Dodgers: MLB Insider Assesses AJ Pollock’s Future with LA
Dodgers outfielder AJ Pollock had his finest season with LA in 2021. Pollock recorded his highest wRC+ (137) and OPS (.892) in Dodger blue last year. His 117 games played were his highest total since 2015. There’s been some speculation that the Dodgers could trade Pollock for a much needed veteran starting pitcher.
However, The Athletic’s Fabian Ardaya believes Pollock will finish his five-year deal with the Dodgers, but there’s a catch.
“The advent of a universal DH would give Los Angeles more opportunities to get him off his feet and keep him healthy after some hamstring issues in 2022. If that happens, I wouldn’t be surprised if Pollock does indeed exercise that 2023 option, particularly since a second payday wouldn’t be a lock entering his age-35 season.”
As Ardaya eludes to, Pollock has a $10M player option for 2023. There’s also a $5M buyout, meaning, if Pollo does walk, LA will cut a check for a cool five million. No big deal. See ya later. Don’t spend it all in once place.
Last season, Pollock was well worth the $18M the Dodgers paid him. Among left fielders with at least 400 plate appearances, Pollo ranked fifth in wRC+ (137), ninth in WAR (3.0), and fourth in OPS. In fact, the 34-year-old produced an OPS over 1.000 in three separate months in 2021.
The biggest variable for Pollock’s future in LA, besides a potential trade, is his health.
If Pollo can stay healthy and continue to add depth to the lineup, it’s not a stretch that he’ll be a Dodger beyond the 2022 season.
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Every team needs a player like Pollock.You can’t have a perennial all star at every position,but Pollock is a rock solid player and likeable team mate that glues a team together.Much like “Cake” Pederson,but we let him go.