Report: Dodgers Could Be Looking Beyond Machado For Help

Being in one of the biggest sports markets in the country has its perks. Along with a steady influx of revenue, you also get the allure that comes with being in a big city. The Dodgers have experienced this for quite some time. And that is no different in this year’s trade rumors. For the past few weeks now, the Dodgers have constantly been linked to the Orioles in a possible trade to land Manny Machado. But now, it looks as though they could move on from him.

Sources: Dodgers have stepped up pursuit of a position player and are looking beyond Manny Machado. Have had conversations with Reds about Scooter Gennett, Twins about Brian Dozier and Mets about Asdrubal Cabrera. Dodgers’ versatility allows them to pursue a number of positions.

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— Jeff Passan (@JeffPassan) July 10, 2018

The Orioles’ front office has long been known as unpredictable and often inactive silent on trades. The team went 75-87 last year, and really didn’t do much in the way of becoming deadline sellers. That possibly could have made this year’s team much better. As it stands though, they are at a league worst 25-66, and well out of playoff contention.

So perhaps chasing Manny Machado is the right call for Los Angeles, but maybe not the best option. Let’s examine some of these other names.

Scooter Gennett

Gennett is having himself one heck of a time since coming over to Cincinnati from Milwaukee. In his two seasons there, he has combined for a 306/352/522 slash line while clubbing 41 home runs. This all over the course of 28=28 games with the Reds. Gennett’s 2.7 WAR this year makes this by far the most productive season of his career. While he spends most of his time at second base, he also played 15 games in the outfield last year.

Not that it matters though, as he would slot in at second almost immediately into the Dodgers’ lineup. Logan Forsythe has worked himself out of the job, and a combination of Hernandez and Taylor have handled shortstop well. The only concern at this point is that Muncy would slide to first and Bellinger would have to play more outfield. Gennett is under team control until 2020 when he is eligible to become a free agent.

Brian Dozier

Dozier has long been chased by Los Angeles, that is no secret around baseball. There were plenty of talks between the Twins and Dodgers before they ultimately made the trade for Logan Forsythe that cost them Jose DeLeon. The Twins wanted more than DeLeon in exchange for Dozier’s services.

Compared to last year, Dozier is having a down year. His power numbers are still good, but almost every other stat is down significantly. His batting average has dropped off nearly 50 points, his OBP is down 50 points, and his run production pace is just over half of where it was last year. Not the same guy and he is only a rental piece with his contract set to expire this year. Maybe not the best choice, but he does represent the cheap option for a team that typically goes after discount pieces. Apparently, the Dodgers also like some of Minnesota’s relief options as well.

Asdrubal Cabrera

The Mets are a mess. A team with so much promise at the beginning of the year is now quickly fading into the muck of the National League east. The selloff is all but guaranteed. Cabrera has been the model of consistency for his entire twelve-year career. He’s good to hit around 275 and club about 15 home runs while getting on base at a 330 rate. And he has continued that this year, but with the added power numbers.

He is currently on pace to hit  around 30 home runs, which would break his career-high of 25 set in 2011. Cabrera also allows for the added luxury of playing all around the diamond for Los Angeles. The Dodgers do love versatility in their infield. Cabrera would be a free agent in 2019, but that may be just the sort of discount the Dodgers are looking for. Perhaps they could package in one of the Mets’ standout starters. Zack Wheeler immediately comes to mind in this scenario.

Other Notable Names: Jed Lowrie, Oakland; Whit Merrifiled, Kansas City; Starlin Castro, Miami

Analysis

We all know that there are never any guarantees that the Dodgers will be active at the deadline. Rumors will always start as just rumors, no matter how any reporters may try to spin them. And the Dodgers’ offense has not been bad by any means. But wouldn’t it be awesome to add a bat that can give you a 275+ average with a few more home runs?

Chase Utley and Logan Forsythe have combined for a 213 average and three home runs. At some point you’d have to imagine the team does something to combat this. Gennett has my vote, who do you have?