Dodgers Officially Complete Trade for Lance Lynn, Joe Kelly

Things came together quickly on Friday as the Dodgers and White Sox agreed to a 5 player trade that sent All-Star starting pitcher Lance Lynn and 2020 World Series champion reliever Joe Kelly to Los Angeles in exchange for RHP Nick Nastrini, RHP Jordan Leasure, and outfielder Trayce Thompson.

Among those to first report the transaction was Ken Rosenthal of The Athletic. But ESPN’s Jeff Passan got the full deal.

The move continues a busy week for the Dodgers who already brought back utility man Kiké Hernandez and sent Noah Syndergaard to Cleveland for infielder Amed Rosario. Lynn and Kelly fill a need on the pitching staff and, despite down years, both are expected to play big roles for the club down the stretch.

As I noted earlier, Lynn has posted a career-worst 6.47 ERA in 21 starts this season. However, underlying numbers paint the picture of luck very much not being on his side. A change of scenery and a chance to work with LA’s coaching staff could get his season back on track.

Joe Kelly is throwing harder than ever and is striking out batters at an elite rate, but has had issues keeping runs off the board. His numbers also point to a bit of bad luck.

Basically, both pitchers needed out of Chicago immediately.

As for who the Dodgers sent back, the most famous name is certainly outfielder Trayce Thompson, who has been on a minor league rehab assignment over the last week as he makes his way back from an oblique injury. He returns to the White Sox, the team that originally drafted him back in 2009.

The biggest name going to Chicago in this trade is Double-A starter Nick Nastrini. The 24-year-old is in the middle of a solid season at Tulsa, posting a 4.04 ERA over 17 starts. He’s listed as the Dodgers’ number 9 prospect by MLB Pipeline.

Jordan Leasure is a less known pitching prospect for LA but has posted big strikeout numbers in his two-plus seasons as a pro.

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