Two years ago the Los Angeles Dodgers would have scoffed at the idea of trading outfielder Yasiel Puig. Fast-forward two years later and rumors suggest the embattled Puig could be on the way out.
The 24-year-old started only one game in the postseason after playing just 79 regular season games due to injuries and performance issues. Los Angeles went with Andre Ethier instead, which could mean one of two things: the Dodgers are moving on from Puig or they're trying to teach him a lesson.
"He is expendable in Los Angeles because the Dodgers have veterans Andre Ethier and Carl Crawford to play the corner outfield spots," writes Barry Svrluga of the Washington Post. "He is attractive to other teams not only because of his obvious talent, but because his contract seems reasonable - $24.6 million over the next three years."
"Clearly, there have been distractions associated with the Puig era in L.A., and his injury plagued 2015, in which he was limited to 79 games, was disappointing, to say the least," adds Anthony Castrovince of MLB.com. "If the Dodgers move him now, some would see it as selling low. But the Dodgers could probably still get some enticing offers, given the right-handed pop Puig can potentially provide and the reasonable terms of his remaining contract."
What's even more indicative of an impending trade is that manager Don Mattingly reportedly got a lot of his lineup instructions/suggestions from the front office. The new regime may not be high on Puig and that could mean a trade is on the horizon, whether it happens in the offseason or before the July 31 deadline.
Let's take a look at three trade scenarios that would make sense for the Dodgers and a potential trade partner.
3. Trade Puig to the Baltimore Orioles in exchange for RP Mychal Givens and 3B Jomar Reyes
I'm not exactly a polished trade predictor, but I feel this would make sense for both sides. The O's need an outfielder that won't break the bank for them and giving up a few top prospects for a 25-year-old under club control through the 2019 season is beneficial especially since they're about to lose Gerardo Parra and Chris Davis - both of whom would be much more expensive than Puig.
Baltimore already showed they are willing to deal their prospects after trading pitcher Zach Davies to the Milwaukee Brewers for two months of Gerardo Parra. Givens would give the Dodgers a good bullpen option and Reyes would give them a future option at third base, as he's already excelling in the minors as an 18-year-old.
If Puig is truly a locker room distraction in Los Angeles, then this would be a good deal for the Dodgers and it would help the Orioles remain competitive in the AL East over the next few years. The O's can replace Givens by signing a free agent reliever and trading Reyes wouldn't be that big of a deal because he's blocked by Manny Machado.
2. Trade Puig and INF/OF Enrique Hernandez to the Chicago Cubs for INF Javier Baez and OF Jorge Soler
Go ahead, start yelling. But swapping Puig for Soler is not a bad deal at all considering the ups-and-downs for both players. Puig has been a let down in LA due to his penchant for being a distraction and Soler hasn't exactly produced the power numbers Chicago was expecting him to in his first two seasons with the team. A change of scenery could benefit both.
As for Baez, yes he's a promising talent, but if the Cubs can't get rid of Starlin Castro (which seems to be the case), then there isn't much use for him if he's not converted to an outfielder.
On the other hand, Hernandez is a classic Joe Maddon player. He can play center field (or second base) and provide a leadoff option after Dexter Fowler officially departs in free agency. The Dodgers can afford to get rid of Hernandez due to the presence of Joc Pederson in center and Jose Peraza possibly ready to take over at second base.
Dodgers third baseman Justin Turner is just one season away from free agency and he's coming off knee surgery, so it's hard to believe the Dodgers will look to re-sign him after 2016. Why does that matter? Because scouts have said Corey Seager's defense and build epitomizes that of a third baseman, which means he can shift to third, Baez can take over at short and Peraza can remain at second. That's a good, young infield.
Then the Cubs solve their center field issue, upgrade in right field and will only need to look at addressing the long-term issue in left field because Kyle Schwarber cannot be out there on a consistent basis. Then they can allocate the rest of their funds to upgrading the starting rotation.
Maybe Puig will be more well-behaved and responsible among other players his age, rather than the veteran-heavy Dodgers' rosters over the past couple of years.
While this is a reach, I think the deal benefits both sides based on needs and players fitting into each roster.
1. Trade Puig to the Cleveland Indians for SP Carlos Carrasco
This is a popular scenario and it makes the most sense by far. The Indians have an excess of cost-effective starting pitching and are in dire need of an outfielder, while the Dodgers are in need of starters, especially if Zack Greinke finds a new home.
The New York Yankees were rumored to be talking to the Indians about moving Brett Gardner for a pitcher, but Puig would be a much better upgrade for Cleveland.
ESPN Insider Jim Bowden proposed this deal yesterday.
The Dodgers would undoubtedly upgrade their rotation with the move (at a bargain price) and the Indians would get an outfielder, which they already needed before Michael Brantley underwent shoulder surgery. Los Angeles would still have plenty of options without Puig and Cleveland would have another starter to step in for Carrasco before Rob Kaminsky and/or Brady Aiken are due for their MLB debuts.
Again, I'm no trade expert, but I feel these would be fair deals for everyone involved. The Dodgers/Cubs scenario might be a stretch, but Chicago needs to get creative with their center field acquisition and Puig could benefit under manager Joe Maddon's tutelage.
Now we'll wait and see if Puig is dealt this offseason.
