Dodgers Rumors: Los Angeles should pursue Miguel Montero

The Los Angeles Dodgers, contrary to the defending champion Chicago Cubs, have been rolling this season. The latest Dodgers rumors connect the two teams.

Miguel Montero has been a topical player as of late. The two-time All-Star and 2016 World Series champion was recently cut from the Chicago Cubs after some unflattering remarks about Jake Arrieta and his slow delivery. However, while his name has been painted in a negative light as of late, that should not cut his connection in the latest Dodgers rumors.

Montero would be a great fit behind the plate in the Los Angeles Dodgers organization. The veteran backstop has posted a .286/.366/.439 slash line, amounting to a .805 OPS. His .805 OPS is the tenth best mark for all catchers with 100 or more plate appearances.

Montero is a left-handed bat, and historically has struggled against southpaws, but his numbers have been impressive. Again, the sample size is very, very limited, but Montero is batting .417 against lefties in 2017.

More importantly, Montero brings depth and veteran leadership to this Dodgers team. Chase Utley and Sergio Romo are the only Dodgers with World Series experience. Montero was along for the roller coaster ride with Chicago, bringing the Dodgers something immensely important off the field.

Especially with the injuries that have struck the Dodgers down the stretch, they could use a player like Montero. Bringing in Montero would give Los Angeles another option at first base in Yasmani Grandal, he may not be stellar, but certainly would be better than Chase Utley.

With the outfield suffering a plethora of injuries and new name practically hitting the DL every week, adding that flexibility would be huge. Adrian Gonzalez hasn’t been quite himself, and wonder kid Cody Bellinger has seen more games in the outfield than at first base.

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Some fans may not want Montero because of the recent news around his head, because of the negative locker room presence he paints. While that is a genuine concern, quite frankly, Montero wasn’t saying anything untruthful.

Arrieta does have an alarmingly slow delivery. While Montero certainly has lost some spring in his step from his earlier years, Arrieta definitely deserves part of the blame. However, Montero used the wrong outlet to emphasize his concerns. This should have been something discussed in the locker room, not to the media.

Regardless, the pros far outweigh the cons when it comes to Miguel Montero. Having that World Series experience is something that is so hard to come by in today’s MLB, it definitely being something the Dodgers need in their clubhouse.

Look at David Ross last season for the Chicago Cubs. Ross, alongside battery mate Jon Lester, brought in his experience from winning the World Series with Boston to Chicago. Ross may not have been the most solid contributor on the field, but his team presence certainly had an immense impact.

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Overall, Montero may not be the first name on Andrew Friedman’s list, but he definitely should be considered. Despite the latest controversy around Montero, he deserves to be in the latest Dodgers rumors.