Reported Reason Dodgers-Angels Joc Pederson and Ross Stripling Trade Fell Through Has Been Revealed
By Thomas Carannante
The Los Angeles Dodgers and Los Angeles Angels, before the Mookie Betts trade fiasco came to a head, had agreed to a deal that would send Joc Pederson and Ross Stripling from Chavez Ravine to Orange County.
However, that trade fell through once the Red Sox took exception to the pieces they were getting back from the Minnesota Twins in the Betts blockbuster, and all hell broke loose. While many thought the talks would be revived, between the LA clubs, it appears as if that won't likely be the case, and now we know why.
More on #Angels-#Dodgers, from sources: LAA’s Moreno grew impatient, pulled deal. Might have revived, but LAD saw it as unneccesary after other two trades changed. Outside chance gets revisited. Per @billplunkettoc, LAD needs to drop two from 40-man before trades become official.
— Ken Rosenthal (@Ken_Rosenthal) February 10, 2020
Angels owner Arte Moreno was sick of playing the waiting game, and he reportedly pulled out of the trade after the Betts terms got re-worked. Who can blame him? It took nearly a week for this huge three-way juggling act to go through, and it was quite the ordeal. Understandably, the real problems were on the side of the Red Sox, though the Dodgers were somewhat guilty by association.
Now, LA is stuck with two players they don't really need, extra salary they would rather not take on, and a couple of guys that have every right to feel disgruntled headed into Spring Training.
Not entirely clear why #Dodgers-#Angels trade will not happen. Evidently hinged on three-team trade going down in original form. One source: LAD chose different path after after #RedSox-#MNTwins could not agree on Graterol. Another: LAA’s Moreno grew impatient and pulled deal.
— Ken Rosenthal (@Ken_Rosenthal) February 10, 2020
On top of all the delays, it appears the Dodgers weren't keen on revisiting the trade with the Angels after the impasse on the Betts deal.
It's all a mess, and the biggest loser here was the Angels, if not Pederson and Stripling themselves. Hopefully, GM Billy Eppler can come up with another shrewd move before Opening Day.