Los Angeles Dodgers: The three most likely moves to make
By Jason Reed
1. Trade for Corey Kluber
Corey Kluber is the second-most prominent name connected to the Los Angeles Dodgers this winter. However, unlike Bryce Harper, it seems much more likely that the Dodgers would make a move for Kluber.
The Cleveland Indians are looking to dip into their deep starting pitching staff to get outfielders in return. Not only that, but the Indians are also looking to free up money and moving Kluber is part of that equation.
Kluber does not have a terrible contract, though, and can easily be taken on by the Dodgers after freeing up money in the trade with the Reds. Kluber is set to make $17 million this season with two additional club option years on his contract that increase by half a million each year.
That is cheaper than the Dodgers are currently paying Rich Hill for a Cy Young-caliber pitcher that would be even better in the National League. Sure, there are concerns about his age, but the Dodgers were willing to pay and older (and not as good) Hill more money on a three-year deal than Kluber would be making.
The problem here is what the Indians get in return. The most likely piece to move is Alex Verdugo, however, it really is not worth it to move the organization’s top prospect for pitching when the Dodgers don’t need pitching.
The Dodgers should be able to get this done without moving Verdugo, however, it will take other prospects. A package of Joc Pederson, Dennis Santana, Dustin May, Jeter Downs and Matt Beaty should be enough to do it.
The Indians would be getting four top-30 prospects, two of which are big league-ready alongside a power-hitting left fielder in Joc Pederson.