Dodgers Trade Rumors: Dee Gordon Being Shopped

UPDATE (Dec. 10, 3:20 p.m. PT): With the Dodgers reportedly on the verge of acquiring Jimmy Rollins, Dee Gordon may be on the way out in exchange for Minor League pitcher and elite prospect Andrew Heaney, according to ESPN’s Buster Olney:

The Marlins and the Dodgers are in serious talks about a deal that would involve Dee Gordon going to MIA, Andrew Heaney to LAD.

— Buster Olney (@Buster_ESPN) December 10, 2014

Olney also notes Dan Haren has been mentioned as part of the Gordon trade talks:

Others could be involved in Gordon-Heaney trade; Dan Haren's name has come up in the conversation.

— Buster Olney (@Buster_ESPN) December 10, 2014

If Haren is included in the trade, it would test whether or not he’ll stand by his comments of not wanting to pitch anywhere but Los Angeles in 2015 and he would retire if traded.

UPDATE (Dec. 10, 12:00 p.m. PT): While Dodgers general manager Farhan Zaidi denied the team was shopping Dee Gordon, Ken Rosnethanl of FOX Sports reported on Wednesday the All-Star second baseman is involved in trade talks:

Sources: #Dodgers, #Padres still working on Kemp, trying to involve third team. Teams do not have direct match.

— Ken Rosenthal (@Ken_Rosenthal) December 10, 2014

UPDATE (Dec. 9, 5:35 p.m. PT): During his turn to address the media at the Winter Meetings on Tuesday, Los Angeles Dodgers general manager Farhan Zaidi said the team isn’t shopping Dee Gordon, according to Bill Shaikin of the LA Times:

Zaidi on Dee Gordon: "He's a cost-controlled All-Star 2B.. we are not dangling him. He is our 2B."

— Bill Shaikin (@BillShaikin) December 10, 2014

While Zaidi voiced his support for Gordon, it doesn’t necessarily put at end to the possibility of the second baseman being traded. Zaidi openly admitting the team is looking to move Gordon could have proven troublesome in the event they opt to keep him and it would also strip the Dodgers of leverage in trade talks.

What does transitioning to a new position and making your first All-Star Game appearance mean for your future? Becoming a potential trade chip if you’re Dee Gordon.

According to Joel Sherman of the New York Post, the Los Angeles Dodgers have let teams know they are willing to deal the second baseman:

#Dodgers have let teams know open to moving Dee Gordon. New front office likes OBP, not Gordon’s forte

— Joel Sherman (@Joelsherman1) December 9, 2014

Ken Rosenthal of FOX Sports offered some insight into what may be playing a role in the Dodgers shopping Gordon:

Like @Joelsherman1, have heard #Dodgers shopping Dee Gordon. Idea is to sell high. Friedman style is to listen on virtually every player.

— Ken Rosenthal (@Ken_Rosenthal) December 9, 2014

With Gordon on the market, Joe Frisaro of MLB.com reports the Miami Marlins are interested:

Hearing the #Marlins have interest in Dee Gordon #Dodgers

— Joe Frisaro (@JoeFrisaro) December 9, 2014

Up until last season Gordon exclusively played shortstop for the Dodgers, though saw his window of opportunity closed with the arrival of Hanley Ramirez. As a result, Gordon dabbled in the outfield last winter before being convinced to try his hand at second base.

Gordon went on to win the starting job in Spring Training ahead of the highly-touted Alex Guerrero, among others, and went on to have a career season.

The 26 year old posted career-bests in games played (148), on-base percentage (.326), slugging percentage (.378), wRC+ (101), BABIP (.346) and total hits (176). After his on-base percentage dropped to .280 in 2012, Gordon raised it to .314 and .326 in 2013 and 2014, respectively.

Gordon’s .289 batting average in 2014 was second only to the .304 clip he posted in 56 games during the 2011 season, which was his rookie year. He also led the Majors last season with 12 triples and 64 stolen bases.

Though Rosenthal and Sherman provide the first unconfirmed reports of the Dodgers being willing to trade Gordon, he joins Carl Crawford, Andre Ethier Matt Kemp in players the team is reportedly considering moving.

Although they’ve all been minor, the Dodgers have completed seven trades thus far under Friedman and general manager Farhan Zaidi. The latest was sending Drew Butera to the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim in exchange for a player to be named later or cash considerations.

If the Dodgers are to deal Gordon, they presumably would receive a replacement or shortstop as part of the trade. However if that isn’t to be the case, it would leave the team with a group of inexperienced infielders and both middle infield positions to address.