Report: Dodgers Sending A.J. Pollock to White Sox in Blockbuster Trade For Fellow All-Star Craig Kimbrel

The Dodgers have agreed to send All-Star outfielder A.J. Pollock to the White Sox in exchange for All-Star relief pitcher Craig Kimbrel, according to multiple reports.

The blockbuster trade was first reported by Mark Feinsand of MLB.com.

ESPN MLB Insider Jeff Passan reported the details of the deal, which will not include the exchange of any money.

Kimbrel, 33, will make $16 million in 2022 and is expected to slide into the closer’s role with the Dodgers, per Passan. Pollock, 34, is set to earn $10 million and has a $10 million player option that includes a $5 million buyout.

Pollock’s time in L.A. ends three years after the former Diamondback signed a four-year deal as a free agent in 2019. The 2020 World Series champion and 2015 All-Star enjoyed one of his best seasons in 2021, posting a .297 batting average with 21 home runs and 69 RBIs in 384 at-bats. 

Pollock, one of the Dodgers’ best hitters in recent seasons, figures to add a nice punch to the Sox lineup, and could immediately step in as a valuable contributor with Andrew Vaughn nursing a hip injury.

Meanwhile, Kimbrel leaves Chicago after spending time with both of the city’s teams over the course of three years. A free agent signing by the Cubs in 2019, Kimbrel turned in a resurgent season in 2021, recording a .059 ERA with 20 saves en route to earning his eighth career All-Star nod. He was eventually traded to the White Sox 17 days after the All-Star game.

Prior to the move, Kimbrel, the NL’s top closer to begin the season, appeared in 39 games and recorded a .049 ERA with 23 saves in 36.2 innings pitched (2–3 W-L record). The veteran reliever struggled to produce in his 24 appearances for the White Sox, posting a 5.09 ERA with just one save in 23 IP.

In L.A., Kimbrel joins a formidable bullpen that includes Walker Buehler, Julio Urías and another multi-time All-Star in Clayton Kershaw. His arrival should also swiftly offset the loss of closer Kenley Jansen, who signed with the Braves last month.