Dodgers Rumors: White Sox Don’t Want to Trade Closer Liam Hendriks at Deadline, Says MLB Insider
It shouldn’t be breaking news at this point that the Dodgers have struggled as of late.
No, they’re not in the basement or anything like that, but at 37-29 and standing in second place in the NL West behind a surprising Arizona Diamondbacks group, LA isn’t performing up to their usual standard.
A 3-6 start to June — including recent series losses to the Reds and Phillies — reflects that, and it was a familiar sore spot that’s continued to rear its ugly head.
The Dodger bullpen, long one of their strengths throughout their reign of dominance over the NL West in the last decade, has continued to be a significant problem.
As of Monday, the Dodgers rank 28th out of 30 MLB teams in bullpen ERA with a 4.76 mark, ahead of only the Oakland A’s and Kansas City Royals, who are without question the worst teams in the majors.
Now the Dodgers definitely aren’t one of the worst teams in the majors, but their concerning problems in the bullpen present an issue that President of Baseball Operations Andrew Friedman may need to solve leading up to the ever-approaching August 1 trade deadline.
The solution may involve an All Star caliber closer for a team set to come to LA this week.
The Chicago White Sox are coming to Dodger Stadium to play three against the Boys in Blue in what is certainly a big series for both teams.
The Dodgers are trying to get back on the right track while the White Sox are trying to make up ground in the weak AL Central.
The White Sox are 29-38 on the year, but are only 4 1/2 games out of first in the division.
The results for Chicago in this series and over the next couple weeks will determine whether they’ll be in a buying mood or turning their franchise into a garage sale.
If the White Sox opt to sell at the end of this month, expect multiple key players to be made available, including Dodgers target Tim Anderson.
But as for their All-Star closer Liam Hendriks, it takes two willing partners in trade negotiations, and the White Sox may not be willing to deal the 3-time All Star and impending free agent so easily, according to USA Today’s Bob Nightengale.
“The Chicago White Sox may have plenty of trade chips at the deadline if they’re out of the race, including shortstop Tim Anderson, starter Lucas Giolito and relievers Kendall Graveman and Joe Kelly, but plan to retain closer Liam Hendriks. He’s not only a fan favorite, but a personal favorite of owner Jerry Reinsdorf.”
per Bob Nightengale of USA Today
Reinsdorf’s reverence for Hendriks could present a problem for the Dodgers in any trade negotiations, but it would serve LA well to at least have a phone all with the White Sox front office, especially if the bullpen issues aren’t fixed in short order.
Reliable relievers could be the difference between the Dodgers being true contenders in October, or being left behind in the chase for a World Series title.
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