LA still reaping benefits of Puig, Kemp deals

July 30th, 2021

and haven't donned a Dodgers uniform since the 2018 season, but the two former All-Star outfielders are still making Los Angeles championship contenders three years later.

On Dec. 21, 2018, the Dodgers sent two of their most popular players to Cincinnati alongside and for and two prospects named and in what was largely considered a contract swap for Bailey and Kemp. The latter two have yet to step foot on a big league field, but they unknowingly went on to change the landscape of baseball.

One season after being sent to Los Angeles, Downs would become the centerpiece in a package that would send to the Dodgers following the 2019 season. After adding the former American League MVP Award winner, the Dodgers snapped their 30-year championship drought and went on to win the 2020 World Series in six games. Betts is now locked up long term on a 12-year contract for $365 million with the Dodgers.

Fast forward to the 2021 Trade Deadline, and now Gray is part of a ludicrous prospect package that brings three-time Cy Young Award winner and one of the game's speediest players to Chavez Ravine. The Dodgers now have a rotation that consists of three former Cy Young Award winners in Scherzer, Clayton Kershaw and David Price to go along with Cy Young Award hopeful Walker Buehler. Turner joins a lineup that has fellow All-Stars Betts, Max Muncy, Justin Turner, Cody Bellinger, Chis Taylor, AJ Pollock and Corey Seager. Oh, and not to mention they have the guidance and experience of another surefire Hall of Famer in Albert Pujols. To say they are World Series contenders is an understatement.

So, let's recap. Kemp and Puig, both of whom have yet to see the field in 2021, for essentially Betts, Scherzer and Turner. Betts already brought a title to L.A. and Scherzer and Turner might just put them over the top for a second straight. I'd say they did all right.