A.J. Pollock to the Dodgers…Are They Done?

Photo: cbssports.com

A.J. Pollock and the Los Angeles Dodgers agreed to a 4-year, $55 million deal today, with an opt-out option after the third year.  The deal is interesting on several levels.  First and foremost, Pollock is a very good outfielder and will be an excellent addition to the Dodgers outfield IF (and that’s a big if) he can stay healthy.  The speedy outfielder has struggled to stay healthy throughout his career, only playing in more than 114 games twice since he started in 2012.  But when healthy, like he was in 2015 when he played 157 games, he is able to produce outstanding numbers.  So, it is yet to be seen what kind of player the Dodgers are getting in Pollock.

If A.J. Pollock can stay healthy for most of the season, it also gives the Dodgers the ability to be able to play utility players such as Chris Taylor, Kike Hernandez, and Cody Bellinger in the infield more than they otherwise would have had to.  Even with trading away Matt Kemp and Yasiel Puig, the Dodgers will have plenty of options for their outfield spots.  Joc Pederson and 7th ranked overall outfield prospect Alex Verdugo will also expect playing time.

Photo: sportingnews.com

Most fans are more intrigued with what this deal means for the Dodgers in the next few months.  Most seem to think this means they are out on a deal for top free agent Bryce Harper.  There’s no room left in the LA outfield, even though Bryce Harper is someone you make room for.  But the Pollock deal seems the Dodgers are moving forward with their off-season and are looking to spend their money in other ways.  To me, this A.J. Pollock deal directly means the Dodgers are after another top target—J.T. Realmuto.  After Harper and Manny Machado, J.T. Realmuto has been the most talked about player this offseason, as the Marlins have been shopping him since November.  Without spending all the money that Harper would require, the Dodgers are able to save it for players like Pollock and Realmuto.  According to Bob Nightengale on Twitter, Realmuto and the Dodgers are already in intensive talks.  This would give the Dodgers an all-star catcher and a powerful right-handed bat to add to the lineup.  Things are very slowly, but surely starting to fall into place this off-season.  If you’re a Dodgers fan and they end up getting Realmuto, I think you have to be very satisfied with this off-season, even though many LA eyes were set on Harper.

Garett