Dodgers trade rumors: Three ways to make space for Yu Darvish
By Jason Reed
Trade #3:
This trade would be the absolute best case scenario for the Los Angeles Dodgers and has the foundation to take place. Instead of simply freeing up contract space, here the Dodgers are acquiring an upgrade in the rotation alongside Yu Darvish.
For the Royals, this deal is all about the short-term vs. long-term effects as Kansas City is in no place to contend in the near future with most of their pieces leaving. Instead of holding on to Danny Duffy and paying him $60 million over the next four years, they can take Kemp and pay him $43 million over the next two.
More from LA Sports Hub
- Lakers: 5 Players to Target Through Trades to make another championship run
- LA Chargers: Week 8 against Denver Broncos is a must-win
- LA Rams: Jared Goff wants to keep the Los Angeles title streak going
- Lakers Rumors: Los Angeles Clippers interested in Rajon Rondo
- LA Chargers: Justin Herbert wins AFC Rookie of the Month
For both sides this deal is a win. First, the Dodgers.
Los Angeles would be getting a very solid pitcher in Duffy, who happens to be a LA native. While Duffy is owed $60 million over four years, his $15 million average annual salary does not hinder any moves with the luxury tax set to increase. Therefore, this gives the Dodgers the flexibility and depth to move Maeda to the bullpen, where he thrived in the postseaon.
Also, if Maeda moves to the bullpen the Dodgers can avoid paying him a majority of his innings pitched incentive; reducing the pay roll even more.
For the Royals, this deal signals the start of a rebuild. They get Hyun-Jin Ryu in return to fill the direct void this season. The most enticing piece, though, is Mitchell White. White projects to be even better than Duffy and could be a front line starter for the Royals in just a few years.
While this would be a pretty penny for the Dodgers to pay, their organizational pitching depth makes this deal worth it. Of course, Walker Buehler is still waiting for his chance to shine and a returning Julio Urias will provide even more depth.
Next: Dodgers' Spring Training preview
Not only are the Dodgers improving, they are freeing up $14.5 million in cap space. A back-loaded, three-year contract can net Yu Darvish $18.5 million this season and somewhere around $65 million overall.