told Topkin and other reporters.
- “Teams have checked” in with the Reds about Alexis Diaz, Bobby Nightengale of the Cincinnati Enquirer writes. No trade seems close or particularly likely, given how the rookie right-hander looks more like a building block than a trade chip. In his first MLB season, Diaz finished fifth in NL Rookie of the Year voting after posting a 1.84 ERA over 63 2/3 innings out of the Reds’ bullpen. Apart from a very high 12.9% walk rate, Diaz’s Statcast metrics were otherwise excellent, and he could be on his way to joining older brother Edwin as a star closer. Interestingly, the Mets explored a trade for the younger Diaz before the trade deadline, but while Cincinnati is in a rebuild phase, Nightengale figures it “would take an absolute haul to even pique the Reds’ interest” in a Diaz swap.
Well I don’t think the Dodgers are going to find a replacement for Beli. Should have resigned him for one year and see if his offense improves. Now they are running short on what’s available. I guess the next step is checking the local goodwill for a new center fielder.
The Dodgers tried for 2 years to see if his power come back. They tried.
Kiermaier has never hit and can’t stay on the field. How would that have been an upgrade over Bellinger?
Because there is another move to be made. I really think that there going hard for Reynolds. Kiermaier is gonna be the 4th outfielder. No way he’s gonna be a full-time starter
Hard for him how? Only way they go in on him is with a guaranteed extension. Their top trade chips aren’t going to be moved for a one year rental
for a one year rental
======================
Did you check that before posting?
I still think they should have signed him for one year. His defense is good. Just keep working with him at the plate. Batting practice, mechanics and try several different bats. I believe he will come back to the old Beli. But not at wriggly field.
The wind blows in from the outfield.
Bellinger is like a cat who is very close to the last of his 9 lives. Had it all & the bottom fell out.
His defense alone is not good enough to offset a bat that is getting worse and worse. Dodgers gave him two seasons to recover from an off 2020 season.
Plenty of options. Just have to make a trade rather than a signing.
The Belli ship has passed and has a giant hole on the port side, sinking like a hot rock!
Michael A. Taylor
Bellinger has had an OPS+ of 44 and 78 the last two years. How will they ever find a replacement? If they go to Goodwill, they should see if they can sign Manny Quinn away from them. He might be more dangerous at the plate.
Roman Quinn?
Manny Quinn is a bit too stiff to be a good ball player but you never know, throw an LA Dodger hat on his head and he may just come to life and become ‘Today’s Special’ for the Dodgers.
So the Dodgers need a CFer and a SS.
Not even the end of December and some posters think the Dodgers have gone through their preferred options and fall back options at Kiermaier. Give them some time. I doubt the Dodgers just gave up on Bellringer without any thought to how to fill is shoes.
I think Bryan Reynolds
The dodgers have the prospects to get it done. Reynolds and maybe Swanson would put the dodgers into a real good offense and a solid off season
Ahmed Rosario as a one year rental might only cost one team top ten to fifteen prospect much cheaper than Reynolds or Swanson
After Boegarts terrible contract Rosario is worth a ton even for one year.
LAD won’t get Ahmed Rosario for any prospects bc that’s not what CLE needs.
They shockingly gave away Clayton Beecher for Joey freaking Gallo who was the exact same player he was for the Dodgers as he was for the Yankees. Beecher was basically unhittable for the Yankees AA club and will zoom up a lot of prospect lists since he was sitting at 98mph late in games with a nasty changeup and curve. Scouts thought he might be a reliever but the Yankees seemed to change something and now he is freaking deGrom. Maybe he gets hurt and implodes but that wasn’t worth Joey Gallo and could have been traded in a package for Reynolds.
Clayton Beeter
deej;
Mr. Beeter is 24 years old, pitching in AA traded to the Yankees affiliate towards the end of the minor league season….meaning that the last of the good players were moved up to AAA around the time he got there.
“… and will zoom up a lot of prospect lists since he was sitting at 98mph late in games with a nasty changeup and curve…..”
He started 7 games, and pitched a total of 25 innings – less than 4 innings a start.
What are you talking about?
P.S. And you got his name wrong.
You must be a Yankee fan.
LOL
Lololol
23 nearly 24 wasn’t crazy old for AA. 2022 was his 2nd pro season. He wasn’t flailing around in the low minors for years
He’s a relief prospect and not really a starter. Like so many relievers before him were. The dodgers got nothing out of Gallo.
It was a bad deal that might end up looking worse should Beeter end up being a solid reliever.
Rays/Dodgers win way more than they lose but they do still lose. I’m sure TB would like Joe Ryan back rather than the 3 so-so months of production they got from Nelly Cruz.
Hindsight is 20/20. Yeah Gallo was a higher risk trade but Dodgers didn’t give that much up for him. Beeter has some upside but still a long road ahead, and a reliever. Cost of doing business is parting with prospects.
Gallo had been terrible in NY for parts of 2 years. I was shocked that the Dodgers gave up anything with upside.
You’re looking at a reliever so it’s not going to shred them but it was surprising to see anything of value leave the building to bring him in. Given his salary and performance.
C: Smith/Barnes
1B: Freeman
2B: Lux
SS: Swanson
3B: Muncy
OF: Taylor
OF: Reynolds
OF: Betts
That’s practically and all-star team..The sad part is, it isn’t that unrealistic that they could pull it off..lol
The prospect capital to get Reynolds is going to be high its impossible to say worthwhile or not
think all you want, Reynolds isn’t going anywhere, per Bucs GM
They’re going to start up extension talks again from what I read
You have to love Dodgers fans almost as much as you would Yankees fans. Yeah, they’ll be glad to take Reynolds for some prospects, as long as they’re the middling types who aren’t anywhere near ready for prime time and certainly not the cream of their farm systems.
First of all Reynolds is not the best trade prospect as his CF defense takes away some of the upside from the offense.
Second, I don’t doubt that the Dodgers will have to part with some good prospects. But I don’t think he’s elite enough for the Dodgers to part with their elite prospects.
Take that back. Seems like Reynolds has quite a few years under control and bat overall better than I thought, although last year was not as good. Probably takes a bit of a haul to get him.
Doesn’t Pittsburgh have to respond to Reynolds trade demand by saying they won’t trade him? His trade value goes down if other teams know Pittsburgh has to unload him.
Whether Pitt wants to trade him or not. In other team’s viewpoint, wouldn’t his value stay relatively the same, since they would say the same thing. Its just the fans prospecting that they can get Reynolds for a song.
I don’t think Reynolds request to be traded is going to amount to anything. If a team wants Reynolds they are going to pay that “we aren’t interested in trading him” price tag. You could pretty much acquire ANY player for the right price. I imagine if the Orioles decided to offer Henderson, Rodriguez, Holliday and Cowser the Pirates would say yes. Of course the Orioles wouldn’t do that. It would be really stupid or the kind of “we aren’t interested in trading him” sort of price tag it was would take.
As a fan of a division rival of Miami I wish they signed Bellinger.
james outman should be the dodgers CF
Chris Taylor can play CF. Let Vargas, Busch and Outman Play!
Betts RF
Freeman 1B
Muncy DH
Smith C
Taylor CF
Lux SS
Busch 2B
Alvarez 3B
Outman LF
Chris Taylor is not an upgrade to Bellinger. Just look at the stats from the last two years.
Who says they need to “upgrade” CF? They were a 111-Win team. Just retool. Taylor plus youngsters is fine. As we stand, we’re back in the playoffs again. Wait for inseason moves to fill as needs arise.
That lineup won’t cut it!
WW
Betts RF
Freeman 1B
Smith C
Muncy 3B
Vargas LF
Lux 2B
Taylor SS/CF
Trade/FA SS/CF Busch and Outman are not ready, Thompson and Barnes should be back
Trade/DH DH. Heyward makes team as a reserve
I expect a gentle trade, maybe to rent Ahmed Rosario for one year, or a tiny signing like Wil Myers, Adam Duvall, or Justin Turner. One year deal at less than ten million.
SP1 Urias
SP2 Kershaw
SP3 Gonsolin
SP4 May
SP5 Stone/Miller/Pepiot/Grove
Phillips Vesia Millet
Alvarez is gone, did you mean Vargas
Name the last time a World Series contender started 3 rookies on opening day?
The Dodgers have enough depth to make a trade for any piece they need. I wouldn’t be surprised to see them have a few chats with Arizona about their abundant OF situation.
Can’t see that working out with the DBacks trying to make a push into contention and viewing Carroll, Varsho, McCarthy, and Thomas as contributing, above average to plus players (and all having 4-5 years of control).
Crazier things have happened, though.
They are playing fewer division games starting next year so I figure it might be less of a big deal. Especially if the Diamondbacks are aiming simply for a wildcard spot and not the division title.
They’re still playing 13 games a season against divisional opponents; a more balanced schedule is not the same thing as a completely balanced schedule.
Divisional title or Wild Card into the post season is irrelevant, because the DBacks and Dodgers are in the same race running regardless (not to mention the Padres).
You know what happens in a trade, right? Both teams get players from the other team.
Correct! You get a gold star!
You know what else happens in a trade? Player valuations come from both sides.
I’m sure you understand supply/demand economics as well, right?
The DBacks are not dealing any of the CFs without materially improving the active roster; they’ve got all the leverage here.
Um, okay. Methinks you have missed the point. Me knows you have.
If you were replying to OP I apologize for being condescending (doesn’t really stagger comments so you can tell who’s telling who what)
If you were replying to me originally, however, there is no point to be gleaned other than condescendingly stating common knowledge in reply to my reasoning as to why I didn’t see a deal lining up.
I was responding to the theory that teams really are so reluctant to trade within their divisions, as if the trade is made to improve one of the teams more than the other. It’s in the nature of trades for both teams to get something they want or need from the other, and if they can’t come to that bargain, the trade isn’t going to happen. So I don’t see where any team ever has all the leverage in a trade. It’s a give-get situation, especially this time of year.
Interdivision trading was only part of the equation I was addressing (you’ll have to forgive me, because I can’t think of a young, cost controlled player changing hands within a division in recent history), there’s also the current state of the CF market.
I’m aware it’s not FO connections, but I’ve seen fans of the: Dodgers, Giants, Brewers, Cubs, Reds, Marlins, Phillies, Braves, Astros, Athletics, White Sox, Blue Jays, Red Sox, and Yankees, wishing for one of the young AZ CFs (thats not factoring the actual talks that we know have happened).
That’s a good number of contenders (and a wide range of market demographics) seeing at least one of those CFs contributing to their team more than what they have in house. How many comparable CFs are up for grabs through FA/trade?
The DBacks are in a unique situation where they can (and will) commit playing time to all 4 through LF/CF/RF/DH rotation, so they can extract current value from all of them (in comparison to a team like the Blue Jays who have a wealth of Cs, but might struggle to get playing time for all three through C/DH rotation).
The DBacks valuations are that they’re all currently at least above average players (or will be very soon):
-Varsho had 4.6 fWAR in 592 PA
-McCarthy had 2.3 fWAR in 354 PA
-Carroll had 1.4 fWAR in 115 PA
-Thomas had 0.5 fWAR in 411 PA
Thomas is the clear outlier there, but he’s only gonna be 23 and only needs to be an average batter to be an above average CF. He can just be optioned to work on things, though, he doesn’t NEED to stay on the active roster or get dealt (all of them have the same advantage, actually).
That’s what I mean when I say they have all of the leverage here; there’s no incentive to move any one of them short of an overpay and/or addressing multiple active roster needs.
*Intradivision
I don’t know if the Dodgers are interested in any of these players. But if they were, and the D’backs coveted any of the Dodgers young starting pitchers, would not the Dodgers then have all the leverage, by your theory? (Not that I think they would, because I’m not buying into the theory.)
DBacks have their own young SPs breaking into MLB; I’m pretty sure the Dodgers saw Drey Jameson and Ryne Nelson last season, both had really good stuff and solid control, and Brandon Pfaadt right behind who’s supposed to be even better.
Sure, maybe the Dodgers leverage some of their SP to fill holes, but I doubt that trade will be with the DBacks.
Just an example. If the Dodgers don’t have anything the D’backs want then no trade will happen, by definition.
It’s not so much any team not having desirable pieces as it is them scoffing at the asking price.
As well they should, but there’s no reason for Hazen to lower the asking price when the only comparable OF trade option currently on the market is Bryan Reynolds (who has 3 years left) and there is no comparable FA option left on the market (unless you correctly bet on Gallo giving prime level production; highly unlikely).
Even if there was a comparable FA, 3 of the 4 are making league minimum and all are effectively controlled through their physical primes. Any deal is not going to come cheap is all I was pointing out.
No worthwhile deal ever does.
No Cubs fan wants a Diamondbacks CF. Pete Crow-Armstrong is better than anything they got.
Bellinger was an addition by subtraction. Plenty of CF options out there from a trade perspective.
Kepler from the Twins is available and more of an elite glove in RF and capable glove in CF. His numbers without the shift should bounce bath and honestly is an upgrade to Bellinger.
I could see the Twins going after a reliever like Grateral return and perhaps a backup catcher to pry Kepler loose.
Reynolds is the only player that makes sense. Trade the kids or play them, don’t take a flyer on another bounce back candidate.
So lots of CF options out there just so long as you don’t want anyone who plays CF?
Got it.
Agreed. At this point I think a trade is best option. Would prefer not to see Outman as starting CF out of spring training. He should start the season at AAA and see if he can maintain his numbers. If he succeeds and is needed bring him up like Bellinger was brought up his rookie season. Ease him into the role.
I don’t believe the Dodgers have anyone in their 40 man roster that is ready to be starting CF at the beginning of the season.
Trance Thompson could be fine in that mix with Taylor, Vargas, Busch and Outman. Just see who clicks and let them earn their spot.
People are forgetting this is a 111-win team that lost a 5-WAR SS and a 5-WAR SP in Tyler Anderson. That’s still potentially a 100+ win team. And you’re saying not a single one of those above mentioned in-house options can’t give above replacement-level value!?
Yes, you can throw anyone at CF. Doesn’t mean they’re good options is my point.
Thompson is not a CF. Not enough range, bad arm, and small sample on bat. He’s a bench player.
Taylor needs to play less. Ideally main bench player. He’s versatile but I don’t like him at CF, or SS, unless it’s occasional fill in. Bat looked terrible last season.
Vargas at CF? No way. Busch? Again, no way.
If Dodgers go with internal options it clearly means they weren’t able to swing a trade.
People are forgetting this is a 111-win team that lost a 5-WAR SS and a 5-WAR SP in Tyler Anderson. That’s still potentially a 100+ win team. And you’re saying Rf not a single one of those above mentioned in-house options can’t give above replacement-level value!?
I’m pretty sure they remember now.
Lol. My bad. I can’t figure out how NOT to double post.
Be patient instead of hitting post twice?
Trance Thompson just seems to be wandering aimlessly out there…
When you wake up you will completely forget your last at bat.
I think this article left out that chaim bloom is a double-agent plant of the TB Rays portion of his CV, it’s the only explanation for how he has sabotaged and torpedoed this ball club since he took over.
The unexpected run in ’21 that spoiled his high draft pick and interfered with TB advancing to the ALCS was rewarded by removing enough performing pieces from the team to ensure a losing season in ’22… all according to plan.
View it through that lens and for the first time there is logic to his wishy-washy contradictory moves while claiming to be trying to put a winning product on the field.
You’re onto something here!
GASoxFan – My belief is Kiermeyer would never be signed by Bloom because of his defense!! It’s too good to be on the team. You can’t waste money on a guy who can’t hit but can field when you have guys like Devers who can’t field but can hit. The model for the Bloom Red Sox has been established. More hitting less defense!!
I like your theory on Bloom but to be consistent with my belief system I believe the Yankees are controlling the Rays who own Bloom. This is payback for Boston one upping the Yankees over the last 20 years.
First – More Rings
Second – Yankees hire bad manager and Boston one ups them
Third – Yankees keep Cashman and Boston fires DD and hire Bloom to again one up them
For years the competition with NY was about winning but lately it’s reversed and now it’s all about which organization can make the worst moves.
The Yankees were ahead with Stanton and so many other wasted free agents but Bloom has made it competitive with Paxton and the 157 other bad pick-ups over the last 3 years. If Boston keeps Bloom they will be the clear winner!!
Looks like the Marlins and Nationals will be competing for last place in 2023 in the NL East.
Not much competition, Marlins 4th, Nats 5th.
I have the Marlins coming in 3rd. Something tells me the Mets are in for a complete meltdown next season
No way the Reds are trading Diaz this early in his career. Not until he is about to make money.
A bad team will usually trade a strong young closer for an elite or solid position player prospect but such deals usually occur when a division leader has a closer get injured mid season
Come on, Bob Castellini would trade his own mother if it meant he could make a couple of dollars on the deal.
Or his cat?
LA should play Lux at SS and find a 2B (Jean Segura?) who won’t cost anywhere near as much as Swanson. A cheap OF to sign, who I believe has the speed to play CF, might be Jurickson Profar.
Has anyone seen Elvis? His locker could be next to Jason.
Seriously? That’s Boston’s 2023 starting outfield? And Hernandez is injury=prone. This should be comical.
Cue the Benny Hill music!
How do you make the left side of fenway even more hitter friendly? Back Devers the error machine up with a bat only no-glove Japanese rookie import, and, kick the established SS out to either stick in a guy who hasn’t played there much in a long time, or, a guy with arm issues and an injury history.
So far, 2 different articles on KK and none of them include what the Jay’s signed him for.
Rumour is 1yr / 8.5M if he passes the physical. We can only hope he doesn’t pass it because f#*k that guy.
Cleveland sends Straw and Rosario to LAD for Barnes and prospects. I don’t have working knowledge of the Dodgers system so I have no names to throw out. Cleveland could play Kwan in CF.
Rays will sign Tyler Naquin to an Avisail Garcia (2019) type deal. 1 year, $2.25M
Let me start with the obligatory note that Josh Bell is a good guy. Solid teammate, did a lot in the Pittsburgh community in his time here. I remember one helluva half season he had here before being traded that he’s never replicated but parlayed into a great deal of money
Having followed his career, I’m still wondering what some see in the guy when they get excited about his addition to their team. Defensively, he’s average at 1st base, if that. You can’t put him in the outfield
Offensively, he’s a much better hitter from the left than the right—it’s not even close, really
I guess Cleveland wasn’t averse to overpaying for a utility player/occasional designated hitter type
Targeted by the Marlins meaning someone suggested to the continually inept Kim Ng that she make some type of pursuit for them. In typical fashion, however, she was frozen with indecision and did nothing allowing both players to escape unharmed by her incompetent ways. Tune in next week to see who the Marlins fail to pursue.
She really does suck. The only GM that I’ve ever seen do absolutely nothing in place of doing something dumb.
When did the Red Sox turn into dollar general? Fenway is an expensive urinal. It’s not a landmark. Reminds me of the old Boston Garden. John Henry is literally squeezing every dollar he can from that urine soaked landfill. Ownership provides Salisbury steak at Filet prices.
The team has question marks at catcher, first base , second base , shortstop – Trevor Story , starting rotation.
Remember the days of loaded outfield? This Sox outfield is loaded like a 2 day old diaper.
I hope they lose 120 games.
Urine trouble now.
Stan Papi – Welcome to the revolution!!
The toilet was flushed the day Dombrowski got fired and all fans have heard for three years is the sound of the water swirling in the bowl. 2023 will be the year that Bloom watches everything disappear down the drain. Then he’ll be gone and a decade of building will begin. All this after winning a ring!!! OUCH.
Red Sox Nation took a swift kick in the nuts with Bloom.
Jesus, of all the players I would loved to have lost to the Dodgers. What a garbage off-season for Toronto. Their answer to backing up a guy that’s always hurt is a guy that’s always hurt. All these Jays fans talking about KK like he’s an all-star. Worst signing of Atkins career.