LOS ANGELES — The Dodgers gained an enormous amount of payroll flexibility in their five-player trade with the Braves on Saturday, with getting under the competitive balance tax threshold suddenly a real possibility even as soon as 2018.
For both teams, it seems the trade was less about the players involved in the deal — Matt Kemp is back with the Dodgers, with Adrian Gonzalez, Brandon McCarthy, Scott Kazmir and Charlie Culberson sent to the Braves — and more about reallocating resources.
Atlanta designated Gonzalez for assignment, and moving Kemp freed up a potential spot for top outfield prospect Ronald Acuna at some point next year.