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Dodgers acquire former NL MVP shortstop Jimmy Rollins, trade Gordon to Marlins

December 10, 2014

Jimmy Rollins (Korea Times file)

Shortstop Jimmy Rollins has been traded to the Los Angeles Dodgers after 15 years with the Philadelphia Phillies according to both ESPN and USA Today reports.

At the moment, it is unclear as to who the Phillies acquired for the 36-year-old 2007 National League MVP, but it is apparent that the Dodgers’ are making big moves.

Middle infielder Dee Gordon and veteran pitcher Dan Haren are both going to the Florida Marlins in return for top pitching prospect Andrew Heaney and three other players according to a separate USA Today report.

Haren told ESPN back in November that being traded could lead to his retirement.

“My signing with the Dodgers last year and my decision to exercise my player option were based on my desire to play in Southern California near my family,” said Haren. “I had other opportunities but at this point in my career I have no interest in playing in a city away from my family.”

As for the switch-hitting Rollins, he led records for all-time leader in hits, at-bats and doubles for the franchise.

He should be a welcome replacement for the less reliable Hanley Ramirez who had trouble staying healthy during his time in Los Angeles before being traded to the Boston Red Sox.

In the last four years Rollins averaged an impressive 584 at-bats per season, but had his lowest in that time span in the 2014 season with 538. He batted .243 with 17 home runs, 55 RBIs and 28 stolen bases.

He is in the final year of his contract and is owed $11 million and waived his no-trade clause so the deal could be made.

Although Rollins is likely reaching the end of his career, he will be useful while the Dodgers’ continue to develop 20-year-old top shortstop prospect, Corey Seager.