According to Los Angeles Times reporter Jack Harris, the Los Angeles Dodgers have initiated “exploratory” trade discussions with multiple teams, seeking to acquire additional financial resources within their international bonus pool. While these discussions are ongoing, there is currently no indication that any specific trades are imminent.
The reason to trade for more bonus pool money is simply to sweeten the deal for the hottest commodity in the international signing class, starting pitcher, Roki Sasaki.
“Meanwhile, Dodgers officials have had discussions with other teams about potentially acquiring more international bonus pool money via trade, according to people with knowledge of the situation not authorized to speak publicly,” Harris writes. Bonus pool money can be traded in increments of $250,000, and teams can acquire up to an additional 60% of what was in their original allotment, meaning the Dodgers potentially could add just over another $3 million to their bonus pool. It’s likely the Padres and Blue Jays also will explore similar deals.”
Los Angeles Dodgers Attempt To Sweeten Roki Sasaki’s Offer
The Dodgers are among the three finalists vying for Sasaki’s services and while money won’t likely be the deciding factor in his decision, having a few extra dollars to throw at his feet won’t hurt.
As of now, the team has $5.15 million, which is less than both the Padres and Blue Jays who have $6.26 million. By making trades this week, the Dodgers can pad the bonus pool to more than $8 million.
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The opening of Major League Baseball’s international signing period on Wednesday witnessed a flurry of activity, with numerous teams signing top international prospects.
However, for the three contending teams, the day unfolded with a notable degree of restraint. These three teams, actively pursuing the 23-year-old right-hander, have strategically preserved their international bonus pool resources in anticipation of his potential signing.
This isn’t without consequences. As a result of this strategic approach, the Dodgers lost out on several top prospects, including Dominican shortstop Darell Morel, who signed with the Pittsburgh Pirates, Venezuelan outfielder Orlando Patiño, who joined the Chicago White Sox, and Dominican outfielder Teilon Serrano, who signed with the Minnesota Twins.