Dodgers Rumor Round-Up: Machado, Pollock, Minor Leagues

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PHOENIX, AZ – SEPTEMBER 26: A.J. Pollock #11 of the Arizona Diamondbacks is congratulated by Paul Goldschmidt #44 after hitting a three-run home run during the fifth inning of the MLB game against the Los Angeles Dodgers at Chase Field on September 26, 2018, in Phoenix, Arizona. (Photo by Jennifer Stewart/Getty Images) /

The Arizona Diamondbacks of the past are becoming more and more of distant memory. Paul Goldschmidt was traded to the Cardinals and AJ Pollock, who became a free agent after the 2018 season, appears to be moving on from his home in the desert.

Ken Rosenthal of The Athletic reported Saturday morning that Pollock, who may be leaving Arizona, could find himself in the NL West but now as a member of the Dodgers.

Hearing increasing chatter about #Dodgers’ interest in free-agent outfielder A.J. Pollock. No indication a deal is close, but he is a target for them. Offers ability to play CF and RH balance. Bellinger, Pederson, Toles, Verdugo all LH. Taylor and Hernandez RH, but also play IF.
— Ken Rosenthal (@Ken_Rosenthal) January 19, 2019

Rosenthal also raised an excellent point in a later tweet. Pollock, now 31-years-old, has not played a fully healthy season since 2015, maxing out at 113 games played in the last three years.

For the Dodgers though, that may not be as big an issue as you would think. With depth out of the ears, the Dodgers can practically afford to take a risk on Pollock’s health and put him in an outfield mix that already includes Andrew Toles, Joc Pederson, Enrique Hernandez, Chris Taylor, Alex Verdugo and Cody Bellinger.

If the deal is short term and not of ludicrous length, signing Pollock, a player that brings an above average bat to the table, might not be a bad move.