Los Angeles Dodgers Make Big Trade, Could Clear Way for Bryce Harper Pursuit

The Los Angeles Dodgers have reportedly made a massive trade on Friday, and it could have a big impact on the Chicago Cubs in more ways than one.

The deal, which is being reported by The Athletic’s Ken Rosenthal and Yahoo’s Jeff Passan, has outfielders Yasiel Puig and Matt Kemp heading to the Cincinnati Reds, along with pitcher Alex Wood, in exchange for pitcher Homer Bailey.

The deal is not only big in terms of improving the Reds’ roster, but it also clears up payroll as the Dodgers make a rumored run at high-priced free agent outfielder Bryce Harper.

Removing Puig and Kemp from the equation certainly opens up an outfield spot in Los Angeles, and the payroll flexibility they gain in the deal could be enough for them to open up their checkbooks and get Harper, but they would still potentially exceed the luxury tax, according to Passan's reporting.

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According to Michael Duarte of NBC Los Angeles, the Dodgers are expected to designate Bailey for assignment after officially acquiring him, which will free up even more money from their books.

Meanwhile, the Cubs are still potentially in a position where they won't have the money to pursue Harper, but a trade involving a player like Ben Zobrist or Jason Heyward could be used to move toward that if the Cubs decided to go in that direction.