Dodgers: 4 players that could be traded in salary dump deals

The Los Angeles Dodgers made the biggest move of the offseason when they signed Trevor Bauer to a three-year, $105 million contract. Bauer has options after the first and second seasons, but will have the highest AAV in MLB ($40 million) in 2021 and likely again in 2022 if he opts in ($45 million).

The only “problem” (if we can even call it that)? This move also puts the Dodgers over the Competitive Balance Tax threshold. The Dodgers obviously have the money to go over the tax, but with a need for a right-handed bat (most likely Justin Turner), the team may look to free up some salary because they’re in danger of blowing by it even further.

Los Angeles has some bloated contracts the front office could look to move on from and they wouldn’t be sacrificing a big loss in the talent department. These salary-dump trades will require a prospect being packaged along wtih said player and likely won’t warrant any significant return, but you never know what magic Andrew Friedman can work at any given time.

Let’s take a look at four players who could be casualties.

4. David Price

The Dodgers just added another a Cy Young pitcher. Why not trade one?

David Price seems to be the most sensible player to be traded to free up payroll considering he has $16 million luxury tax hit and has not pitched an inning for the Dodgers yet.

Price was acquired in the Mookie Betts trade as a salary dump piece for the Boston Red Sox but he opted out of the 2020 season, and we’re not entire sure if he’ll be playing in 2021.

Some fans have been very excited to see Price pitch on the Dodgers with hopes that he can reinvent even 80% of his prime self. If he was able to do that, the Dodgers would probably have the greatest starting rotation of all-time.

For now, we have to speculate whether or not he will be on the team.