UPDATE:
Never saying never; but my read is #Marlins don't see #Dodgers as fit for Jose Fernandez. But Jose highly doubtful to be traded anywhere
— Joe Frisaro (@JoeFrisaro) December 17, 2015
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UPDATE:
#Dodgers Friedman on KLAC acknowledges move today "also improves our trade capital to match up with other teams"
— Bill Plunkett (@billplunkettocr) December 16, 2015
Friedman said he knows some teams are interested in players Dodgers acquired today but trade is not necessarily precursor to another.
— Bill Shaikin (@BillShaikin) December 16, 2015
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The Los Angeles Dodgers were just involved in a three-team trade with the Cincinnati Reds and Chicago White Sox that helped them acquire three prospects that were arguably an upgrade from the three they surrendered to the Reds in the deal. Rumors suggest that move is helping them move toward a larger goal.
And that's acquiring Jose Fernandez from the Miami Marlins.
The Dodgers were at the forefront of the Fernandez trade rumors/talks during the MLB Winter Meetings, but it was said the Marlins' asking price was way too high. They were requesting 5-6 MLB-ready players and reportedly kept asking the Dodgers for Corey Seager, who the team was unwilling to part ways with.
Now, the Dodgers perhaps have more ammo after acquiring prospects Frank Montas, Trayce Thompson and Micah Johnson in the three-team trade today. Here are the latest rumors surrounding their move:
Immediate question: Why didn't #Reds take #WhiteSox's package instead of #Dodgers'? Rival execs think LAD did much better than CIN.
— Ken Rosenthal (@Ken_Rosenthal) December 16, 2015
The speculation about #Dodgers going after Jose Fernandez is natural and legitimate. Tons of young players; #Marlins can pick and choose.
— Ken Rosenthal (@Ken_Rosenthal) December 16, 2015
The Marlins have sought volume in their Jose Fernandez trade talks. Few teams in baseball have as much prospect volume now as the Dodgers.
— Jeff Passan (@JeffPassan) December 16, 2015
Montas was the No. 2 prospect in the White Sox's organization and Thompson was No. 9. Both made their MLB debuts this past season and could very well be of interest to Miami. Montas could provide a future presence in the rotation due to his recent success at Double-A in 2015 (5-5, 2.97 ERA in 23 starts) and Thompson could become an option for the Marlins in center field if they decide to trade Marcell Ozuna, who they are reportedly frustrated with. Thompson batted .295/.363/.533 with 17 runs scored, 5 home runs and 16 RBI in 44 games with the White Sox. He's a versatile outfielder, but has played a majority of his professional career in center.
Johnson probably wouldn't be of interest to Miami since their middle infield is set with Dee Gordon and Adeiny Hechavarria.
The Dodgers parted ways with their No. 4 (Peraza) and No. 13 (Schebler) prospects, but the addition of Montas and Thompson perhaps helps them out more in any potential talks with the Marlins for Fernandez because Peraza (a middle infielder) and Schebler (a corner outfielder) wouldn't help Miami improve in the short-term.
Add Montas and Thompson to a giant list of prospects that includes Julio Urias, Jose De Leon, Grant Holmes, Walker Buehler, Alex Verdugo, Cody Bellinger, Austin Barnes, Jharel Cotton, Yadier Alvarez, Starling Heredia, Zach Lee and others, and we might see a deal for Fernandez this offseason.
