Dodgers News: Former Gold Glove Outfielder Traded to Guardians for Cash

A post-deadline trade!

The Dodgers made a post-deadline trade on Friday, sending minor league outfielder Kole Calhoun to the Cleveland Guardians for cash considerations. Ryan Lewis, a beat writer for the Guardians, was among those to report the news.

Both Josh Naylor (right oblique strain) and Tyler Freeman (right shoulder strain) are headed to the injured list.

OF Kole Calhoun has been acquired from the Los Angeles Dodgers in exchange for cash considerations.

Infielder Jose Tena has been called up from AAA Columbus.

— Ryan Lewis (@ByRyanLewis) August 4, 2023

I know what you're wondering: How could a trade be made after the August 1 deadline?

Well, in the MLB, even though the MLB trade deadline is August 1, teams are still able to trade minor league players, and that's exactly what the Dodgers did.

The Dodgers signed Calhoun in early June to a minor league contract, hoping he'd add some outfield depth in the minors and potentially make his way to the big leagues at some point this season.

While he never made it to the big leagues for LA, he netted them some extra cash, and will likely get an opportunity with Cleveland (why else would they trade for him).

In Triple-A Oklahoma City, the 35-year-old slashed .308/.367/.532 with five home runs and 28 RBIs in 33 games. He proved that he can still contribute, which is why the Guardians decided to give him a shot.

Calhoun has had a long MLB career that began back in 2012 with the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim (that was their name then). He spent the first eight years of his career with the Halos, winning a Gold Glove in 2015 and hitting an impressive 33 home runs in 2019.

In 2020 and 2021, he was with the Arizona Diamondbacks. And in 2022, he was with the Texas Rangers.

After brief stints in Triple-A with the Dodgers and New York Yankees this season, we'll see if he gets an MLB shot with the Guardians.

Best of luck in Cleveland, Kole!