Dodgers swap AJ Pollock for All-Star pitcher Craig Kimbrel
The Los Angeles Dodgers acquired eight-time All-Star reliever Craig Kimbrel from the Chicago White Sox on Friday in exchange for outfielder AJ Pollock.
Kimbrel was 4-5 with 24 saves in a combined 63 games with the Chicago Cubs and White Sox last season. The Cubs shipped him across town at midseason in exchange for Codi Heaur and Nick Madrigal. Kimbrel was 2-2 with the White Sox with one save in 24 games.
Kimbrel rediscovered the form that made him one of the game's best closers and was named to his eighth All-Star team last season.
The 33-year-old right-hander was the NL Rookie of the Year in 2011. He led the league in saves from 2011 to 2014. Kimbrel ranks ninth all-time in the majors with 372 saves as he begins his 13th season.
Kimbrel fulfills the Dodgers need for a shutdown option late in games, especially with the departure of 10-year closer Kenley Jansen, who signed a one-year deal with the defending World Series champion Atlanta Braves.
He fits in to an already stacked bullpen comprised of Brusdar Graterol, Blake Treinen, Daniel Hudson and Tommy Kahnle - all with considerable experience closing down games.
Pollock hit .282 with 65 home runs and 199 RBIs in three seasons with the Dodgers. The 34-year-old outfielder's best season came last year, when he batted. .297 with 21 homers and 69 RBIs in 117 games.
Most notably, Pollock put his talents on display for the Boys in Blue in the 2021 playoffs, when he had two homers and four RBIs in a must win Game 6 against the Braves in the National League Championship Series. He was also a member of the 2020 World Series Champion team.
Kimbrel, has taken the hill for several teams over the course of his career, including the Braves, the San Diego Padres and the Boston Red Sox - with whom he was a crucial member of their 2018 World Series Championship over the Dodgers.
The move comes at an interesting time for the White Sox, who announced that rising star and reliever Garrett Crochet was being evaluated for an injury that could require Tommy John surgery.
The Dodgers take on an additional $6 million in salary towards the team total, as Kimbrel is slated to earn $16 million in 2022, while Pollock was only expected to make $10 million.
With an open spot in the outfield now that Pollock is gone, the Dodgers will likely move Chris Taylor to full-time left field, finally freeing up some room for Gavin Lux to play his native second base.
On the other hand, Pollock will slot nicely into an already loaded outfield with Luis Robert and Eloy Jimenez in Chicago.
