Los Angeles Dodgers outfielder Andre Ethier rebounded this past year following a disastrous 2014 campaign. However, that hasn't really improved his trade value.
The latest rumors suggest there's not much brewing on the trade market regarding Ethier, whether or not the Dodgers are actively shopping him.
"There are still no takers on Ethier, who remains an expensive backup," writes Nick Cafardo of the Boston Globe. "The Dodgers would have to pick up a hefty amount of the $18.5 million this year, $17 million next, and then deal with a vesting option for 2018. Some believe Ethier could be a full-time player again, and while he may never be effective vs. lefties, the fact that he has had only 45 lefty-on-lefty at-bats the past two seasons isn't helping him get better."
Past rumors found there were few MLB clubs interested in the veteran due to his 2014 performance as well as the remaining money on his contract, but one would think his improvement this past season in addition to one less year of commitment would entice teams in need of an outfielder. Ethier, 33, is owed $38 million through 2017, but it's a foregone conclusion the Dodgers would eat a good chunk of that contract in the event a deal is agreed upon.
The Orioles were one of the teams the Dodgers were in contact with last offseason when Baltimore lost Nelson Cruz and Nick Markakis in free agency. This time around they could lose Chris Davis, Gerardo Parra and Steve Pearce - all of whom played significant roles in the outfield in 2015.
Will the O's be a suitor this offseason given the similar circumstances?
"The Orioles much prefer to add a left-handed hitter. They are the one team that showed interest in Andre Ethier last spring, before Ethier put together a nice season, so he could become an option if the free agents don't work out, as hoped," adds Jon Heyman.
Baltimore acquired Mark Trumbo this offseason and filled their need at first base, so perhaps they've moved on from the idea of re-signing Davis, as it was reported they rescinded their offer to him during the Winter Meetings. If that's truly the case, the team can instead solely focus their efforts on finding an outfielder (Davis split time between first base, the outfield and DH).
Ethier could be a good fit as a left-handed bat and if the Dodgers eat half of his salary, but as noted earlier, the O's will probably explore all of their options in free agency before making such a trade. However, free agency poses a similar issue because the market for outfielders provides no bargain this offseason with so many high-profile names/Scott Boras clients available.
Still, this scenario could be a decent possibility as the offseason progresses and it'll be worth keeping an eye on.
