Dodgers Trade Rumors: AJ Pollock Makes Joc Pederson Expendable, LA Targeting Marlins' All-Star

When the Los Angeles Dodgers agreed to sign A.J. Pollock Thursday, it almost certainly took them out of the running to land Bryce Harper. The move also created the possibility of L.A. making even more trades before the start of the 2019 MLB season.

The Dodgers have already sent Yasiel Puig and Matt Kemp to the Cincinnati Reds. After acquiring Pollock, there are rumors that Los Angeles could move Joc Pederson.

Pederson has been mentioned in trade talks at various points in the offseason. Ken Rosenthal said on MLB Network Friday that the Dodgers are actively discussing trading Pederson, and he mentioned the Chicago White Sox as a possible landing spot.

Dealing Pederson would give the Dodgers a starting outfield of Pollock, Chris Taylor and Alex Verdugo. Cody Bellinger could also split time between the outfield and first base.

Pederson hit .248/.321/.522 with a career-high 27 home runs in 148 games last season.

While the Dodgers have discussed trading Pederson, they don’t seem willing to trade Bellinger. That’s been the Miami Marlins’ asking price, as well as a minor-league player, for J.T. Realmuto.

After adding Pollock, Los Angeles has reportedly shifted their focus to trying to acquire Miami’s catcher. Realmuto made the 2018 NL All-Star team and is arguably the top player at his position in all of baseball.

Los Angeles did trade for catcher Russell Martin, but that won’t preclude the team from adding Realmuto. Yasmani Grandal left the Dodgers for the Milwaukee Brewers in free agency after hitting 24 home runs as the team’s catcher in 2018.

Pollock is a top outfielder when healthy with a career .805 OPS, but he’s missed at least 49 games in four of the last five seasons. He isn’t exactly the splashy offseason acquisition fans have been hoping for after the Dodgers lost in the World Series for a second straight year.

Realmuto would be a significant upgrade if the Dodgers can land him without giving up a lot of major-league talent. The 27-year-old hit .277/.340/.484 with 21 home runs in 125 games last season.