Dodgers Rumors: Insider Pegs LA as Landing Spot for Aroldis Chapman This Trade Deadline
As the MLB trade deadline approaches, the Dodgers will need to decide what route they want to go. Their pitching has been uncharacteristically bad and something needs to change. However, there may not be too many potential sellers at the deadline so the market could be drier than in years part. But with a handful of weeks left to go, there will be some teams that decide to punt on the year and sell off parts in hope for a better future.
MLB insider Mark Feinsand of MLB.com made a list of potential pitchers that could be available at the deadline and he listed the Dodgers as top landing spots for a few of the Kansas City Royals relievers. Feinsand mentioned both right-hander Scott Barlow and lefty Aroldis Chapman as options for LA.
Barlow is an interesting option for LA as he holds a 3.90 ERA and nine saves on the year. But he has been great since a slow start. Over his last nine appearances, Barlow has only allowed three total runs in 8.2 innings. Two of those runs came in one game so for the most part, Barlow has shut down the competition.
“Barlow’s season-long numbers aren’t as good as Chapman’s, but since a slow start that saw him post a [9.45] ERA in his first seven outings, Barlow has been excellent, pitching to a [2.14] ERA with an opponent OPS of .526 and 31 strikeouts over his past 20 outings since April 22.”
Mark Feinsand, MLB.com
Another benefit to potentially getting Barlow would be that he is eligible for arbitration for one more year before hitting free agency. Currently, Barlow is making $5.3 million so his next number likely wouldn’t be too much higher. The Dodgers could retain him as part of their bullpen next season if things worked out.
Now, for Chapman. He would likely cost more than Barlow as he has been having a great season for Kansas City. Holding a 2.73 ERA and two saves, the veteran pitcher could really improve this pen. LA doesn’t have a shutdown left-hander out of the bullpen so getting a guy like Chapman could really improve things.
“The Royals don’t have a ton of everyday talent to move this summer, but Kansas City’s bullpen should offer some prime opportunities to sell. Chapman has had a solid rebound this season, including a recent stretch of 13 outings during which he’s posted a 1.42 ERA with 27 strikeouts in 12 2/3 innings.”
Mark Feinsand, MLB.com
Chapman will be a free agent at the end of the season so Kansas City would be smart to get something for him. The Dodgers could use this last part of the season to evaluate him and see if he would be a fit going forward. It’s almost a win-win if you ask me.
At this point, the Dodgers could use all the help that they can get in the bullpen. Grabbing quality arms like Chapman and Barlow would vastly help the team out and give them more options to use. If the price isn’t too awful, LA should absolutely jump all over the deal.
Winning is not guaranteed but the front office can put the roster in a good spot to contend. Will they hold serve and hope that injured players come back strong? Or will they be aggressive and make some deals to improve the chances of winning? It’s now up to them about how far this team can go.
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