Diving into AJ Pollock’s bizarre contract situation with Dodgers

AJ Pollock’s tenure with the Los Angeles Dodgers has had its ups and downs. When he was signed to a four-year, $55 million contract before the 2019 season, it was met with mixed reviews.

He’s been injury prone for much of his career … but he was also a five-tool player with All-Star potential. One could say the Dodgers slightly overpaid here to shoo away the other bidders while also not taking too much of a risk. A $13.75 AAV? There are much worse contracts out there.

Unfortunately, Pollock’s debut season in LA was shortened due to various injuries, and he played in only 86 games, but was on pace for ~30 homers, ~90 RBI and an above-average OPS+. But then he batted .000 in the NLDS (five games!) against the Washington Nationals. Really not good.

The shortened 2020 offered hope, though. Pollock played a “full season” (55 games) and finished with 16 homers, 34 RBI, an .881 OPS and 132 OPS+. The Dodgers won the World Series even though his postseason contributions were minimal/ineffective.

And now here’s where it gets a bit weird.

The Dodgers’ contract with AJ Pollock has a lot of odd provisions.

Pollock missed just enough time in 2021 to trigger an opt out clause in his contract, which he more than likely would’ve exercised because of his performance (21 homers, 69 RBI, .892 OPS, 137 OPS+ and a dominant postseason). He missed the mark by 11 plate appearances.

Now, that more than likely links him to LA for two more seasons. Here are some more details from Dodgers insider Fabian Ardaya of The Athletic (subscription required):

"“Pollock will actually make less in 2022 (though his hit on the Dodgers’ luxury tax payroll remains the same), his salary going from $15 million to $10 million as part of the four-year, $55 million deal he signed in 2019.“He also has a $10 million player option for 2023, with the Dodgers paying him at least $5 million of that regardless if he gets bought out instead. That 2023 salary is fluid, based in part on the number of plate appearances Pollock receives next season (making an additional $1 million each after he reaches 400, 450, 500, 550 and 600 plate appearances in 2022). For context: Pollock had 422 plate appearances in 2021.”"

It’s hard to envision what Pollock might do if he has a fully healthy 2022 season. It’s obvious he’ll exercise his player option if injures once again derail his ability to perform, but will he try to get one last payday entering his age-35 season since he can escape with a $5 million buyout? Think about it. If he signs any deal in excess of $6 million, he’s actually making more money. And if he pockets a few more million on his way out with a plate appearance incentives, all the better. It’d be a win-win for him.

Either way, Dodgers fans should be hoping Pollock does something comparable to his 2021 season because the team is on the hook for half his salary in 2022 regardless. And saving $5 million with another group of big names potentially coming off the books heading into 2023 would hardly make a difference.

They already got lucky he missed his incentive by 11 plate appearances and will have him again for just $13 million next year. This could still end up benefitting all parties, so fans should be pulling for that.

The Dodgers knew a healthy AJ Pollock could produce like an MVP candidate

The Los Angeles Dodgers signed AJ Pollock to a questionable contract a few years ago, but they knew what was coming if the veteran could stay healthy.