Los Angeles Dodgers: The dream Corey Seager trade scenario

2. Sign Anthony Rendon

The Los Angeles Dodgers signing Anthony Rendon is getting a lot of buzz but as the Dodgers’ infield currently stands, even with Justin Turner’s willingness to move positions, adding Anthony Rendon does not seem to fit.

However, by trading Seager, the Dodgers are effectively opening a position in the infield for Rendon in Los Angeles. Turner would move to first, Max Muncy can platoon at second and Gavin Lux can take over duties at the shortstop position, leaving third to Rendon.

Rendon has gotten buzz with the Dodgers because of the record-setting short-term, high AAV contract that the Dodgers offered Bryce Harper last season. The Dodgers reportedly offered Harper a four-year deal that would have paid him around $45 million per season for four seasons, $19 million more per year than he is already getting.

Rendon, who has said that he hopes he is not playing baseball at 36, may not want a long contract and may opt instead for this shorter deal with a higher annual salary. Rendon will be 30 in June, so let’s say he signs a five-year deal to play through his age 34 season.

He may not get as much as Harper would have but I can definitely see a five-year, $190 million contract that pays Rendon $38 million per year, with perhaps $2 million in MVP and World Series incentives as well.

That is $78-80 million alone between Betts and Rendon per season from 2021-2025, which might seem concerning. However, the Dodgers are freeing up $71 million per season between Turner, Kershaw and Jansen in the next two years, which still leaves enough room to extend Cody Bellinger and Walker Buehler as well.