Editorials

Should The Dodgers Consider Trading Scott Van Slyke?

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At first thought, there’s no reason why the Dodgers should consider getting rid of Van Slyke.



He’s a team-first player with a great attitude and personality that meshes well in the clubhouse. He knows his role, does it well and can also play some first base. He’s a home-grown talent that is an essential piece to any team.

So why would the team make a move?

Value.

Van Slyke’s value is as high as it’s ever been and the front office could decide to take advantage of it. There’s plenty of teams looking for right-hander power and Van Slyke could bring back a player or two that can help the team in different ways.

The 28-year-old won’t be an everyday starter in Los Angeles, especially if the Dodgers decide to clear room for Pederson. If Crawford returns, he’s shown he can hit off left-handers. He’s a career .261 hitter against them, including .321 in 2014. In the minors, Pederson hit .290 off left-handers this past season. Allowing any of the two to handle the day-to-day duties leaves Van Slyke as a pinch-hitter. While his batting average is .361 in his career as a pinch-hitter, the Dodgers can’t afford to hold onto a valuable asset in such a limited role when it can be better utilized.

What can Van Slyke bring?

Bullpen help.

Teams that lack big bats usually have an abundance of riches in their bullpen because of their scouting focus. The Seattle Mariners, Cincinnati Reds, Pittsburgh Pirates and others all have a need for a corner outfielder.

The Mariners led the entire league in bullpen ERA and have more than a few relievers that they could deem expendable for some power in the outfield. The Pirates have a strong bullpen and some young arms in their system, while the Reds could throw in one of their stronger arms. They are a few other teams that may be willing to part with a young flame-thrower in exchange for Van Slyke’s production.

In the postseason, the Dodgers were seemingly done in by their bullpen and Van Slyke had just one at-bat. A trade of the outfielder would have bigger implications than just regular season.

At the end of the day, the Dodgers will likely hold on to Van Slyke because of his attitude and production, but that may not be in the best interest of a World Series run.

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Vincent Samperio

Vince is currently the Associate Editor and Social Media Manager for Dodgers Nation. Hailing from San Pedro, CA and a student at Cal State Long Beach, Vince has previously written for the Daily 49er and LASF Magazine.

8 Comments

        1. Turner has not been resigned yet…..and Van Slyke is also your backup OFer and the only guy who has any power off the bench….why in the world would you trade a guy with that much value? If you want a solid reliever trade Ethier…..he is worthless off the bench and has no shot at re capturing his starting job…..

          1. But I’m sure Turner will be resigned more than likely… and because Ethier’s contract will be hard to move and he’s getting older also. I’m all for trading Ethier also, but I understand the situation. There’s not many teams that will be willing to take on his contract. SVS is not a full-time starter and has tons of value as our bench guy so why not trade him? A backup OF/1B can easily be replaced.

  1. No..best option as a power bat off the bench and the only option to give A-Gone rest

  2. Homeboy hit .297 with 11 home runs and 29 RBIs as our 5th outfielder!
    5th! Those numbers earn a starting spot in my book. A fool would trade him and then watch him hit 40 home runs next year for another team. I definitely trade Ethier and/or Crawford (even though I like them, but who will both probably get more hurt next year) before I would ever think of getting rid of Van Slyke.

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