Dodgers Rumors: Chicago All-Star Pitcher Can Veto Trade to LA
The MLB trade deadline is creeping closer by the day, and the Los Angeles Dodgers are sure to be key players in the lead up to the August 1 deadline.
The team doesn’t have that many holes to patch between now and the end of the sport’s deal season, but one area where they definitely need to upgrade is an area that’s usually been a consistent hallmark for them: starting pitching.
With Clayton Kershaw still afflicted by shoulder soreness, and Julio Urias and Emmet Sheehan struggling of late, the team definitely could use some more depth in the rotation.
The White Sox right-handed pitcher isn’t having the best of campaigns, with a 6.18 ERA in 2023, but the veteran has shown the ability to be great in the past as he was an All-Star as recently as 2021.
The combination of the Dodgers being pressed for rotation depth, Lynn’s individual struggles, and the White Sox underperforming could turn into an under-the-radar deadline swap.
Lynn is currently being heavily pursued by the Dodgers and Rays, and a deal for him seems likely sooner rather than later.
LA has a penchant for turning around veterans’ careers, and pitching coach Mark Prior would have an interesting subject in Lynn.
That said, it’s not exactly a sure thing that the 36-year-old makes his way west, as he would be able to block a trade to the Dodgers if he chose, per The Athletic’s Ken Rosenthal.
“As for Lynn’s no-trade list, like any no-trade list, it is not absolute. According to sources briefed on the pitcher’s thinking, he would waive his protection for certain contenders. The teams he can block are the Mariners, Padres and Giants; Dodgers, Angels and Cardinals; Blue Jays, Mets, Yankees and Rays.”
via The Athletic
Despite that potential hurdle, I don’t see Lynn blocking a trade to the Dodgers if a deal were to materialize.
As Rosenthal said, Lynn would waive his no-trade clause for “certain contenders” and LA seems to fit the mold of a contender given their play of late.
They’ve rebounded nicely since early July, and they’re now four games in front in the NL West. They also have a bullpen that’s improved and two MVP candidates in Freddie Freeman and a do-it-all fielder in Mookie Betts.
A chance for Lynn to try to revitalize his career with the Dodgers organization figures to be an attractive option, and he could be a name to keep your eye on between now and the deadline.
Photo Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-USA TODAY Sports
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Is it me or are pitchers really horrible these days. Lynn’s career numbers don’t reflect all-star numbers. Fo that matter, neither do Giolito’s numbers.