This is an odd trade.
The Dodgers have a surplus of three veteran starting pitchers. The Dodgers need to move them off the roster. So the Dodgers dealt Aaron Harang to divisional rival Colorado in exchange for back up veteran catcher Ramon Hernandez, a player the Rockies were looking to unload or cut.
It seemed like a surplus for surplus trade. Dodger fans were upset with the deal because the team did not receive any prospects to re-stock their minor league system.
But then the Rockies immediately designated Harang for assignment. That means the club has 10 days to trade or release him.
Harang posted a 3.61 ERA for the Dodgers last season with 6.6 K/9 and
4.3 BB/9 across 179 2/3 innings of work. The Rockies already are
hearing from teams with interest in Harang and the Red Sox are one
possibility as they look to replace John Lackey, who was recently injured. The Twins are also rumored to have some interest in Harang.
The Dodgers were put into a corner by their free agent spending spree this off season. Starting pitchers are in high demand normally, but the Dodgers waited too long to unload Harang. Now, the Rockies are going to take the pitcher to flip for prospects. This seems odd because the Rockies don't have a deep starting rotation in place. Colorado must not want to take on more payroll.
MLBTR reports that Harang signed a backloaded two-year, $12MM deal prior to the 2012
season. The deal paid him $3MM last year and $7MM this year with a $2MM
buyout if his mutual option for 2014 is not exercised. If his option is
triggered, it could be worth $7MM-$8MM depending on his performance.
With the $2MM buyout off of the Dodgers' books, they'll wind up saving
some money in luxury tax penalties next season.
