Just as it was beginning to set in that the Los Angeles Dodgers reached a three-team trade with the Boston Red Sox and Minnesota Twins, they came to terms with the L.A. Angels on a subsequent deal.
In that trade, the Dodgers were due to send Joc Pederson, Ross Stripling and Andy Pages to the Angels in exchange for Luis Rengifo and one or two Minor League players. The trade was contingent on the Dodgers first acquiring Mookie Betts and David Price.
As is well documented by now, that fell apart before being salvaged by the Dodgers completing separate deals with the Red Sox and Twins. But during the delay to get to that point, Angels owner Arte Moreno reportedly grew frustrated.
He ultimately pulled his team out of the trade with the Dodgers, though later said a deal was never in place.
The trade rumors and state of limbo nonetheless made for a difficult situation and somewhat of a unique case as Pederson and Stripling reported to Camelback Ranch for Spring Training. “Andrew (Friedman) did a very good job as far as keeping them abreast on what’s happening,” Dodgers manager Dave Roberts explained.
“As far as me personally, I kind of took the approach to stand back, because their phones were blowing up and I didn’t want to add to the uncertainty or confusion. And I really didn’t know. But I did follow up once it went down and reassured them how excited I was to have them.”
While Pederson and Stripling admitted to some awkwardness with the matter, Roberts is confident the near trade won’t be an issue. “The good thing is that I knew these guys ultimately wanted to be here, so there really isn’t any damage control, per se,” he said.
“I’ve been traded, but it was more clean. It’s hard when all you know is one organization. It’s tough. For it to play out the way it did, I think they’re both in a good place. I spent a lot of time with Joc in years past. I think we have a really good relationship.
“It’s a part of this game, and I think obviously with what went down and how it kind of came out, the uncertainty Joc and his family had to go through — and Ross and players with the Angels, Brusdar — I think they understand.
“It doesn’t make it easier to go through that process. But I do know that Joc, Ross, Brusdar, David, Mookie, these guys are excited to be Dodgers. I think any extra time that I need to spend with Joc to kind of reassure him, I don’t think that’s necessary. We’re lucky to have him and I expect him to have another good year.”
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