Los Angeles Dodgers: What must happen for a J.T. Realmuto trade

3. The Los Angeles Dodgers sign Bryce Harper

Yes, the Los Angeles Dodgers have to make the biggest signing perhaps of MLB history in order to want to make a deal for J.T. Realmuto. There are several reasons why this is the case.

But first, this is why the Dodgers should be inclined to free up Kemp’s contract this winter. Kemp is owed $21.5 million this season, which would be a massive lump sum to add to the payroll to be able to afford Harper.

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As for why this deal makes sense. First of all, this would give the Dodgers a much-needed sense of urgency to win now. While the World Series is always the ultimate goal, getting Harper would spark the front office to make as many deals as possible. Realmuto would then be the perfect piece to add to really cap off this added urgency.

Second of all, this makes the Dodgers much more flexible in trade talks this season. A huge component of getting Harper is the freedom to then part ways with top prospect, Alex Verdugo.

While the team would obviously want to keep Verdugo at all costs, a straight swap between Verdugo and Realmuto would be enough for the Marlins to accept and is not terrible for the Dodgers.

Even if the team wants to keep Verdugo, it can open the door to trade someone like Joc Pederson alongside prospects such as Will Smith, Mitchell White and DJ Peters. That is a very lucrative package and again, would not hurt the team that much.

Signing Harper allows the Dodgers to pull the trigger on this trade without worrying about not having a contingency plan in the outfield. Meanwhile, the front office would be creating a bonafide powerhouse.