Los Angeles Dodgers: Three surprising players that could be traded
By Jason Reed
3. Yasiel Puig
I really, really, really do not want the Los Angeles Dodgers to trade Yasiel Puig. In fact, I wrote an entire article on why Puig should be near untouchable this winter despite having all the reasons to be traded.
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And while I can sit here in denial and bring up my own argument in why Puig should remain a Dodger, the fact is that if Puig is ever going to be traded from LA, this winter is the time.
This is important to keep in note as Puig has been in countless trade rumors throughout his Dodgers career. The most recent example of this was in late August when the Dodgers reportedly claimed Bryce Harper off of waivers and offered Yasiel Puig to the Washington Nationals.
It makes sense for the Dodgers to deal Puig this winter. Puig is set for arbitration this season and will officially hit the open market as a free agent after the 2019 season. With an already crowded outfield, options in the farm system and the potential to sign a star like Harper, Puig might not be a target for LA after his contract expires.
It also circles back to the Indians reports in which the Indians are shopping starting pitching and need outfielders. Puig would be a nice established name to include in the deal alongside prospects in order to convince the Indians of parting ways with a pitcher like Corey Kluber.
I said it in the other article, I would be okay with trading Puig if and only if it was for Kluber and the Dodgers had a plan for another outfielder, such as Harper.
If not, I do not think the deal should be done, but I would not be surprised. I could see the Dodgers trading Puig for a lesser package if it makes sense. The team has Alex Verdugo and the possibility of moving Bellinger to the outfield, after all.