After a three-season run, the Los Angeles Dodgers opted to part ways with AJ Pollock on Friday. After they watched veteran closer Kenley Jansen decide to sign with the Atlanta Braves in free agency, they elected to ship Pollock off to the Chicago White Sox in return for Craig Kimbrel.
When Pollock had first heard from Dodgers president of baseball operations Andrew Friedman that he was traded, he simply aspired to continue to play on a playoff-contending team. When he was notified that his career in the majors would carry on with the White Sox, he was quite ecstatic.
“Trades are a part of the business,” Pollock said on Saturday. “I look at where I could have been. These guys just kicked our butt a couple days ago and I saw that lineup. It’s a cool team to be a part of and we’re excited.”
Pollock is now set to embark on a new challenge at this point in his career, as he is slated to take hold of the right field position for the reigning AL Central champions. He has a mere 20 total innings of experience in patrolling right field, with his last such appearance coming back in the 2013 season while with the Arizona Diamondbacks.
Overall, Pollock is aiming to contribute wherever possible for the White Sox.
“Growing up I didn’t play outfield and at Notre Dame, they asked me if I could play a couple games in the outfield, and (I) never came back to the infield,” Pollock said. “(Defense has) always a big part of my game. Moving from center field to a corner spot I thought it was going to be a breeze. (It) took a little time, (but I) feel like I’m in a good spot now, feel like I understand it. It is a little different but I feel like I know the nuances of the corner spots.
“Wherever he wants to put me I feel good about… Whatever Tony [La Russa] wants, I’m game.”
With both Luis Robert Jr. and Eloy Jimenez alongside Pollock, the White Sox sure will boast a must-watch outfield in the upcoming 2022 season.
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