The Los Angeles Dodgers have traded notable players in their fold to the Cincinnati Reds, a deal that has long been rumored to be in the making. Matt Kemp, Yasiel Puig, and Alex Woods are now with the Reds while Homer Bailey and a couple of prospects in Josiah Gray and Jeter Downs are now Dodgers.
The long-rumored MLB trade can be seen more like a salary dump on the part of the Dodgers who are reportedly set to sever ties with Bailey who is set to earn $23 million - in addition to a $5 million buyout on his 2020 mutual option, Sporting News said. The move gives the Dodgers added flexibility as they try to manage their cash and luxury tax savings.
With a more flexible salary cap, chances are the Dodgers will now have the room to go after Bryce Harper. It is no secret that the 26-year-old right fielder is seen as a perfect fit for the Dodgers although nothing is certain. Los Angeles could explore other trade scenarios, meaning they are not limited when it comes to further bolster their roster, NESN said.
Aside from Harper, another player the Dodgers could go after is Corey Kluber of the Cleveland Indians. The 32-year-old was in the radar of the Dodgers in November but has since died down. Like Harper, Kluber is seen as a good fit for Los Angeles, another potential high-end starter to the fray.
There is no clarity for now when it comes to Kluber. But one thing that is for sure, the Indians will want someone they can use in return. With three names stricken out after the Cincinnati trade, one name that could be of interest is Alex Verdugo, CBS Sports said.
Verdugo is one of the best pure hitting prospects in the game today. The Indians have expressed interest in the 22-year-old and it will be interesting if the Dodgers will be amenable to the trade-off. Verdugo has spent the last two seasons in Triple-A and has authored a .321/.389/.452 batting line.
A problem over the horizon for the Dodgers is that they are not alone when it comes to Kluber. Ironically, the Reds, Milwaukee Brewers, and the Philadelphia Phillies have the 32-year-old in mind, and most are likely to be brewing up their own pitches to Cleveland.
Aside from Kluber, another player the Dodgers could go for is Trevor Bauer. Both were linked to the Dodgers some months back so it will be interesting if something actually goes down this time around.
