Quiet as the Los Angeles Dodgers were throughout the Winter Meetings, they made quite the splash on Saturday. A five-player trade put Matt Kemp back with the organization that drafted him, and sent expiring contracts Adrian Gonzalez, Scott Kazmir and Brandon McCarthy to the Atlanta Braves.
Atlanta also received Charlie Culberson and cash considerations in the deal. Gonzalez was designated for assignment, becoming a free agent for the first time in his career. The trade was essentially a salary dump for both teams.
The Dodgers freed themselves of over $47 million due to Gonzalez, Kazmir and McCarthy next season, and by doing so are now projected to remain under the $197 million luxury tax threshold for the 2018 season.
Dodgers president of baseball operations Andrew Friedman referred to the trade with the Braves as one that was necessary in order for the organization to complete future signings or trades.
When questioned about next winter’s free agency, Friedman flashed his quick wit, via Andy McCullough of the L.A. Times:
“Oh, I hadn’t noticed,” Friedman joked. “Is there a big free-agent class next winter?”
As it stands, Bryce Harper, Dallas Keuchel and Manny Machado are among the players on track to reach free agency after the 2018 regular season. Clayton Kershaw could join the group if he opts out of the remaining two years and $55 million on his contract. David Price also holds an opt-out clause.
By remaining under the luxury tax threshold, the Dodgers will reset their penalties and only face a 20 percent tax on every dollar they potentially exceed the threshold by for the 2019 season.
But even prior to reaching that point, the Dodgers are in better position to possibly add on salary by way of signings or trade this winter, or with trades that may transpire prior to and after the non-waiver trade deadline next July.
