The Los Angeles Dodgers are looking to clear money. That could mean that Yasiel Puig has played his final game with the team.
Ken Rosenthal is reporting that the Dodgers have been in talks with the Cincinnati Reds about a number of trades. Puig’s name has been discussed.
#Dodgers, #Reds have talked multiple times, sources tell The Athletic. Different packages being discussed; Puig in play as well as other LAD outfielders, pitchers. Dodgers want to clear money for other pursuits. Puig projected $11.3M in arb, per @mlbtraderumors, Alex Wood $9M.
— Ken Rosenthal (@Ken_Rosenthal) December 11, 2018
With Manny Machado and Bryce Harper still available, it’s not surprising that the Dodgers are looking to clear money.
Los Angeles is an ideal trade partner for Cincinnati, though not necessarily because of Puig. The Dodgers have a number of quality starting pitchers, including Alex Wood, who would easily slot into the top half of the Reds rotation. While outfield isn’t a position of great need, Puig wouldn’t have a problem earning a starting job.
Puig hit .267/.327/.494 with 23 home runs for the Dodgers in 125 games. Wood, meanwhile, had a 9-7 record with a 3.68 ERA, 1.21 WHIP, and 135 strikeouts in 151.2 innings.