Marlins’ Christian Yelich Could Be Available For Trade
As the Marlins fire-sale continues with now Marcell Ozuna going to the Cardinals, we ask the question: who’s next? The biggest name currently is Christian Yelich. While Ozuna was still on the block, Yelich’s name came up in trade talks as well. Between the two outfielders Yelich comes with more team control. Ozuna offers a potentially more robust offensive profile, but Yelich’s abilities are undeniable as well.
Currently there are conflicting reports over Yelich’s availability:
Marlins are regrouping now and plan to talk to Christian Yelich about how he feels about staying. He’s frustrated to see 3 best friends/top players go. So he may say he wants to go, which may trigger trade of him, too.
— Jon Heyman (@JonHeyman) December 13, 2017
Sources: Now that Marcell Ozuna has been dealt to St. Louis, Christian Yelich is in play. Marlins are telling teams they’ll trade him, though price will be even higher than Ozuna, with Yelich under control for up to five years at $58.25 million.
— Jeff Passan (@JeffPassan) December 13, 2017
Keith Law, of ESPN’s take is certainly worth a laugh:
https://twitter.com/keithlaw/status/941034805306806273
All this to say that Yelich may or may not be available. If he is available, knowing the asking price will be high, should the Dodgers pursue him? As detailed with the Stanton rumors, and then Ozuna, the outfield isn’t necessarily a weakness. Born in Thousands Oaks, and graduating from Westlake Village HS, Yelich happens to be a SoCal native. His current contract runs with up to five years of control at $58.25 million.
The stats on him are strong as well. He has a career triple slash of .290/.369/.439. While he certainly doesn’t bring the power of Stanton or Ozuna, he has a strong track record of consistency. With a career walk rate of 10.7%, his high contact rates and ability to take a walk would fit perfectly in our lineup. Additionally, his defense has always been very solid, including a Gold Glove in 2014. More significantly he can easily play excellent defense in left of center field. Doing so would allow the Dodgers the flexibility to utilize Chris Taylor at 2B if need be.
With all this said, what will it take for the Dodgers to acquire his services? Now the prospect return for Oznua is known. And we also know that the Marlins expect a larger haul for Yelich. With that in mind, we can expect trade talks to start with Alex Verdugo and a top 10 pitching prospect. Someone like Yadier Alvarez will likely catch the Marlins’ attention.
If the Dodgers can garner the Marlins’ interest, Christian Yelich would surely be an asset to the team. Tell us what your thoughts are!
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Absolutely moronic. V erdugo is better all around why trade him for a worse player? LOL
Why would we want a solid gold glove outfielder who hits above .300 when we have Joc? I don’t know about you, I’d rather sign a starting pitcher coming off of Tommy John surgery. We don’t have enuff of those.
We have to try hard to make this trade possible. He is proven consistency at the plate and glove true center field glove. He is young and contract is cheap for 5 years. Verdugo joc and a 2nd tier pitching prospect is cheap. Maybe even a catcher good young talent there for us plus we are deep there.
I was more excited by the prospect of a trade for Ozuna, who was, by far, the best bargain of the excellent players the Marlins seem determined to shed. But I believe Yelich is, at this point, a better player than Pederson, and his contract would be team-friendly – if his production doesn’t slip dramatically with the move to Dodgers stadium. I suspect Yelich would be more of a 12-15 homer guy there, but he wouldn’t whiff as much as Pederson and his defense would match what Pederson offers. Trade Verdugo for him, but draw the line at other premium prospects.
Would be a very big acquisition but, cheap and I don’t give a crap about the fans Friedman and kasten won’t do it. They have the prospects to pull it off. Don’t hold your breath fans.
Yelich is from LA and if Stanton wanted to go to his hometown Dodgers then I am sure Yelich will as well.
Get him and unload some of the over loaded outfielders we have.