Alex Wood is a talented left-handed pitcher who has made a name for himself in Major League Baseball (MLB) with his impressive skills on the mound.
He began his career with the Atlanta Braves before being traded to the Los Angeles Dodgers in a three-team trade in 2015.
We will explore the details of how the Dodgers were able to acquire Wood and the impact he had on the team during his time in Los Angeles.
Baseball trades are an important part of the game, and this particular trade is an interesting example of how teams can improve their rosters by acquiring key players.
Background on the 2015 Three-team Trade
The three-team trade that brought Alex Wood to the Dodgers was a complex deal that involved the Atlanta Braves, Los Angeles Dodgers, and Miami Marlins.
Here’s a breakdown of the trade:
The Braves received Cuban third baseman/outfielder Hector Olivera, left-handed pitcher Paco Rodriguez, and right-handed pitcher Zachary Bird from the Dodgers.
The Dodgers received Wood, infielder Jose Peraza, reliever Jim Johnson, and cash considerations from the Braves.
The Marlins received minor league pitchers Kevin Guzman and Jeff Brigham from the Dodgers.
The trade was made on July 30, 2015, just before the MLB trade deadline. At the time, the Braves were in the midst of a rebuilding phase, and they saw an opportunity to acquire some young talent.
The Dodgers were looking to add some depth to their roster, particularly in the pitching department, while the Marlins were interested in bolstering their farm system with promising prospects.
The trade was notable for its complexity, as it involved multiple players and teams. In the end, each team received a mix of established players and promising prospects, and it would take some time to see how the trade would play out for each team.
Alex Wood’s Early Career
Before he was traded to the Dodgers, Alex Wood spent the first few years of his career with the Atlanta Braves. He made his MLB debut in 2013 and quickly established himself as a promising young pitcher.
In his first full season with the Braves in 2014, Wood made 24 starts and had a record of 11-11 with a 2.78 ERA, striking out 170 batters in 171.2 innings pitched.
The following season, Wood continued to improve, becoming a key member of the Braves’ starting rotation. He made 20 starts and had a record of 7-6 with a 3.54 ERA, striking out 90 batters in 119.1 innings pitched before being traded to the Dodgers.
He had a reputation as a durable left-handed pitcher with a good mix of pitches and an ability to induce ground balls.
Wood’s success with the Braves made him an attractive target for other teams, and the Dodgers saw him as a valuable addition to their starting rotation.
His ability to pitch effectively from the left side of the mound gave the Dodgers some much-needed balance in their rotation. Ultimately, the trade proved to be a win-win for both the Braves and Dodgers, as Wood continued to perform well after the trade.
The Dodgers’ Need for Pitching Help
The Dodgers were interested in acquiring Alex Wood primarily because of their need for pitching help. At the time of the trade in 2015, the Dodgers’ starting rotation was in a state of flux due to injuries and inconsistent performances.
The Dodgers had already lost two of their top starters, Hyun-Jin Ryu and Brandon McCarthy, to season-ending injuries.
They were also dealing with inconsistency from other members of their rotation, including Brett Anderson and Mike Bolsinger.
The team was in the middle of a pennant race and needed to add depth to their rotation if they were going to make a serious run at the playoffs.
Wood’s success with the Braves made him an attractive target for the Dodgers. He was a reliable left-handed starter with a proven track record of success in the league.
His ability to generate ground balls and strike out batters made him a good fit for the Dodgers’ pitching philosophy.
In addition to Wood, the Dodgers also acquired Jim Johnson and Jose Peraza in the trade, further strengthening their pitching staff and adding depth to their infield.
The addition of Wood and the other players acquired in the trade proved to be a critical factor in the Dodgers’ success during the second half of the 2015 season.
The Trade Details
The trade that brought Alex Wood to the Dodgers in 2015 was a complex three-team deal that involved multiple players and prospects.
Here are the specifics of the trade:
The Dodgers received Wood, infielder Jose Peraza, reliever Jim Johnson, and cash considerations from the Braves.
The Braves received Cuban third baseman/outfielder Hector Olivera, left-handed pitcher Paco Rodriguez, and right-handed pitcher Zachary Bird from the Dodgers.
The Marlins received minor league pitchers Kevin Guzman and Jeff Brigham from the Dodgers.
In order to acquire Wood, the Dodgers gave up a package of players that included Jose Peraza, Jim Johnson, and a few prospects. Peraza was a highly touted infielder who had spent time in the Dodgers’ minor league system before being called up to the majors in 2015.
He was considered a potential star with a good bat and excellent speed on the basepaths. Johnson was a veteran reliever with a history of success in the league, having saved 101 games in his career up to that point.
While giving up Peraza and Johnson was a tough decision for the Dodgers, they saw the trade as an opportunity to improve their starting rotation and add depth to their bullpen.
Wood proved to be an excellent addition to the Dodgers’ pitching staff, and his contributions helped propel the team to the playoffs that year.
Wood’s Impact With the Dodgers
Alex Wood made an immediate impact for the Dodgers following the 2015 trade, becoming a key member of their starting rotation. He posted a 3-3 record with a 4.35 ERA in 12 starts with the team that year, helping them reach the playoffs.
In the following years, Wood continued to perform at a high level for the Dodgers, establishing himself as one of their most reliable starters.
In 2016, Wood posted a career-best 2.72 ERA in 10 starts for the Dodgers, striking out 62 batters in 56.1 innings pitched. He also made 20 relief appearances for the team, demonstrating his versatility and willingness to contribute in any role.
His performance helped the Dodgers win the National League West division title that year and reach the NLCS.
In 2017, Wood had his best season yet, going 16-3 with a 2.72 ERA in 27 starts for the Dodgers. He struck out 151 batters in 152.1 innings pitched, earning his first All-Star selection and finishing ninth in the NL Cy Young Award voting.
His strong performance helped the Dodgers win a franchise-record 104 games and reach the World Series.
Throughout his time with the Dodgers, Wood was known for his ability to pitch effectively from the left side of the mound and generate ground balls.
He was a reliable starter who could be counted on to give the team quality innings, and his versatility allowed the Dodgers to use him in a variety of roles.
His contributions helped the team succeed and compete for championships, and he remains a fan favorite among Dodgers fans.
Alex Wood Trade Details
| Team | Received | Gave Up |
|---|---|---|
| Braves | Hector Olivera, Paco | Alex Wood, Bronson Arroyo, Jim Johnson |
| Rodriguez, Zachary Bird | ||
| Dodgers | Alex Wood, Jose Peraza, | Hector Olivera, Paco Rodriguez, |
| Luis Avilan, Jim Johnson | Zachary Bird | |
| Marlins | Mat Latos, Michael Morse | Kevin Guzman, Jeff Brigham |
Note: The Marlins were involved in the trade but their role was minor and not directly related to the acquisition of Alex Wood by the Dodgers.
FAQs
Did Alex Wood have any injury issues during his time with the Dodgers?
Yes, Wood did have some injury issues during his time with the team. In 2016, he spent time on the disabled list with elbow soreness, and in 2017, he missed time with a shoulder issue. Despite these setbacks, Wood was able to recover and continue pitching effectively for the Dodgers.
What was the reaction to the trade among Dodgers fans and analysts?
At the time of the trade, many Dodgers fans and analysts were optimistic about the team’s acquisition of Wood. He was seen as a reliable starter who could help shore up the team’s pitching staff, and his versatility was seen as a major asset. Overall, the trade was viewed as a positive move for the team.
Why did the Braves decide to trade Alex Wood?
The Braves were in the midst of a rebuilding phase at the time of the trade and were looking to acquire young talent and prospects. While Wood had been a productive pitcher for the team, they saw an opportunity to acquire multiple players in exchange for him and decided to make the trade.
How did Alex Wood perform in the playoffs with the Dodgers?
Wood had mixed results in the playoffs with the Dodgers. He struggled in his first postseason appearance in 2015, allowing six runs in just 3.2 innings pitched. However, he bounced back in subsequent years, pitching well in the 2016 and 2017 playoffs. Overall, his postseason performance was solid, if somewhat inconsistent.
What happened to Alex Wood after he left the Dodgers?
After the 2018 season, Wood became a free agent and signed with the Cincinnati Reds. He spent one season with the Reds before being traded to the San Francisco Giants in 2020. As of 2023, he is currently a member of the Los Angeles Angels.
Conclusion
The trade that brought Alex Wood to the Dodgers in 2015 proved to be a pivotal moment for both the team and Wood’s career.
The Dodgers recognized their need for pitching help and targeted Wood as a reliable starter who could contribute immediately.
Wood, for his part, proved to be an excellent addition to the team, pitching effectively and consistently throughout his time with the Dodgers.
His performance helped the team succeed and compete for championships, and his versatility allowed the team to use him in a variety of roles.
Overall, the trade that brought Wood to the Dodgers was a win-win for both sides, and it will be remembered as an important moment in the team’s recent history.
