Dodgers: Joc Pederson Being Discussed by White Sox, Per Bob Nightengale
The Chicago White Sox are in the midst of putting the final finishing touches on their strong off-season rebuilding effort that included the signing of catcher Yasmani Grandal and re-signing of Jose Abreu. With young players in tow like Eloy Jimenez, Michael Kopech, and Luis Robert, the club appears poised to make a run in the AL Central.
Moreover, they still have money to spend and have reportedly been analyzing the market for top pitching like Zack Wheeler, while making pitches to Gerrit Cole and Stephen Strasburg.
One missing piece could be a power-hitting outfielder. Now, according to Bob Nightengale of USA Today, Chicago has inquired on Joc Pederson of the Dodgers for the second winter in a row.
Ready for contention, #White Sox going hard in pursuit of free agent Zack Wheeler, checked in with #Dodgers on Joc Pederson. https://t.co/SRn08cyJJP
— Bob Nightengale (@BNightengale) December 3, 2019
Here is the excerpt linking Pederson to the White Sox from Nightengale’s article:
Even with Eloy Jimenez – who hit 31 homers in 122 games – and Luis Robert in the mix, the White Sox are seeking more power. They have inquired about free agent outfielder Nick Castellanos, but Joc Pederson would come much cheaper. Pederson, who hit a career-high 36 homers with 74 RBI last season, is projected to receive $8.5 million in his final year of arbitration according to MLB Trade Rumors’ estimates. The White Sox also had trade talks with the Dodgers about Pederson last winter until talks broke off in January.
ESPN recently identified Pederson as a piece likely to be traded by LA this winter.
In trade talks, the White Sox do have some bullpen pieces and other young players who could be of interest to the Dodgers. For example, left-hander Aaron Bummer was a name being mentioned in trade rumors as recently as last season. Bummer is coming off a fantastic season where he posted a 2.13 ERA and 2.99 DRA. He is just 26 years old and has the look and feel of a potential bullpen building block for the Dodgers.
As MLBTR writer Steve Adams notes in a column, “Chicago’s need for a right fielder is evident just by looking up and down the roster.” Thankfully for the Dodgers, after a very much failed trial run for Joc at first base, as established himself as a viable option in right field for most of the second half of the season.
Nevertheless, these rumors should be taken with a grain of salt. Pederson to the South Side rumors have been evergreen for quite some time. Where there is smoke, there is fire, but this might be plentiful in terms of smoke.
i would keep pederson but not bat him leadoff i would get rid of pollock instead
Two problems with trading Pollock, his injury issues and that bad contract. The Dodgers would have to eat a portion/send some money to the White Sox.
Joc is not going to get the Dodgers Bummer. He’s dreadful against lefties and he is a one year rental. Dodgers would have to set their sights quite a bit lower. Is it worth it to give away someone who has some value to you?
I doubt they will trade Pollock unless the Dodgers pick up a power right handed hitter like Rendon. Pollock’s contract is not that heinous as it was smartly done as it is incentive laden. Saying that I do not imply Pollock had a good year, he did not. The man has the strangest injuries I have ever heard of in sports. Weird stuff.
As they went in and took out the metal in his arm from the previous injuries I am betting the Dodgers believe they can keep him healthy by moving him to Left field and possibly platooning him. Pollock can be an offensive force if he is on.
I would trade Pederson while he is very valuable to make room for Verdugo and the rookies that need to see if they can hang with the big dogs like Rios, Beaty and DJ Peters to name a few.
Trade him!!! Get anything for him while you still can.