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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: Manager Dave Roberts of the Los Angeles Dodgers congratulates A.J. Pollock #11 after he scored on a walk by Max Muncy #13 in the first inning of game one of the National League Division Series against the Washington Nationals at Dodger Stadium on October 03, 2019 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images) /

Pro (Trade him!): Allow others to shine

The whole idea of trading Joc Pederson is to open up playing time for other players on the Dodgers roster. While many Dodger fans would probably prefer to see AJ Pollock shipped out of town, his contract makes it more difficult. Pollock is set to make $45 million over the next three seasons, and also has a player option for $10 million more in 2023.

Paying Pollock that kind of money to play a strict platoon role with Pederson is not ideal, especially with Joc bringing in close to $8 million, himself, next season. While salaries will be adjusted to account for a shortened (or canceled) 2020 season, it would be prudent for the Dodgers to invest their salary dollars somewhere else on the diamond. There is no shortage of talent in the outfield with Cody Bellinger, and now, Mookie Betts, roaming the spacious dimensions of Dodger Stadium.

Chris Taylor is another player who could benefit from more playing time. With Pederson and Pollock set to take the majority of reps in left field, Taylor entered Spring Training looking to find at-bats at second base, perhaps against left-handed pitchers. If Gavin Lux takes off as a rookie, Taylor could find benefit from Pederson’s departure by playing more often in left field.

The Dodgers also have Enrique Hernandez and Matt Beaty as options for the outfield. Beaty could see more plate appearances against lefties in the absence of Pederson.

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