Report: Dodgers actively pursuing trade for center fielder

The Los Angeles Dodgers are actively pursuing an upgrade at center field after non-tendering Cody Bellinger earlier this winter, according to Ken Rosenthal of The Athletic.

Bellinger wound up signing a one-year, $17.5-million contract with the Chicago Cubs.

The Dodgers are seemingly attempting to reset their luxury-tax penalties, which increase in severity the more consecutive years a team exceeds thresholds. They're currently $32 million under the lowest tier but are uncertain if Trevor Bauer's appeal against his suspension will put them back on the hook for any or all of the remaining money on his three-year, $103-million pact.

The Pittsburgh Pirates' Bryan Reynolds, Arizona Diamondbacks' Alek Thomas, St. Louis Cardinals' Dylan Carlson, and Seattle Mariners' Jarred Kelenic are among the potential options on the trade market for the Dodgers, according to Rosenthal. However, he adds that the asking price for Reynolds is exorbitant, luring Thomas from a division rival might be difficult, and that the Mariners may be wary of selling low on Kelenic, who might fit best in a corner outfield spot anyway.

Trayce Thompson is currently projected to be the Dodgers' starting center fielder, flanked by Mookie Betts in right and James Outman in left. The Dodgers recently added veteran outfielder Jason Heyward, a five-time Gold Glove winner, on a minor-league deal.

The Dodgers are also potentially looking to upgrade at shortstop, with 25-year-old Gavin Lux currently expected to take the reins there. They could also make a run at Dansby Swanson, the top remaining free agent at the position, if the finances work, Rosenthal adds.