The Dodgers Make the AJ Pollock Signing Official During FanFest

The Dodgers made the AJ Pollock signing official on the morning of Dodgers Fan Fest and held his press conference simultaneous to the annual event at Dodger Stadium. Pollock was effectively added to the now full 40-man roster.

A deal between the Dodgers and Pollock was announced two days ago with a whirlwind of rumors following suit. Talks suggesting Joc Pederson could be on the move and JT Realmuto could be a Dodger quickly picked up steam according to twitter directly following the announcement the Pollock would be coming to LA.

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Pollock has spent the last seven seasons with the NL Rival Arizona Diamondbacks. But, in his press conference at Dodger Stadium on Saturday morning, the 31-year-old center fielder admitted that it had been his goal to play in Los Angeles since the onset of the offseason.

“I have had my eye on the Dodgers all offseason,” Pollock said. “It really is the perfect fit.”

For Pollock, it certainly is a perfect fit. A team willing to make space for the veteran and a four year deal with a fifth-year option for a player who has been hurt for the majority of the last three years.

Since 2015, Pollock has not played more than 113 games in a season but the Dodgers said they are prepared for, and okay with that.

“If he gets hurt, we have the depth and versatility to handle that,” Andrew Friedman said on Pollock’s health. “We signed him to be our everyday centerfielder and to provide right-handed balance to the lineup.”

With depth and with confidence the Dodgers bought a talented bat with high-octane defense. Pollock is set to make a guaranteed $55 million over the next four seasons with a player option worth $10 million for a fifth season.

Pollock’s center field presence could lead to the availability of Joc Pederson on the trade market although there is debate as to whether or not that is the right move.

For now, adding Pollock to the roster is a big improvement to the outfield platoon. Should he get hurt, his $13.75 million a year is not outrageous and the Dodgers do have the depth to take care of an injury.