While trade rumors surrounded a number of well-known Los Angeles Dodger players this offseason such as Yasiel Puig, Andre Ethier and Carl Crawford, the team is reportedly looking to move one of their bench players.
FOX Sports' Ken Rosenthal is reporting that the Dodgers are trying to trade infielder/outfielder Alex Guerrero and they're currently talking to a number of MLB clubs. Guerrero was the subject of trade rumors prior to the non-waiver deadline as the Dodgers were looking for pitching in return.
However, after Guerrero's fast start to the 2015 season, the 29-year-old was further limited once a number of players returned from their injuries. Additionally, he doesn't really have a definitive position, having been a failed experiment at second base and shortstop and then splitting time between third base and the outfield this past season.
In April of 2015, Guerrero hit .423 with a 1.505 OPS in 13 games (28 plate appearances) and hit five home runs and 13 RBI. He cooled off in May and then pretty much fell off the map in June, which set the tone for the rest of his season. He played in just 46 games in July, August, September and October and registered seven runs scored, one home run and six RBI.
Guerrero definitely possesses talent on the offensive side of the ball, but he is not without flaws on defense. He owns a -0.7 dWAR and an overall -0.6 WAR in 117 career games. His contract also poses a major issue since he's owed $5 million (plus a $2.5 million signing bonus) in 2016. He's signed for the same amount in 2017, but if the Dodgers trade him then he has the power to opt out of the final year of his deal and hit free agency.
Guerrero signed a four-year, $28 million contract out of Cuba before the 2014 season and has yet to live up to that deal. If the Dodgers offer to pay a chunk of his salary then there'd probably be a few MLB clubs willing to take a risk and give him a shot to play every day, which might help him get into a rhythm and prove his worth since he has yet to play on a consistent basis.
The Milwaukee Brewers expressed interest in him last year and it was speculated the Philadelphia Phillies could be a landing spot before the trade deadline as well. Steve Adams of MLBTradeRumors.com says the Cleveland Indians, Los Angeles Angels and Kansas City Royals could also be destinations for Guerrero.
If the Dodgers are talking with multiple teams, then there's apparently some interest in his potential.
