Alex Gallardo/Associated Press

MLB Trade Rumors: Joc Pederson Deals Discussed by Dodgers; White Sox in Talks

Tim Daniels

The Los Angeles Dodgers are reportedly discussing trades involving outfielder Joc Pederson.

Ken Rosenthal of The Athletic reported the update Sunday and noted the Chicago White Sox are one of the clubs involved in the talks, but it's unclear whether a deal is close.

Pederson posted a .248/.321/.522 triple-slash line with 25 home runs across 148 appearances for the Dodgers last season. He struggled in the playoffs, however, compiling a lackluster .647 OPS and two homers in 16 games as L.A. advanced to the World Series before losing to the Boston Red Sox.

Trading the 26-year-old California native would likely come in coordination with another move.

Rosenthal pointed out Saturday there was "increasing chatter" linking the Dodgers to free-agent outfielder A.J. Pollock. The former Arizona Diamondbacks star had an MVP-caliber season in 2015 when he crushed 20 homers and stole 39 bases, but he's struggled with injuries over the last three years.

Last month, ESPN.com's Alden Gonzalez reported outfielder Bryce Harper, who along with Manny Machado are the winter's top free agents, "badly wants to be a Dodger" but Los Angeles wasn't yet prepared to make the lucrative, long-term financial commitment he wanted.

It'd be a surprise if the Dodgers moved Pederson without having one of those prized free agents, or another notable signing or trade addition, in line to fill the void.

Meanwhile, the White Sox have already added first baseman Yonder Alonso, outfielder Jon Jay, starting pitcher Ivan Nova, and relievers Kelvin Herrera and Alex Colome as part of an offseason overhaul.

Pederson would likely take over as Chicago's leadoff hitter, the same role he filled for L.A. in 2018.

   

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