Los Angeles Dodgers
The Dodgers have their eye on a blockbuster trade for Mookie Betts but aiming for Price is far more realistic.
While they are one of the few teams with the payroll flexibility to absorb Price’s contract, Los Angeles probably won’t pay all of his salary unless they are giving the Red Sox practically nothing in return. An alternative would be swapping Price for A.J. Pollock, who disappointed in an injury-plagued first season in Los Angeles.
Pollock hit .266 with a .795 OPS in 86 games last season. The former All-Star and Gold Glove award winner has severely declined from his peak in 2015. We could say the same about Jackie Bradley Jr. though, right? Pollack owned a 108 OPS+ last season and has been at least league-average in each of the last three years. JBJ had a 90 OPS+ last year and hasn’t been above-average since his breakout 2016 season.
The Dodgers owe Pollack $15 million in 2020 and $51 million over the next three years, including his 2023 buyout. The average annual value of his contract is only $13.75 million, allowing the Red Sox to save $17.25 million toward the tax next season. Acquiring Pollack to patrol center field enables Boston to trade Bradley in a separate deal, shedding the $11 million he’s projected to make before hitting free agency next winter.