There have been a lot of conflicting reports regarding Yasiel Puig and his future with the Los Angeles Dodgers. Will he be traded or not? The team's front office is also discussing deals involving Alex Guerrero, who hasn't had much of an opportunity to play due to the logjam in the outfield.
Over the weekend it was reported the Dodgers' higher-ups assured Puig he would not be traded before Friday's deadline. Then Puig told the Los Angeles Times that was never communicated to him because he doesn't "have time to be asking about that." And now, Bob Nightengale of USA Today has the latest.
"The Dodgers have let teams know that Yasiel Puig is available in the right deal, but teams showing much more interest in their prospects," he tweeted last night.
The trade rumors will now be plentiful up until Friday afternoon.
Los Angeles is said to be unwilling to trade top prospects Corey Seager and Julio Urias - both of whom are likely being targeted by teams the Dodgers are talking to in their quest to acquire starting pitching. They're believed to be a frontrunner for Philadelphia Phillies' ace Cole Hamels, but it's not entirely clear if the Dodgers would swap Puig for the left-hander or if the Phillies are interested in that.
Nightengale added the Dodgers "will gladly throw Puig in any package."
The Dodgers are also interested in the Tyson Ross of the San Diego Padres, according to Jon Heyman of CBS Sports, and it's possible Puig is involved in those talks.
Another fellow Cuban could also be dealt before Friday's deadline. Sources have told FOX Sports' Ken Rosenthal that the "Dodgers are discussing Alex Guerrero in trades" and "looking for pitching in return." Guerrero, 28, is in the second year of a four-year, $28 million contract, but if he's traded to another team he's allowed to opt out of his deal and hit free agency.
Los Angeles has had a difficult time with Guerrero. He was primarily a shortstop in Cuba, but it was determined he wasn't capable of playing the position in the MLB after he signed before the 2014 season. The Dodgers then moved him to second base last year, which they deemed a failed experiment. Then in spring training he got reps at third base and was eventually moved to the outfield a couple of weeks into the season because of the presence of Juan Uribe and Justin Turner at third.
Guerrero got a lot of time when Puig and Crawford were on the disabled list, but both of them are now back. He has only 22 plate appearances in the last month due to the Dodgers' crowded outfield, which also boasts Joc Pederson and Andre Ethier.
Previous rumors suggested there was a possibility the Dodgers would try to negotiate with Guerrero so he doesn't' exercise his opt-out clause if traded, which would increase his value on the market. If that's the case, the Dodgers might be able to add solid depth to their rotation.
Either way, look for the Dodgers front office to make big moves in order to acquire starting pitching. And even more importantly, keep an eye on Puig, who may no longer be a Dodger after Friday at 4:00 p.m. ET.
