Dodgers are in Every Trade Rumor; What it Means for 2019

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DENVER, CO – SEPTEMBER 7: Alex Verdugo #61 of the Los Angeles Dodgers runs out a ground ball RBI where he reached on a throwing error against the Colorado Rockies in the fifth inning of a game at Coors Field on September 7, 2018 in Denver, Colorado. (Photo by Dustin Bradford/Getty Images) /

Alex Verdugo

Personally, I think Verdugo is the most expendable player with any real value that the Dodgers have on the 40-man roster. Verdugo has performed admirably in Triple-A, striking out at just a 12.4% clip last season at Oklahoma City and hitting .329. My problem with Verdugo is not that he isn’t skilled, it is more that Pederson is and Puig is as well, and that they have less trade value while being more playoff-tested and proven entities.

Say what you will about Pederson’s 2018, but it statistically was undisputably solid and seems to be pointing to better things to come. Verdugo has the raw ability according to statistics and scouting grades to have a solid MLB future in front of him at the ripe young age of just 22 (he’ll be 23 for the majority of next season).

The Dodgers need to be in a win-now state of mind though, with Kershaw entering the sunset of his career and with Corey Seager, Cody Bellinger and Walker Buehler entering their primes as they exit their team-friendly control years.

The window is open, money is available to spend, and the team should do so. But they should also explore trades as they have been doing, and their most attractive young trade chip, who is currently blocked by established major leaguers, should be the first to go.