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Dodgers: Weighing the pros and cons of trading Joc Pederson

By Michael Wittman

LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA - OCTOBER 09: Joc Pederson #31 of the Los Angeles Dodgers reacts to a foul ball in the fifth inning of game five of the National League Division Series against the Washington Nationals at Dodger Stadium on October 09, 2019 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Sean M. Haffey/Getty Images)
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA - OCTOBER 09: Joc Pederson #31 of the Los Angeles Dodgers reacts to a foul ball in the fifth inning of game five of the National League Division Series against the Washington Nationals at Dodger Stadium on October 09, 2019 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Sean M. Haffey/Getty Images) /
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WASHINGTON, DC – OCTOBER 07: Joc Pederson #31 of the Los Angeles Dodgers flies out in the first inning against the Washington Nationals in game four of the National League Division Series at Nationals Park on October 07, 2019 in Washington, DC. (Photo by Rob Carr/Getty Images) /

Reasons the Dodgers should trade Joc Pederson

The biggest reason for trading Joc Pederson is to shed the projected $8.5 million that Joc is expected to earn in arbitration.  While the Dodgers are expected to have close to $40 million to spend without crossing the luxury tax line, that money could disappear quickly if the Dodgers do surprise and sign a star such as Anthony Rendon or Gerrit Cole.

Trading Joc away could open up an additional $8.5 million dollars for the Dodgers to shore up a need like their bullpen.  Drew Pomeranz or Dellin Betances could be signed to an annual rate of the same and bolster the Dodger bullpen.  The Dodgers already have three starting outfielders in A.J. Pollock, Cody Bellinger, and Alex Verdugo.

While everyone is writing off Pollock due to an abysmal postseason, he had an OPS of .885 in the second half of the season and slugged 13 home runs.  He should bounce back strong in 2020. Paying a backup outfielder like Pederson $8.5 million is expensive, even for a high payroll club like the Dodgers.

For backup options, the Dodgers still have Edwin Rios, DJ Peters, Kyle Garlick, Chris Taylor, and Enrique Hernandez who could all play the outfield. Add in the fact that Pederson is a free agent after the 2020 season and LA could look to get something for him now before he departs in free agency.

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