Dodgers and White Sox should revisit trade talks involving Joc Pederson

Why the Dodgers should make a Bummer for Joc swap

There are several reasons why the Dodgers should make an Aaron Bummer for Joc Pederson swap if the White Sox were interested in such a deal.  The first is that Joc Pederson is scheduled to make $8.5 million next season and the Dodgers already have a potential starting lineup with A.J. Pollock, Cody Bellinger, and Alex Verdugo.  Then there is DJ Peters who was recently added to the forty man roster.

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By saving all or at least half of that $8.5 million, the Dodgers would have even more money to work with as they attempt to stay under the luxury tax.  Joc Pederson is also entering a contract year as he is set to hit free agency for the first time after the 2020 season.  By dealing Joc now, the Dodgers could upgrade their roster for next season and not lose Pederson for nothing.  It’s unlikely that the Dodgers would offer Joc a qualifying offer.

The other part of why the Dodgers should try to acquire Aaron Bummer is that he is a very good left-handed reliever.  Over the last three seasons, Bummer has held lefties to a .196 average against while also limiting right-handed batters to a .234 average.  With the three batter minimum likely going into effect next season, Bummer would be able to handle a role bigger than a lefty specialist.

Bummer throws a sinker, four-seam fastball, cutter, and a slider.  His sinker and four-seamer range in the mid-90s while his cutter is in the high 80s. Bummer’s slider comes in a little slower in the low to mid-80s.  The Dodgers are removing Julio Urias from their bullpen so the pen will need another southpaw weapon and Aaron Bummer would fill Urias’ void in the bullpen.

Aaron Bummer is also under control through the 2024 season so while the offense could take a hit by moving Joc Pederson, the bullpen would get a very good left-handed reliever for the next five seasons.  It would be a win-win deal for the White Sox, especially if they extend Joc beyond the 2020 season.