Dodgers Rumors: LA Exec Says Team Will ‘Be Aggressive’ at Trade Deadline
The MLB trade deadline is just a short while away now and things are about to get a little crazy. It’s one of the better parts of the baseball season as teams load up for their chance to win the World Series.
For the Los Angeles Dodgers, they have a clear need, and that is within their pitching staff. They have been hit with all sorts of injuries this season, and inconsistencies on the mound have hurt them.
The team has relied upon more rookie pitchers than they probably would have ever liked to, but they’ve found ways to remain competitive. Now with the trade deadline coming up, President of Baseball Operations Andrew Friedman is saying that the team will indeed be aggressive in finding some help, as reported by Mike DiGiovanna.
“The market is still developing, as there are a number of teams still on the fence, but we expect that to crystallize more in the next week,” said Andrew Friedman, the Dodgers’ president of baseball operations. “We will be aggressive in our efforts to add to this roster, and there are different obvious and potentially creative ways to do so.”
Via The LA Times
The key part of his statement that I am taking away is the “potentially creative ways to do so”. Friedman is known for pulling a rabbit out of his hat and making a move that nobody ever saw coming. It wouldn’t shock anyone if it happened again here.
The Dodgers have a clear need to upgrade both their starting rotation and the bullpen. LA also has a need for a right-handed bat as well. They have plenty of solid prospects that they can offer to a team in exchange, and Friedman is the master at making moves that benefit the Dodgers.
Some starting pitchers’ names that make sense for the Dodgers to look into are Lucas Giolito from the Chicago White Sox, Marcus Stroman from the Chicago Cubs, Edgardo Rodriguez from the Detroit Tigers or Lance Lynn from the White Sox. These are just a few of the names that could be available for the Dodgers, so they should have their pick.
My choice here would probably be Giolito, who is having a solid season in Chicago. He would bring some stability to this starting rotation and he is a free agent at the end of the season in case things don’t work out as planned.
The right-hander had a dominant stretch posting a 2.45 ERA over 44 innings before a hiccup against the Mets.
Luckily LA has started to get some of their own guys back from injury but the need for pitching help is still there. Clayton Kershaw remains on the shelf and will be for a few more weeks, Julio Urias has continued his up-and-down season, and nobody knows what to expect from Tony Gonsolin each time out.
Freidman may want to get more than one starter if he can. The biggest fish would be Shohei Ohtani from the Angels but a trade to the Dodgers is considered a longshot at this point.
Despite all the injuries and odds against them this season, LA has maintained its competitive spirit and sits in first place within the NL West. They look like they are on their way to another postseason appearance so the front office owes it to the players to get some help and give them the best possible chance to win in October.
Photo Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports
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A creative way to get a right handed bat is assumed to be an outfielder but it would surprise everyone if it was a rh 3rd baseman, which we need.
Btw, have you noticed that JT is having a great year in Boston?
Assuming that Kersh and Pepiot are returning soon and that Sheehan is demoted as a result, that still leaves 6 starters. If we add anyone else, who do you plan to release???
And, if add Grove to the pen, that should strengthen the pen plus we should have one or two relievers ready to return soon. So, we will need to DFA someone?
I am perfectly happy not doing a major trade and saving out prospects. I never favor a 3 mo rental at the expense of several prospects.
When you can not execute simple fundamentals of the game, especially in extra inning situations, this team is going nowhere. You can acquire all the stars you want, but if you can’t perform in crucial situations, you are cooked.