Dodgers Rumors: All-Star Closer Made Available, Should LA Explore a Trade?
As the MLB trade deadline nears, the Dodgers have to upgrade their bullpen. It has been one of their biggest issues throughout the season, and despite the improvement we’ve seen of late, it wouldn’t hurt to add to it.
Just a short while ago, the bullpen was the cause of stress for LA, so upgrading there would likely give them a better chance at winning in the playoffs.
According to MLB insider Jon Heyman, the Pittsburgh Pirates are making All-Star closer David Bednar available. They may not want to move the hometown kid, but his value is extremely high right now, so it makes sense for them to capitalize.
Pirates are telling teams they’d listen on All-Star closer David Bednar but the understanding is that he’d be difficult to move since he isn’t a free agent until 2027. The Pittsburgh native (another plus for the Bucs) has a 1.15 ERA.
— Jon Heyman (@JonHeyman) July 24, 2023
LA is expected to be aggressive at the deadline, so why not go out and get one of the best available bullpen arms.
Bednar would be a hell of a get for LA, as he is under team control for a few more seasons. He would give them a shutdown closer to use in big spots, something they have lacked the last few seasons.
For the year, he owns an ERA of 1.35 and has added in 20 saves. He could be the missing piece to this Dodgers bullpen that they have been looking for.
Just imagine a one-two punch of Evan Phillips and Bednar in the playoffs. It would give the Dodgers major confidence in the late innings and could be the difference between an early exit again.
In the playoffs, you need big-time pitchers in the bullpen. We see it year after year, and Bednar could be that guy for the Dodgers. Obviously, nothing is guaranteed, but this is the type of move that people have been waiting for LA to make for years.
They have the prospects needed to get a deal done, and the financial burden isn’t very high either. This is why the Dodgers have built such a strong farm system, and it’s time to take advantage.
Of course, there is no trade for Bednar without some level of risk. Relievers can be a fickle bunch, as they are one bad season away from changing the narrative around them. But this is a risk worth taking when you are a team like the Dodgers trying to win a World Series.
Fans may remember Bednar for his fun gesture toward Clayton Kershaw earlier this season after it was announced that he would replace the left-handed pitcher in the All-Star game.
Photo Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports
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