Dodgers Rumors: Trade Talks Being Held For Jimmy Rollins

UPDATE (Dec. 10, 2:05 p.m. PT): According to Jim Salisbury of CSNPhilly.com, the Los Angeles Dodgers have acquired Jimmy Rollins:

Industry source says Rollins to Dodgers is done deal.

---

---

— Jim Salisbury (@JSalisburyCSN) December 10, 2014

While Salisbury reports the deal as being complete, according to Ken Rosenthal of FOX Sports, a third team may get involved:

Source: Rollins deal to #Dodgers close, but players not all agreed upon. Trade could involve a third team.

— Ken Rosenthal (@Ken_Rosenthal) December 10, 2014

Among the needs the Los Angeles Dodgers were expected to address at the Winter Meetings is the vacancy at shortstop. While the Dodgers have in-house options in Erisbel Arruebarrena and Miguel Rojas, both come with limitations at the plate.

It was previously reported the Dodgers pursued a trade for Alexei Ramirez, which no longer appears to be a possibility given the Chicago White Sox’s recent acquisitions. However, the Philadelphia Phillies remain a team many expect to be in rebuild mode and they potentially could have a solution for the Dodgers.

According to Ken Rosenthal of FOX Sports, the Dodgers and Phillies are engaged in trade talks for Jimmy Rollins:

Source: #Phillies in active discussions with #Dodgers on Rollins. @JonHeymanCBS reported that Rollins would waive no-trade for LAD.

— Ken Rosenthal (@Ken_Rosenthal) December 10, 2014

While addressing the media Tuesday night in San Diego, general manager Farhan Zaidi said it was possible the Dodgers would have a shortstop in place by the end of the week. Zaidi also mentioned the Dodgers’ preference of acquiring a player with some versatility given Corey Seager’s presence in the organization.

While Rollins doesn’t fit that mold, he is only under contract for one more season at $11 million, which paves the way for Seager to take over in 2016. The 36-year-old former MVP holds a no-trade clause, but it’s believed he would approve a move to Los Angeles.

Rollins’ batting average dropped to .243 last season, but his .323 on-base percentage was his highest mark since 2011 and .394 slugging percentage was his highest since 2012. While he wouldn’t necessarily be able to replace the offensive production lost with Hanley Ramirez no longer part of the team, Rollins would be an upgrade defensively.

Along with potentially serving as a bridge to Seager, Rollins would bring playoff experience, which is of value for a team expected to compete for a World Series.