For the second consecutive offseason, the Los Angeles Dodgers orchestrated a salary-motivated trade that helped them accomplish multiple goals.
This time, the club sent outfielders Matt Kemp and Yasiel Puig, catcher Kyle Farmer, pitcher Alex Wood and cash considerations to the Cincinnati Reds in exchange for the salary of Homer Bailey and prospects Jeter Downs and Josiah Gray.
The blockbuster deal allowed the Dodgers to trim from their excess of starting pitching and outfielders, as well as create additional payroll flexibility for a potential pursuit of Bryce Harper or another top free agent.
What’s more, the Dodgers managed to improve their already-impressive farm system by adding well-regarded former first-round draft picks, Downs and Gray.