December 3rd, 2020 at 8:00 am 
by 0799291000348 We kicked-off the 2020-21 Dodgers Hot Stove Chatter discussing former MLB general manager and current MLB analyst Jim Bowden’s audacious assertion that the Dodgers will acquire Colorado Rockies third baseman Nolan Arenado before December 25, 2020. Bowden took it a step further in his December 2, 2020 article ‘One virtual Winter Meetings move for each National League team‘ in The Athletic (subscription required), suggesting that the package of prospects going from the Dodgers to the Rockies would include catcher Keibert Ruiz, top pitching prospect Josiah Gray, and middle infielder Jacob Amaya. In Bowden’s trade scenario, Arenado would waive both his no-trade clause and his 2021 contractual right to opt-out, and the Dodgers would take on the remainder of his contract – a monster $199 million through the 2026 season.
Considering the number of overwhelming obstacles standing in the way of Arenado becoming the Dodgers third baseman in 2021, what other options might the team consider to replace seemingly irreplaceable (and now free-agent) third baseman Justin Turner? JT is clearly the first choice of every Dodger fan to return for another World Series quest, or two, or three. But the Dodgers must consider the possibility that another team makes him “…an offer he can’t refuse,” and he finishes his MLB career playing elsewhere.
Another option to consider is 29-year old/three-time All-Star Kris Bryant, the slugging third baseman/left fielder of the Chicago Cubs, who has been one of the top run producers in MLB from 2015 through 2019. Over that period, Bryant has averaged a 139 wRC+ per season, the same as Turner. By comparison, Arenado has averaged a wRC+ of 127, Franciso Lindor 119, Cody Bellinger 140, and Bryce Harper 144. Bryant has also dominated left-handed pitching in his career (.986 OPS) and has just entered his prime playing years. Bottom line: He would be a terrific addition to the Dodgers lineup, and at a projected salary of $18.6 million, the Dodgers could also afford to re-sign JT.
(Photo credit – Darron Cummings)
Which players would the Dodgers have to give up to acquire Bryant? This is where it gets both interesting and complicated. The 2021 season is Bryant’s last before free agency, and with Scott Boras as his agent, it is extremely unlikely that he will sign an extension before testing the free agency market. While the Cubs will expect a significant return for Bryant, the Dodgers will likely use their Mookie Betts trade-package-mentality (outfielder Alex Verdugo, middle infield prospect Jeter Downs, and infield/catching prospect Connor Wong) as a benchmark
The Cubs non-tendered left fielder Kyle Schwarber on Wednesday, and two-time All-Star shortstop/second baseman Javier Báez will be a free agent after next season. Three-time All-Star first baseman Anthony Rizzo becomes a free agent after the 2022 season, and Chicago desperately needs starting pitching. In other words, they need ready-now talent, not prospects who won’t be major-league-ready until (at least) next season.
One package of players that might bring Bryant to LA for 2021: third baseman/first baseman Edwin Rios, pitcher Dennis Santana, and infielder/outfielder Matt Beaty.
In this scenario, Bryant would come to the Dodgers as a third baseman. However, if the Dodgers can trade AJ Pollock and his hefty four-year/$55 million contract (with a player option for 2023 or a $5 million buyout), and they re-sign JT, Bryant becomes the left fielder and backup third baseman. Doing so would make the Dodgers 2021 lineup look something like this:
- C – Will Smith
- 1B – Max Muncy
- 2B – Gavin Lux
- 3B – Justin Turner
- SS – Corey Seager
- LF – Kris Bryant
- CF – Cody Bellinger
- RF – Mookie Betts
- Bench: Austin Barnes, Chris Taylor, Zach Reks, Zach McKinstry
What do you think Dodgers fans? Is Kris Bryant worth pursuing? Which players would you be willing to trade for what would undoubtably be a one-year rental?
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Didn’t like it when they did it and hate it even more now – the AJ Pollock signing. It is going to “rear its ugly head” every time a major trade/signing opportunity comes up for the Dodgers. Don’t know what Andrew was thinking with that one.
LOVE the Bryant idea, Jesse. Never even considered that one.
Pollack reminds me of Rich Hill. He’s shown a high upside, but can’t necessarily be relied on to be on the field. The AAV on his deal is only $11 million or so, which isn’t crazy for a starting outfielder. He tied Mookie for team lead in homers in 2020. He’s hit lefties well, but isn’t terrible against righties (which was a team wide concern when he signed). Bellinger and Betts are just so good, it makes anyone in left field look mediocre. He could have been a bargain for his contract, but looks like he’s paid spot on for his production. It sounded like off the field stuff with his family was challenging recently, so hopefully they’re doing well and he can as well in 2021 as he did in 2020.
A.J. Pollock is good when healthy. Even in 84 games last year he still hit .266/15/47 and in a full season translates to .267/28/89, which are good numbers. Pollock is better as a DH. He also hit .276/16/34 and was our third best offensive player this year. He´s worth keeping. Kris Bryant deserves a long term deal if we trade for him. Oh, and that would be 3 MVP´s in the outfield.
There is no better time to trade Pollock than now. As Branch Rickey said, “It is better to trade a player a year too early than a year too late.” Bryant in LF with Turner at third, backed up by Bryant and Muncy, the Dodgers offense would be awesome.
Bryant would be everything that Pollock is not.
@Dodgers Keep Rios he’s the real deal. 💪🏼
You won’t get an argument from me on that.
👍👊✋
I am not convinced. He looks like a DH with great power who is going to K around 1/3 of the time. Hopefully, the Cubs would agree with you and take him as the key player in a trade for Bryant.
I would not trade Rios for Bryant even up. Bryant struck out 145 times in 2019 and with 30 something homers didn’t even drive in 80 runs.
I think the big issue is when the NL gets the DH. Rios/Turner perfect dh/3b tandem.
LF shouldbe given to CT3 if Pollock is traded. He deserves it.
Pollock’s deal isn’t terrible he had a pretty good yr.If we are not in need of shedding payroll why trade him.
Anybody here interested in Archie Bradley for the dodgers pen?
Yes. I think he could reach his full potential with Dodgers pitching coaches and Driveline Baseball.
What about OF’er David Dahl who Rockies non-tendered. Injured shoulder in 2020, but 2019 he slashed .302/.353/.524/.877 – albeit his home and away splits are heavily weighted toward home. If Pollock remains as the regular LF’er, Dahl could be the 4th OF’er and earn around $2M.
Fair points, my take:
Rios has tremendous power potential, and although his defense improved from 2019, he remains below average at 1b (-3.1 UZR/150) and is terrible at 3b (-32.1 UZR/150 in 2020; -59.5 in 2019), and he is only 2.5 years younger than Bryant. Yes, Bryant K’d 145 times in 2019 (around 23% of his plate appearances) but he slashed .282/.382/.521 with a weighted runs created (wRC+) of 135; only Dodger with a better wRC+ in 2019 wasCody Bellinger (162) — Muncy 134, Turner 132. True, he only had 77 RBI which is more indicative of where he most frequently hit in the lineup (second) where his slugged .925, and scored 108 runs. I like Taylor a great deal and see him getting regular playing time at 2b, SS, CF, and LF — he too is a free agent after 2021. I agree, Pollock’s contract is not terrible, but he is no Kris Bryant, offensively, or defensively. 2020 was Pollock’s career year for OPS at .881 — Bryant’s career OPS is .889. I also think that Bryant might decide to sign an extension with the Dodgers after playing with Betts, Bellinger, Seager, et al.
Maybe we send someonelse to the Cubs instead of Rios.
Definitely. I was only taking a best guess at who the Dodgers might be willing to trade for a one year rental. I don’t believe they will give up Gavin Lux, or any of the young pitchers (May, Gonsolin, Urias, Gray). Keibert Ruiz might be a guy the Cubs would want in place of Rios, but losing Bryant and in one more year Rizzo, I think they may want a ready now corner infielder. I would not trade Muncy for one year of Bryant as an example. The Cubs might take Pollock, but he could opt out after the 2021 season. If the Cubs would take prospects then Michael Busch, or Kody Hoese could be on their shopping list.
Tommy’s
got a
Hot-Rod Heart
No trade for kris bad for club house.
Specifics please.
I think Bryant is similar to Arenado, Lindor, Baez and a few other left side infielders who could be free agents after 2021. A little more versatile but also coming off a down year. They’ll all be motivated this year, with the potential for a big pay day (or new pay day for Arenado if he opts out). But that might mean they press and underperform. At the projected ~$18 million salary, Bryant could be a bargain if he rebounds. Not having the weird contract like Arenado gives him less downside contractually. If LA trades for him, and he has a monster year, they’ll issue a QO and get another draft pick. That would be a nice outcome.
I think bring Turner back on a one year (two if NL has DH next year) deal to share 3B with Rios is the best move. Get at least one more reliever. Knebel could prove to be a savvy pickup but Hand, Hendricks or Treinen would need up the backend. Present prospects and versatile Major League roster should be plenty for 2021.
Excellent points, and I am 100% on board with bringing Turner back. His defense has slipped, but he can still swing the bat exceptionally well.
Bryant makes less sense then just resigning Seager.
Seager is in his prime and a valid member of the teams nucleus.
Seager is 3 years younger and can be moved to 3rd if the situations dictates.
These front office guys don’t just throw money at players like they are front and center at a strip-club. I don’t see them getting in an all out no holds barred bidding war for anyone. Bryant isn’t a necessity at the moment, so why give up players in a trade?
The premise of this piece has nothing to do with Seager, who clearly wants to be a shortstop, not a third or second baseman — and who I believe should be extended and remain a Dodger for his entire career. Considering Bryant for the Dodgers is an alternative to Jim Bowden’s prediction that Nolan Arenado will (not might) be a Dodgers before Christmas. Remember that Andrew Friedman is on record that he wants to add another RH bat to the Dodgers lineup. But, there are other RH alternatives that we will cover in the next Dodgers Hot Stove Chatter.
No criticism expressed, but I would prefer Dodgers re sign JT and look into some of the free agent hitter non tendered on the cheap like a David Dahl. This should take care of the offense and save some dollars.
On the pitching side we probably need a back end signing.
ARenado only if he gives up his opt out and the Rockies send cash to reduce ARenado $ down to high 20s or they take Pollock plus send us money.
The great thing about Hot Stove, everyone’s opinion is valued — we can debate pros and cons, but we are all fans with same desire — Dodgers repeat as World Champs. I threw Dahl’s name out there because I liked him when playing for the Rockies, but with Beaty, Raley, and Reks as LH hitting outfielders who can also play other positions, Dahl is not a likely option for the team.
I agree with you Jesse as the front office says time after time the goal is to make the team better. I read that they are looking for a RH bat. Nolan is loved in Colorado and it is possible the Rockies will do their best to fullfil his wishes. The Dodgers may catch a break in an exchange for him. I dont know what his numbers look like away from Coors, but I believe he is a top notch player. I also agree with Steve that there are always other alternatives and ways to make the team better. I don’t have a chart of every player in the world like the front office or eyes on the minors day by day, so I won’t begin to seek the alternatives out. But its fun so I will happily read what others project.
I am also not trying to use criticism as an offense. I just don’t like to be agreeable to everything stated. If I have a different opinion, I state it. Maybe my approach could use some education, probably my approach could use some edication that is.
Seager is a professional and an employee… if it makes the team stronger, he will make the move.
The front office or the ownership told the shareholders they were going to be more frugal dollar wise in the future. That probably holds more weight then Seager stating his preference for position. My take is they dont need to sign a guy for x amount of years to play 3rd. They might use that money to resign our own guys or add a shortstop for the future.
I’m not a big fan of this. Hear me out before I get shelled. Rosario is out there and would be a great addition in the lineup, and gives LA with a switch hitter with speed. He is also durable and consistent. The price tag is also cheaper then a Bryant. LA can move Lux to 3rd. Taylor can move to 2nd and play more in an everyday role.
I believe in order to repeat the Dodgers need to address the pen. Therefore if a trade is to be made, Hader becomes a better target as well as Hendricks and Hand. Hader would be under contract for the next 3 years and the Dodgers wouldn’t be in the same spot next year.
The Dodgers have some great trade chips and should not under value them. Bryant would be a bad move and it shows with his stats that are on the decline every year, so unless they can do this at a minimal cost to the farm system, then this should be a pass.
DJ would be another option if they are going to push the chips all in and risk not signing Seager. Not a bad move seeing all the SS on the market the following year. Either way I think this winter will definitely be exciting to watch, and although making minimal moves to no moves might be boring, it sometimes is the safest and smarter thing to do.
I am hoping to see David Price come back to form, adding a strong arm ( Hader or Hendricks) and keeping what pieces that have been the core to what has helped LA stay great for the last 8 seasons.
Which Rosario are you recommending? Free agent OF’er Eddie Rosario (LH hitter), or shortstop Amed Rosario (RH hitter)? I don’t see any way that Lux is moved to third base since he has throwing problems from second after being moved there because his throwing was so bad from shortstop.