You just don't see enough trades like this. Two teams in position to win at the highest level. Two veterans making real money swapped for each other, one-for-one, straight-up. No throw-in prospects. No value-balancing cash. Just proven talent for proven talent, on the cusp of a new season.
That's what makes Friday's unexpected deal sending star reliever Craig Kimbrel from the Chicago White Sox to the Los Angeles Dodgers for All-Star outfielder AJ Pollock so fascinating. It's a deal only about two players. The money? Well, Kimbrel is slated to earn $16 million this season, while Pollock is on the books for $10 million but also has a player option for 2023 with a $5 million buyout attached.