The Dee Gordon trade hurts the Dodgers’ chances of landing Stanton
By Jason Reed
The Miami Marlins made a shocking move on Thursday by dealing second baseman Dee Gordon to the Seattle Mariners. For the Los Angeles Dodgers, this could have a domino effect for Giancarlo Stanton.
The biggest MLB trade rumors of the last decade have been around Giancarlo Stanton. Trading for Stanton is much bigger than Chris Sale, or any big trade to happen the last several years. In a way, the Marlins trading Giancarlo Stanton resembles the Rangers trading Alex Rodriguez. That time it was the New York Yankees, this year it could be the second largest U.S. market in the Dodgers.
Ironically, it is an ownership group led by Derek Jeter, who played alongside Rodriguez, that wants to deal Stanton. There is $300 million remaining on Stanton’s contract. There was $179 million remaining on Rodriguez’. Stanton’s average annual salary is just under $27.5 million. With inflation in mind, Rodriguez’ deal would be worth $33.8 million per year by today’s terms.
The Rangers then traded Rodriguez to the Yankees and agreed to pay $67 million of the $179 million owed. Since Stanton owns a no-trade clause and can dictate his own future, the Marlins will have to do the same.
Reports indicate that Stanton has approved four teams to be traded to. The Los Angeles Dodgers, New York Yankees, Chicago Cubs and Houston Astros are the four. Logistically, the Dodgers may be the only team that can accomplish this deal.
Then the clockwork starts to move my Dodger-fan head. Miami traded everyday second baseman, Dee Gordon, to the Mariners. In return, the Marlins netted a trio of prospects headlined by Nick Neidert.
Who was included in the Giants reported deal for Stanton? Infielder Christian Arroyo, who is the Giants top prospect.
There is no need to panic though, as the Giants seemingly are not on Stanton’s radar. However, there is some talent there in Buster Posey and Madison Bumgarner. The Giants are a few pieces away from being legitimate contenders. Thus, Stanton may be swayed.
Let’s say that still doesn’t happen. The Marlins are obviously creating a gap at second base. Javier Baez of the Chicago Cubs has some nice trade value and can be replaced by Ben Zobrist. The New York Yankees have insane middle-infield depth. The Astros have Jose Altuve (kidding, obviously).
What about the Dodgers? They have Logan Forsythe, who hit under .200 against right-handers. Oh, don’t worry, they have a great prospect at second base. What is his name again, Willie Calhoun? That’s right, the Dodgers traded Calhoun for Yu Darvish.
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Obviously, the Marlins are not going to live and die by a second baseman but why else would they trade Gordon for seemingly nothing? Derek Dietrich is not a good candidate for second base. There is no viable second baseman in their farm and the free agent class this year sucks.
It just makes no sense. Gordon is an all-star caliber second baseman. He was an ideal teammate and leader for the community. Heck, Seattle only has to pay him $51 million over four years. For an all-star second baseman that is cheap.
Again, this move makes no sense unless there is some underlying gameplan. Sure, the team could trade Marcell Ozuna for a second baseman or could pick up someone like Brandon Phillips in free agency. But that does not make them better now or in the future. They have to be opening the door for someone, right?
And unfortunately, that is not something the Dodgers have. The biggest middle infield trade chip is shortstop/second baseman Gavin Lux — who hit .244 in single-A Great Lakes last year.
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Trading Dee Gordon had nothing to do with the Dodgers, yet may prevent them from landing Giancarlo Stanton. Thus, it may be a former Dodger that prevents LA from becoming the best team in baseball history.