Joc Pederson, who is widely considered as the best outfield prospect in the Los Angeles Dodgers organization is not in the Chattanooga lineup today, sparking rumors that the Dodgers may be in the process of making a big trade.
While there’s been no confirmation as to any potential move, it’s something ESPN’s Jim Bowden hinted at upon learning of Pederson’s removal from the lineup:
"Dodgers Joc Pederson (teams best OF prospect) is not in AA lineup for Chattanooga today…could the Dodgers have ONE more big move left?"
With Matt Kemp, Yasiel Puig, Carl Crawford and Andre Ethier all on the roster, there isn’t a ton of room for Pederson who should be ready to make his show debut in the near future.
The Dodgers are currently riding rough shot over pretty much the entire National League but are still in a fight with the Arizona Diamondbacks for the division crown. Add in the Dodgers woeful start to the season and it’s unlikely the Wild Card participants will come from the National League West, so the Dodgers are aware if they have postseason dreams, they’ll need to win their division.
Update: The Dodgers have of course denied any such move.