The Los Angeles Dodgers had been trying to find the right right-handed hitters to balance out their left-handed lineup. Their decision to sign A.J. Pollock helps achieve their goals.
As free agency carried on, the Los Angeles Dodgers had acknowledged that they were focusing on A.J. Pollock. At the beginning of the free agency, there was no room for another outfielder. However, that all changed over the few weeks. SB Nation reports the Dodgers ended up trading away Matt Kemp, Yasiel Puig and have put Joc Pederson on the trade block.
The Dodgers now have plenty of room for Pollock.
The roster space and payroll space, allowed Los Angeles to make the deal. A.J. Pollock has signed a four-year deal worth $55 million and also includes an opt-out after the third year, as well as a player option for a fifth season. However, Pollock has been plagued with injuries.
The Dodgers signed AJ Pollock to a 5-year deal. Does this mean they are out of the Bryce Harper sweepstakes? #DodgersLoveLA pic.twitter.com/hWJ7gCzM7h
— SauceAndShram (@SauceAndShram) January 24, 2019
A.J. Pollock is a great player when he is healthy
If A.J. Pollock stays healthy, this deal could be a massive bargain. However, he routinely suffers from injuries. Pollock has only appeared in 115 games just twice in his seven-year career in the majors.
Pollock has suffered a broken elbow, broken thumb, groin and quad injuries, and a handful of other serious injuries.
MLB Trade Rumors reports despite an injury-plagued season, Pollock delivered a strong performance last year. He recorded a .257/.316/.484, along with recording 21 home runs and 13 stolen bases. He also ended recording a 106 OPS, delivering a strong performance for the lineup.
A.J. Pollock expected to play centerfield
The Los Angeles Dodgers are truly hoping for a healthy Pollock. Pollock's last fully healthy season was in 2015. In 2015, he recorded a strong .315/.367/.498 batting line, scoring 20 home runs and 39 stolen bases. He was named an All-Star as well as a Gold Glove winner.
If Pollock ends up being himself and suffers from a string of injuries over the season and only plays in 110 games, Los Angeles would still be a bargain.
A.J. Pollock will probably be playing right field, while Cody Bellinger will be playing center field and Enrique Hernandez will remain as a utility player.
This deal means Pollock will be facing off against a division rival and his former team the Arizona Diamondbacks. Pollock ended up declining the Diamondback's qualifying offer. Arizona is in the rebuilding phase, and to help with that Arizona has six picks in the top 79 selections. The signing of Pollock could help LA reach the playoffs again and hopefully claim a World Series title this coming season. AJ Pollock was one of the best free agents available.
