Dodgers Rumors: Latest on Verlander, Keller, Flaherty, Rodriguez and More
Happy trade deadline day! The Dodgers are among the big teams to watch over the next handful of hours as we approach the 3 PM PT cut off for all deals to be agreed upon. LA is linked to a few of the big names left on the trade market including pitchers Justin Verlander and Eduardo Rodriguez, and a few bats that are remaining.
Of course, the front office has already been busy in recent days, bringing in four players via trade in the last week alone. Will Andrew Friedman continue his trend of deadline day blockbusters? Below is a list of names to watch this morning and early afternoon before the deadline comes and goes.
SP Justin Verlander
The biggest need for LA is starting pitching. The most accomplished pitcher that is reportedly available in the right deal is three-time Cy Young Award winner, Justin Verlander. The New York Mets do have the right-hander available, but according to the latest reports on Monday night, they’re not dying to trade him.
In terms of suitors, the Astros appear to be frontrunners over the Dodgers to re-acquire the ace. However, the Dodgers certainly seem to have the better prospect pipeline to get a deal done. But they’re not desperate to trade the farm for a 40-year-old pitcher. At least according to MLB insiders.
USA Today’s Bob Nightengale noted one additional concern for LA being Verlander’s contract which could keep him pitching at a premium rate through his age 42 season.
SP Dylan Cease
The Dodgers and White Sox have already swung a deal in recent days, bringing Lance Lynn and Joe Kelly to LA for a three player return highlighted but RHP prospect Nick Nastrini. Also going to Chicago in the trade were RHP Jordan Leasure and veteran outfielder Trayce Thompson.
With all that said, if the Sox are willing to trade Dylan Cease, the groundwork would seemingly already be somewhat in place for a potential swap. The Dodgers own the top spot in the latest farm system rankings according to MLB Pipeline and have plenty of talent that could be moved including infielder Michael Busch and starting pitcher Gavin Stone.
Seemingly, the Dodgers seem reluctant to discuss Bobby Miller in most if not all trade conversations. And the White Sox aren’t in a hurry to move their ace.
SP Eduardo Rodriguez
Tigers left-hander Eduardo Rodriguez is an interesting case. The Los Angeles Times listed him as a pitcher the Dodgers have inquired about and consider to be “plan B” behind Verlander. One major area of concern with Rodriguez is his contract which includes an opt out after this season or three years remaining on a five year deal.
He’d come much cheaper than Verlander, but also without the same gravitas.
SP Jack Flaherty
The Dodgers were rumored to be in discussions with the St. Louis Cardinals to acquire third baseman Nolan Arenado. If that’s the case, the front office certainly asked about the availability of Flaherty along the way. The Cardinals are holding on to Arenado but still signaled a selloff over the weekend with the trades of reliever Jordan Hicks and starter Jordan Montgomery.
Flaherty is a free agent after the year, which could have its appeal for LA. It may also be viewed a detriment.
He’s battled injuries over the last few years but at one point looked like a budding ace for the Red Birds. That level of dominance is something the Dodger coaching staff could uncover.
SP Mitch Keller
Pirates starter Mitch Keller is a late entry to the latest rumors involving LA and it has picked up steam in recent hours after being mentioned on AM 570 LA Sports Radio. Reportedly, there is “buzz” to a Keller deal, perhaps more so than Verlander. He has two more years of team control after this season, which could be attractive to the Dodgers. But that would also come with a steeper price prospect wise.
A deal is reportedly seen as unlikely.
Photo Credit: Matt Kartozian-USA TODAY Sports
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