Dodgers, Pirates swap Michael Morse for Jose Tabata

The Dodgers were incredibly busy over the last few days. They were reportedly going after Cole Hamels, and David Price, but ultimately missed out on both pitchers. Los Angeles did however complete a three-team deal with the Braves and Marlins, in which they acquired Mat Latos, Michael Morse, Jose Peraza, Alex Wood, Jim Johnson, Luis Avilan, Bronson Arroyo, and traded Hector Olivera, Paco Rodriguez, Zack Bird, and a competitive balance pick.

Today, moments before the 4:00 PM deadline passed, they announced a trade with the Pirates in which Morse was sent to Pittsburgh, and the Dodgers received Jose Tabata.

Morse was sent to the Pirates because he simply didn't fit what Los Angeles currently needs. He's listed as an OF/1B, but he has limited mobility, and should be considered a first baseman. After a great season with the Giants in 2014, his time in Miami wasn't nearly as productive. In 174 plate appearances, Morse hit .213/.276/.313, with an ISO of .100, a wOBA of .265, and a wRC+ of 64. The Marlins main motivation to move him was seemingly for financial reasons, as he's owed $8.5 million for 2016.

While the Dodgers undoubtedly did well to get a team to take Morse, it's interesting that they acquired Tabata as the return. Morse didn't make sense for LA as they have Adrian Gonzalez at first base already, and they still have a crowded outfield with Carl Crawford, Andre Ethier, Enrique Hernandez, Joc Pederson, Yasiel Puig, and Scott Van Slyke.

Adding Tabata to that mix is curious, especially given the fact that he's not a great offensive player. In his career (1765 PA's), he's hit .275/.336/.377 with an ISO of .102, a wOBA of .318, and a wRC+ of 101. It will  be interesting to see what the Dodgers do with Tabata,