Dodgers Rumors: The four players most likely to be traded this season
By Jason Reed
Yasmani Grandal
Moving Yasmani Grandal means less sense now than it did a few weeks ago when the Dodgers needed to free space for Yu Darvish. However, with the immense catching depth in the Dodgers organization, Grandal could become a key piece in a much larger trade package similar to Hyun-Jin Ryu.
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Grandal is a great catcher, don’t get me wrong. He is great behind the plate and is a fantastic batterymate for the Dodgers. Not only that, at his best, Grandal has the potential to hit .275 with 30 home runs. That is unheard of from a catcher. While he has been close to that ceiling, we have not yet seen it.
However, the Dodgers do have Austin Barnes immediately behind Grandal and organizational depth in Kyle Farmer, Keibert Ruiz and Will Smith. With his contract set to expire after this season, the Dodgers could use Grandal as a trade chip to bring in an upgrade on the mound or any other sort of postseason help.
The cards would have to align perfectly for this to be the case, but the Dodgers should capitalize if they do. It is so hard to find a quality catcher in the MLB today, the Dodgers have two. If trading Grandal is for the greater good of the entire team, well, trade out of an area of strength for an area of need.
Next: 20 bold predictions for the 2018 Dodgers
Overall, the Dodgers rumors will continue to be quiet until the MLB Trade Deadline approaches. As the season transpires, it will become more clear which of these guys may be traded first.