Carl Crawford Trade Rumors: Latest Buzz and Speculation Surrounding Dodgers OF
Farhan Zaidi isn't messing around, apparently.
Just days after Zaidi was named the Los Angeles Dodgers' new general manager, a report has surfaced that the team is looking to unload some of its high-priced outfielders—including left fielder Carl Crawford.
Fox Sports' Ken Rosenthal has the rumor:
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The Dodgers have a wealth of options in the outfield. Crawford, Matt Kemp, Andre Ethier, Yasiel Puig and Scott Van Slyke make up quite the logjam, while 2014 Pacific Coast League MVP Joc Pederson appears ready for The Show.
Trading someone in an effort to save money, add prospects or improve the bullpen makes plenty of sense.
Crawford, an annual injury risk, played in 105 games last season largely due to a sprained ankle that kept him out for over a month. He was productive while on the field, though, hitting .300/.339/.429 with eight home runs and 23 steals.
Even more encouraging for potential suitors, after a miserable July in which he struggled to find his rhythm upon his return from the disabled list, he hit a white-hot .373/.411/.520 from August 1 through the end of the season.
"Carl, it seems like he's on base every stinking time," Van Slyke told MLB.com's Michael Lananna in October. "And when he got out, it was a line drive. So, he's been great."
Crawford isn't the same guy he was in Tampa Bay, but he's a solid left-handed hitter who gets on base and still has wheels when healthy. It's not surprising that teams are interested.
Money serves as a significant potential road block, as Spotrac indicates he is owed a steep $62.25 million over the next three years. However, Rosenthal noted the Dodgers are willing to pay a portion of his salary if the deal is right.
L.A. is looking to turn its outfield depth into assets elsewhere, and with Hanley Ramirez potentially on his way out, the team may not want to part with Kemp, its other right-handed power hitter.
Add it all up, and the chances seem to be increasing that Crawford will be with his third team in four years.
