The Los Angeles Dodgers are still willing to pay for their expensive players to go away. After dumping a relief pitcher on Tuesday, they're looking to do the same with another. The Marlins, after signing Michael Morse yesterday, could trade the first baseman he'll be taking over for.
Right-hander Brandon League looks to be the next casualty of the Dodgers' front office. The 31-year-old is owed $7.5 million in 2015 as he's entering the third year of his four-year, $27.5 million contract (the final year has a vesting option if he finishes 55 games in 2015). However, the Dodgers don't care how much he's owed and are willing to pay "almost half" of his salary if a team were to take him in a trade, according to FOX Sports' Ken Rosenthal.
Los Angeles released reliever Brian Wilson on Tuesday and, unless picked up by another team, which isn't very likely, will simply pay out his $9.5 million salary for 2015. League has been more efficient than Wilson, but he still comes with a high price tag for a middle reliever. In three years with the Dodgers, the right-hander owns a 10-8 record with a 3.55 ERA and 1.43 WHIP. In 2013 he maintained an ugly 5.30 ERA and 1.55 WHIP in 54 1/3 innings and in 2014 he lowered his ERA to 2.57, but his WHIP (1.46) was still high and his strikeout-to-walk ratio (38/27) was also poor.
If the Dodgers eat $3.5 million of his 2015 salary, League would be much more attractive at $4 million for next season for those interested.
In Miami, the Marlins signed first baseman/outfielder Michael Morse to a two-year, $16 million contract on Tuesday. He'll take over at first base for the Fish in 2015, which means Garrett Jones could be on the way out. According to Joe Frisaro of MLB.com, the first baseman is drawing interest from other MLB clubs and since he's signed on for $5 million next season "it's doubtful Miami would keep his allocation as a bench player."
The 33-year-old Jones could be an attractive option for a number of teams. He's only two years removed from his career season with the Pittsburgh Pirates, during which he slashed .274/.317/.516/.832 with 27 home runs and 86 RBIs. Last season for Miami he batted .246/.309/.411/.720 with 15 home runs and 53 RBIs. Jones' resume is much better than the available free-agent first baseman, so it's very possible the Marlins find a trade partner.
