OF Alex Verdugo, Los Angeles Dodgers: Verdugo has probably been ready for a major league job as a corner outfielder, ideally right field given his incredible arm strength, for a year now. But the Dodgers haven't had at-bats to give him, with
Cody Bellinger,
Yasiel Puig and
Chris Taylortaking most of them and
Enrique Hernandezand
Joc Pederson also in the mix.
The Dodgers could choose to move someone in that group other than Bellinger, but Verdugo seems like the most valuable asset to trade, since he still has six years of control remaining, projects as an above-average everyday player, and is ready right now. He could be part of a package to acquire a catcher for 2019 as the Dodgers wait for catching prospects Keibert Ruiz and Will Smith to arrive, or to acquire a full-time second baseman, or to add a starter given the uncertainty around the final two spots in their rotation and the low workloads we might expect from their front three. I do think he's ready, however, with high contact rates, solid OBP skills and the potential for 20-plus homers, along with some speed and very good defense.
FTG
