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.

2. A.J. Pollock

A.J. Pollock is a $12 million tax hit for the Dodgers.

I was never a huge fan of the A.J. Pollock signing. While I understood the intrigue of bringing in a right-handed bat that excels against southpaws, Pollock’s injury history was too extensive to ignore and he really only had one great year in Arizona.

Injuries have held Pollock back once again (he’s played in just 141 games since the start of 2019), though his 2020 was pretty tremendous (he appeared in 55 games). However, Pollock is not an everyday player and $12 million is a lot to play for someone who has been platooning, though that could change since Joc Pederson is now gone.

Pollock was OK in 2019 and just did not show up in the playoffs, going 0-13 with 11 strikeouts in the 2019 NLDS. He was really solid in 2020, leading the team in home runs with 16 in only 210 plate appearances. His .881 OPS was actually the highest of his career.

But again, Pollock face-planted in the playoffs. He went 9-for-41 with two RBI and barely played in the World Series.

This salary dump is unlikely for several reasons. First of all, Pollock has three more years left on his deal and that’s a lot for a team to take on. Secondly, he provides a right-handed bat, something the Dodgers are currently in need of.

Who knows, maybe they can sell another team on his performance during the regular season, but a guaranteed $36 million over the next two seasons is a steep ask.

1. Kenley Jansen

Some fans want the Dodgers to get a new closer. Is Kenley Jansen gone?

Kenley Jansen does not get the love he deserves from Dodgers fans. He’s undoubtedly the greatest closer in franchise history and his prime numbers are truly historic. Even in recent years, while he has regressed, he’s still one of the better closers in the league.

But the fact of the matter is that he’s no longer a reliable arm in the ninth inning and paying $20 million for that one more time before he hits free agency seems excessive. His one chance to save a World Series game blew up in his face. He only go two other save opportunities throughout the entire postseason.

But his 2020 ERA is so misleading. Jansen really just had back-to-back bad outings in which he was on long rest and got some bad breaks. He allowed three runs (two earned) in 1.1 innings on Sept. 8 and allowed five runs (all earned) without recording an out on Sept. 12.

Jansen had a 0.78 ERA outside of those two outings last season. He also posted his highest K/9 since 2017.

But he’s getting up there in age and is overpaid. Jansen is a $16 million hit against the tax and with him being a free agent after the season, the Dodgers would have an easier time dealing him because it’s only a one-year commitment.

I personally do not think it happens because they have too much respect for right-hander, but if the Dodgers really need to free up the money then I could absolutely see him on the move with the team giving Treinen, Brusdar Graterol and Victor Gonzalez more high-leverage innings.

Some fans would cheer, some would be upset. But the one thing that’s for certain is that the Dodgers would be saving a lot of money.

Dodgers: 3 reasons Trevor Bauer deal could blow up in LAD’s face

The Los Angeles Dodgers made an earth-shattering move when they signed Trevor Bauer to a monstrous contract. Here's why it could blow up in their face.