A lot has happened since I’ve posted my last blog. The Dodgers won their second straight NL Pennant. Went on to lose their second straight World Series. Now trading big names for hardly anything in return. . .

What does the this trade mean? Should fans be panicking?

Let me just start by saying the Front Office should be given the benefit of the doubt. Dodgers were in the last two World Series. Especially as Dodger fans, we all know how hard it is to even make it to The Series — let alone win it. The Dodgers had (and still have) too many outfielders coming into spring training in 2019. The writing was on the wall that some big names would be on the move this off-season. Should we be panicking? Based off of one trade, I don’t think its time to push the panic button just yet. The biggest thing we can take from this latest trade – the Dodgers are not done. More moves will be coming, and here is why. . .

By making this trade with the Reds, the Dodgers have freed up A TON of cap space. Question is what does that mean for the rest of the off-season? Will this open the door for Bryce Harper to head to LA? Maybe. . . I’m pretty sure most people who follow baseball are expecting the Dodgers to make a run for Harper; however, Dodgers are still unwilling to give Harper a contract for longer than 5 years. So if that’s the case, why make a trade of this nature and not go after a player like Harper?

Well, I believe the Dodgers Front Office has something else up their sleeve. With a plethora of prospects, and MLB ready outfielders, the Dodgers have quite a few options – not just in free agency but in trades as well. With the money that is now off the books, Dodgers can go after a much needed catcher, a pitcher and more. . .

Let’s start with the catcher position. JT Realmuto currently on the Marlins is the clear option here. Realmuto is also arguably the best catcher in all of baseball. Another plus to this, is the Marlins have lowered the asking price for Realmuto. We’ll just have to see if it’s enough to where the Dodgers can get a deal done. . .

Second is pitching. Dodgers have been rumored to be making a deal with the Indians for a starting pitcher. The front-liner heading to Cleveland in this was heard to be Alex Verdugo. Verdugo was previously blocked by both Puig and Kemp. Trading him now seems less likely unless the return is worth it. A starter can still be picked up without dealing Verdugo. Maybe in the likes of a Trevor Bauer from the Indians, instead of a Corey Kluber. Bauer would be a great addition to place in the middle of the starting rotation. . .

Now with adding a pitcher and a catcher, the possibility of having the money left over to sign Harper is pretty unlikely. Especially since the Dodgers want to stay under the $200 million luxury tax. There are still other options on the free agent market that would come a lot cheaper. . . A.J Pollock for instance. Dodgers would have the benefit of placing Pollock in a corner outfield to help keep him healthy. When healthy Pollock is one of the best producing out-fielders in the MLB. Being 5 years older than Harper, his price tag will be significantly cheaper.

An outfield consisting of Verdugo (LF), Bellinger (CF), and Pollock (RF) would be one of the best in all of baseball. Add the likes of Realmuto to the lineup and Bauer behind the likes of Kershaw and Buehler in the starting rotation, the Dodgers would be getting a lot more than just the one player to put in RF with Harper.

At any rate we still have a couple months left of the off-season, but one thing is for sure. . .

Starting in 2019, Dave Roberts will be filling in a totally different lineup card.