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Dodgers: Pros and cons of trading Joc Pederson (again)

By Jeffrey Bellone

SAN FRANCISCO, CALIFORNIA - SEPTEMBER 29: Joc Pederson #31 of the Los Angeles Dodgers looks on from the on-deck circle against the San Francisco Giants at Oracle Park on September 29, 2019 in San Francisco, California. (Photo by Lachlan Cunningham/Getty Images)
SAN FRANCISCO, CALIFORNIA - SEPTEMBER 29: Joc Pederson #31 of the Los Angeles Dodgers looks on from the on-deck circle against the San Francisco Giants at Oracle Park on September 29, 2019 in San Francisco, California. (Photo by Lachlan Cunningham/Getty Images) /
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Joc Pederson
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA – OCTOBER 03: Joc Pederson #31 of the Los Angeles Dodgers celebrates with Cody Bellinger #35 after his solo home run in the eighth inning of game one of the National League Division Series against the Washington Nationals to make it 6-0 at Dodger Stadium on October 03, 2019 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images) /

Pro (Trade Him!): Recouping assets

While there is growing optimism about a 2020 season, it will most certainly be a shortened season, impacting a team like the Dodgers who are built to prove out their talent over a 162-game schedule.

Does the relative value of Mookie Betts on a potential one-year rental decrease over a shortened season? Would the Dodgers have made the same trade knowing what they know now? There is a risk Betts never plays for the Dodgers before becoming a free agent next offseason.

President Andrew Friedman gave up a promising young outfielder in Alex Verdugo, along with two prospects for Betts’ services over what will now, at best, be a few months of playing time.

Perhaps pulling the trigger on a trade to send Joc Pederson out of town can help the Dodgers recoup some of the assets they lost in the Betts deal. With Pederson due to become a free agent next offseason, it would also give the Dodgers a chance to gain long-term value, rather than risk losing him, like Betts, for nothing.

The Dodgers have several candidates to fill in for Pederson’s at-bats in the lineup, so they could maintain their ability to compete at a high level this season, while restocking the prospect pool they were forced to skim in the Betts’ deal.

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