12up Logo

This Yankees-Dodgers Trade Involving Joc Pederson Could Actually Work

By Jerry Trotta

Dodgers slugger Joc Pederson against the Nationals in the NLDS
Dodgers slugger Joc Pederson against the Nationals in the NLDS / Sean M. Haffey/Getty Images

The Los Angeles Dodgers completed the blockuster trade of the MLB's offseason when they, albeit after several tries, acquired outfielder Mookie Betts from the Boston Red Sox. Of course, the Dodgers' crosstown deal with the Angels that would have sent slugger Joc Pederson to the Angels fell through.

This presents an awkward situation for Pederson, as he is now forced to remain with the club that was dead set on offloading him. Given that, the former All-Star may want a trade out of Los Angeles. Heck, the Dodgers may even consider trading him again due to the team's surplus of outfielders.

Luckily for LA, the New York Yankees have been hit with a slew of injuries in the outfield and may be keen on acquiring a proven slugger via trade. Let's brainstorm a potential package that the Pinstripes could offer for Pederson.

Joc Pederson Contract Details

The Yankees won't have to navigate around the headache of slashing salary because Pederson is still eligible for arbitration. The 27-year-old lost his arbitration case with the Dodgers earlier in the offseason and will bank a $7.75 million salary for the 2020 campaign.

Though that variable works in the Yanks' favor, Pederson's production doesn't. Dizzy is coming off the best offensive season of his six-year career, registering a .249/.339/.536 slash line with 36 home runs, 74 RBI, and a .876 OPS across 149 games.

Therefore, the Dodgers would ask for something significant in return for Joc. Let's assume that New York's top-three prospects -- outfielder Jasson Dominguez, and hurlers Clarke Schmidt and Deivi Garcia, per Baseball America -- are off the table. The Yankees could include a package of infielder Anthony Volpe (the team's No. 6 prospect) and right-hander Luis Medina (No. 7). If that's too demanding, GM Brian Cashman could remove Medina and pencil in No. 10 ranked prospect, 24-year-old hurler Albert Abreu.

Yankees fans can breathe a sigh of relief knowing that the club will hold onto the aforementioned trio as well as right-hander Luis Gil and infielder Oswald Peraza, who round out the top five. It's a win-win for both clubs.