Dodgers Rumors: Possible Trade Packages for Yasiel Puig
By Jason Reed
The Dodgers are no strangers to deals with the Philadelphia Phillies as they have done many deals with the team in the recent past. Chase Utley, Jimmy Rollins, Carlos Ruiz, and Shane Victorino are all guys the Dodgers have acquired from the Phillies in recent memory. Heck, the team just sent former outfielder and second baseman Howie Kendrick to Philly, so maybe Puig can rejoin him.
The Phillies are a young team that has a lot of potential but lacks that veteran presence, in this trade, Puig and Kendrick would need to act as the veterans. It would be a big step up for Puig, but this added responsibility could wake Puig up and allow him to thrive.
As for the return for the Dodgers, it may be a little lopsided for LA, but it would be great. Los Angeles would also likely need to send a low-rated pitching prospect, cash, or a player to be named later; not taking away from the good nature of this deal.
Aaron Nola may have ended 2016 with un-impressive numbers and has started 2017 decent, but his ceiling is immensely high and with the Dodgers he could reach that potential. We have seen what Rick Honeycutt can do for young pitchers, and we could help Nola summon that potential.
Add in a veteran utility infielder, that can likely play all four infield spots, that can hit left-handed pitching and this deal makes a lot of sense. The Dodgers could call up Cody Bellinger to play right field, and Blanco and his .275 career average against left-handed pitching could play behind Seager, Turner, and Gonzalez.