Dodgers Trade Rumors: Ethier Out And Bourn Or Swisher In Says Source?

L.A. signed the best pitcher on the market, giving Zack Greinke $147 million over six years, a record contract for a right-hander. They also gave $36 million to Korean league star Hyun-jin Ryu.

After spending almost $200 million on free agents, the Dodgers might now be looking to make a big trade.

The New York Daily News is reporting that Los Angeles is shopping Andre Ethier. The outfielder has been a regular for the Dodgers since 2006, but the team may be ready to part ways with the 30-year-old star.

Multiple American League teams could be interested in acquiring Ethier, especially those that tried and failed to sign Josh Hamilton. The Seattle Mariners and Texas Rangers both made big plays for Hamilton, and could use help in the outfield. A source tells the Daily News that the Boston Red Sox could also be interested.

Any team that trades for Ethier would have him under their control until 2017. He signed five-year, $85 million contract extension during the 2012 MLB season.

It might be a plus for some teams that they wouldn’t have to worry about Ethier walking in free agency, anytime soon. However, his play in the past few years might indicate that he isn’t worth $85 million. He hit just .222 against left-handers last year, and registered only 11 home runs in 2011 after battling knee problems.

If the Dodgers are able to move Ethier and his contract, it would allow them to be even more active in the free-agent market. Many of the big names have already signed with new teams, but there are a few quality outfielders that remain un-signed.

Both Nick Swisher and Michael Bourn would be options to replace Ethier. The two are very different players, but have a chance to be as effective as or even better than Ethier in 2013.

Swisher was a consistent contributor for the New York Yankees over the past four years. He hit at least 23 home runs and drove in 82 runs in every year since 2009, a claim that Ethier can’t make. The Cleveland Indians are reportedly interested in Swisher, who might come at a bargain price following his struggles in the postseason.

Bourn is coming off perhaps the best season of his career. He stole 42 bases for the Atlanta Braves and hit .274. The 29-year-old has never been known for his power, but hit a career-high nine home runs in 2012.