Dodgers Trade Rumors: Bryce Harper Could Replace Yasiel Puig, Matt Kemp In Los Angeles' Outfield

There is speculation that the Los Angeles Dodgers could be preparing to make a few big moves at the 2018 MLB Winter Meetings. L.A. is reportedly willing to trade at least one of their outfielders, potentially making them strong players for the sport’s top free agent.

Could the Dodgers deal an outfielder and fill that hole with Bryce Harper? It’s certainly a possibility, considering Los Angeles’ rumored interest in the 26-year-old.

Yahoo Sports reported a week ago that Dodgers’ co-owner Magic Johnson and other members of the front office met with Harper in Las Vegas. The NBA Hall of Famer denied that a meeting occurred, though that doesn’t mean L.A. won’t make a major run at the superstar.

What does seem to be certain is the Dodgers are exploring trade possibilities. Los Angeles has reportedly discussed a deal with the Cleveland Indians, who are trying to deal either Corey Kluber or Trevor Bauer. In addition to prospects, Cleveland would likely want a major-league outfielder in exchange for one of their Cy Young-caliber starters.

Matt Kemp is owed $21.5 million in the final year of his contract after hitting .290/.338/.481 in 2018. Yasiel Puig hit .267/.327/.494 with 23 home runs in 125 games before his final year of arbitration. Joc Pederson is still two years away from free agency, and the 26-year-old had .248/.321/.522 splits with 25 homers last season.

L.A. could add a free agent other than Harper in the event that they trade someone like Kemp or Puig. A.J. Pollock and Michael Brantley are the next best outfielders on the market.

The Dodgers have also been linked to catcher J.T. Realmuto, who could be traded this week. The Miami Marlins likely don’t have any interest in acquiring one of Los Angeles’ veteran players.

Los Angeles has been among MLB’s biggest spenders over the last few seasons, leading the majors every season from 2014-2017. The Boston Red Sox took the No.1 spot in 2018, and L.A. came in at No.3 behind the San Francisco Giants.

After losing in the World Series for the second straight year, the Dodgers gave Clayton Kershaw a three-year, $93 million contract extension. Adding a player like Harper could make Los Angeles the favorites to get back to the Fall Classic for a third straight season.

The Philadelphia Phillies might be the Dodgers’ biggest competition for Harper if L.A. is indeed going to make the outfielder a competitive offer. Philadelphia has more money to spend than anyone, and they are expected to land either Harper or Manny Machado.

Harper reportedly turned down a 10-year, $300 million offer from the Washington Nationals at the end of the regular season. He’s expected to surpass Giancarlo Stanton’s record-setting $325 million contract.