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Los Angeles Dodgers: Why a Joc Pederson trade makes the most sense

By Jason Reed

LOS ANGELES, CA - JULY 21: Joc Pederson #31 of the Los Angeles Dodgers runs the bases after hitting a two run home run off starting pitcher Jordan Yamamoto #50 of the Miami Marlins during the third inning at Dodger Stadium on July 21, 2019 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Kevork Djansezian/Getty Images)
LOS ANGELES, CA - JULY 21: Joc Pederson #31 of the Los Angeles Dodgers runs the bases after hitting a two run home run off starting pitcher Jordan Yamamoto #50 of the Miami Marlins during the third inning at Dodger Stadium on July 21, 2019 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Kevork Djansezian/Getty Images) /
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(Photo by Sean M. Haffey/Getty Images) – Los Angeles Dodgers
(Photo by Sean M. Haffey/Getty Images) – Los Angeles Dodgers /

3. If there was ever a time to trade him, it’s now

Joc Pederson has been in the rumor mill for the past few offseasons. Every winter we seemingly explore the idea that Pederson is finally going to make his way out of LA and yet again here we are talking about the exact same thing.

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The difference between this winter and past winters, though, is that Pederson is actually in an ideal situation to be traded. I understand why the Los Angeles Dodgers would be hesitant to trade him in the past. This winter is a different story.

The biggest thing working against Pederson staying as a Dodger is his contract. Pederson is in the last year of his arbitration period and I think there is no way that the Dodgers would be willing to match the best offer from free agency to keep Pederson.

So even without a trade, there is a legitimate chance that we don’t see Pederson on the Dodgers past 2020. With outfield depth and interest elsewhere, we could absolutely see Pederson signing with a different team.

That is the important thing to keep in note. If the Dodgers don’t think that they are going to re-sign Pederson then they absolutely should trade him on his last year for something.

It won’t be a huge return as he is on an expiring contract but the Dodgers could do something very similar to what they did with Yasiel Puig last offseason. Even better, if they can somehow get a solid reliever, then they would have been set.

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The Los Angeles Dodgers are savvy and they know trading a player like Pederson during the year can set a bad locker room culture. However, based on these factors, I would not be surprised in the slightest if Pederson gets dealt.

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