Los Angeles Dodgers Trade Deadline Overview
With a myriad of questions surrounding the back-end of the rotation, along with an offense that has struggled to gain any kind of consistency up to this point, the Los Angeles Dodgers will need to take an aggressive approach as the trade deadlines nears if they look to compete with the San Francisco Giants in the NL West.
Despite beginning the season with the highest payroll in all of MLB, the Los Angeles Dodgers at times, have looked like a team that is void of any players warranting lucrative contracts save for Clayton Kershaw.
As of June 7th, the Dodgers are the owners of a 32-29 record, four games back of the Giants, and one game out of the NL wild card. Considering how inadequate the offense has performed thus far, the Dodgers probably consider themselves fortunate just to be over .500.
Through the first 62 games of the season, not only do the Dodgers have an offense that even Vin Scully would struggle in ascribing positive attributes in regards to, but also have an ineffectual slash line of .232/.308/.374. To make matters worse, the Dodgers fail to rank in the top half of the league in home-runs, runs scored, RBI’s and stolen bases. A shut-out loss to the Rockies at home in their last game, doesn’t exactly call for much optimism either.
The pitching staff on the other hand would be in great condition, IF, Clayton Kershaw were able to pitch just about every single game going forward. Unfortunately for the Dodgers, that isn’t exactly a rational or realistic possibility. Although free agent signee Scott Kazmir, and Japanese import Kenta Maeda have performed respectively, neither really possess the stuff of a legitimate postseason number two starter.
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What may be more concerning for the Dodgers pitching staff, is the number of injuries they have endured. As a result, it has prevented them from establishing any consistency in the rotation, while seeing the last two spots play out like a seemingly endless game of musical chairs. The future looks to be uncertain regarding the staff as well. Former number three in the rotation, Hyun-Jin Ryu has experienced several setbacks in his attempt to return from a torn labrum. 2015 free agent acquisition, Brandon McCarthy has yet to pitch this season after Tommy John surgery ended his season prematurely last year. Julio Urias, who many regarded as one of, if not the best pitching prospect, has appeared overmatched since being called-up. And to add insult to injury, Alex Wood, whos 1-4 record stemmed more from lack of run support, as opposed to lousy pitching, was recently shut- down for at least four weeks after determining the prognosis to an injury in his throwing elbow, was worse than originally anticipated.
As the Dodgers get ready to enter the dog days of summer, President of Baseball Operations, Andrew Friedman, is too smart of a man not to know that what he has on his current roster, is not good enough for any prolonged postseason run, let alone appearance. The shopping list this trade deadline is more extensive than in years past. However, with few tradable assets to work with on the pro team, it looks as if Friedman will have to be willing to part ways with his plethora of minor league talent, if he intends on making the Dodgers contenders when September rolls around.
Next: Lets Talk, Brewers
All-Star Caliber Catcher on the Wish List
While it is unjust to put the blame on any singular position in light of the Dodgers offensive shortcomings this season, Catcher is the one area that is in greatest need of an immediate upgrade.
The Milwaukee Brewers catcher Jonathan Lucroy, figures to be one of, if not the most sought after players throughout trade season. That distinction does not come without reason either. After experiencing an injury plagued 2015 season, Lucroy has returned to his perennial all-star ways. In 55 games this year with the Brewers, the soon to be 30 year old catcher is slashing an estimable .310/.368/.525.
With the incumbent platoon of catchers currently sporting an abysmal line of .191/.303/.316, it’s easy to see why the Dodgers would be salivating at potentially acquiring an established, highly productive signal caller such as Lucroy, and that’s before even taking into account his team friendly contract situation.
Lucroy will make $4,350,000 this year. An extremely reasonable price given his production, and even more startling upon the realization that seldom used backup AJ Ellis, is currently earning $4.5m in the last year of his deal with the team. Not only Ellis, but disappointing starter, Yasmani Grandal, is also in the last year of his contract, and given his struggles, is likely to be back with the team, creating a glaring need at catcher in the off-season, if left un-addressed before the conclusion of the 2016 campaign.
However, actually getting Lucroy, might be easier said than done. The Dodgers figure to be just one of a long list of potential suitors vying for the services of the Brewers catcher. It’s also worth noting that the Brewers aren’t really in a situation where they have to trade him. Given that aforementioned friendly deal, and 2017 being a club option year that would pay him just north of $5m, it isn’t like he is burning a whole in their pockets, but it is those friendly numbers, that the Brewers surely acknowledge make him that much more valuable in the eyes of teams looking to contend. Which as a result, makes the haul he could potentially bring back all the more enticing.
If the Dodgers brass ends up determining the asking price for Lucroy is too high, they could and should still explore additional, less costly options. Inquiring about the availability of JT Realmuto could be a legitimate possibility depending on the trajectory that the Marlins season seems to be heading in the coming weeks. Though quite contrarian to most catchers, in the aspect that Realmuto doesn’t have much power, his ability to put the ball in play at the least would be an upgrade from the sub .200 batting averages currently on the roster. Another few names rumored to be available in the relatively scarce catching market are A’s backup Josh Phegley, and one of what feels like an abundance of Red Sox catchers in Christian Vazquez. All of whom, if acquired would allow the Dodgers vaunted farm system to remain relatively intact.
Next: Power Struggle
Middle of the Lineup Woes
Aside from shortstop Corey Seager, and the emergence of outfielder Trayce Thompson, one may seriously wonder if the Dodgers forgot to pay the electric bill prior to the 2016 season, because their power has been out.
Seager and Thompson have accounted for 24, or roughly a little more than a third of the 63 homers the Dodgers have hit this year, which happens to have them in 19th in the category. Regression and injuries seem to be the culprits for the Dodgers lack of power, and in turn, lack of offensive production. Adrian Gonzalez, although still hitting for average, but with only five homers to his name suggests the days of him launching 20 plus dongs are coming to an end. Joc Pederson hasn’t been able to regain what looked like an unlimited amount of potential that he flashed in the beginning of the 2015 season. And although Justin Turner isn’t what one would consider a huge power guy, has seen his highly productive slash line of .294/.370/.491 in 2015, diminish to that of .220/.317.335 in 2016, while also only accounting for four homers thus far.
On the injury front, Dodger outfielder, Andre Ethier has yet to take the field this year due to a broken leg. Ethier, who has long been a cog in the Dodgers offense, was coming off a highly productive year which had teams around the league possibly discussing making a play for him before 2016 began. Whatever trade value he had, though, is in all likely hood gone considering the injury and the fact that he is due $53m over the next three years. Then of course, there is Yasiel Puig. The enigmatic right-fielder who as of last Friday, was placed on the 15 day DL because of a hamstring ailment. Puig’s struggles offensively the last couple years are well-noted, his brash personality hasn’t helped him gain many alliances within the Dodgers and because of that, Puig might be considered one of the players the Dodgers are willing to part ways with if they feel it helps them upgrade their roster.
Next: Hitters Available
Middle of the Lineup Options
Needless to say, the Dodgers are in need of a hitter, or two. Luckily for them, there happens to be a few teams hosting fire-sale’s around the league, that surely the Dodgers could find something they would like.
The Cincinnati Reds are one of those teams willing to exchange some of their seasoned veterans as long as their own version of compensation is received in return. More notably from the Reds, outfielder Jay Bruce has been said to be available. After a few somewhat “down” years by Bruce’s standards, the 29 year-old right-fielder has revitalized his career in 2016. Bruce is currently slashing a commendable .284/.333/.587, and also has 13 homers and 42 RBI to his credit. Bruce would instantly fill a need for the Dodgers in the heart of the order as his slugging percentage currently sits more .200 above the meager .374 the Dodgers sport as a unit.
The $12.5m Bruce is Guaranteed this year with a $13m player option for 2017, is easily affordable by Dodger standards. The problem would be once again adding to what has seemed like a crowded outfield for years now. However, if Bruce can give them the added power surge the Dodgers have been in need of all year, the last thing they should be worried about is making sure nobody gets their feelings hurt by seeing their playing time diminish.
As in the case of catcher, if Andrew Friedman and his team of baseball savants deem the asking price to steep for one of the premier hitters said to be available like Bruce, or Ryan Braun, the Dodgers could once again choose to shop in the bargain bin. Someone like Minnesota’s Trevor Plouffe, a streaky power hitter, who is in the last year of his deal could be in play to add some extra pop to the lineup and provide extra depth.
Next: Addressing the Rotation
Starting Pitching Options
One of the perks associated with being the Dodgers if you haven’t already noticed, is that they always seem to be in play, or at least alive in all of the most sought after players in the offseason and trade deadline.
Kershaw Maeda, or Kershaw Kazmir doesn’t quite strike fear into an opposing lineups heart like Kershaw Greinke. It’s worth noting that the combination of Kershaw and Grienke failed to reach the ultimate goal, a world series, so it’s probably too much to believe Kershaw, surrounded with his current nucleus are capable of propelling the Dodgers to the top either. It is that reason, which also coincides with the number of injuries surrounding the pitching staff, that has the Dodgers in the market for a top of the line starter.
With A’s stellar lefty Rich Hill just being placed on the DL, and Sonny Gray having yet to prove this season he is worth a team mortgaging a chunk of the future for, Atlanta Braves 25 year-old Julio Teheran supplants himself as the most coveted starting pitcher who could be available. Teheran’s 2-6 record might leave some bewildered as to why he has that distinction. Which of course, is resolved by quickly saying, ” he’s on the Braves,” to which everyone immediately will understand and proceed to sob for the misfortunes Teheran has been faced with. Not all is bad for him though, surely the Dodgers would love to add a young arm who currently carries a 2.85 ERA on a team embracing the tank. His 8.45 K/9 is also a career high for Teheran.
Teheran’s contractual obligations will also make him appealing to teams looking to bolster their pitching staffs. He is currently in the midst of a very affordable contract given his talent, and is under team control through 2020. While he probably isn’t exactly a number one in a rotation, Teheran, if acquired by the Dodgers would surely be a very good number two.
Seeing as what the Braves were able to get for Shelby Miller, it’s safe to say they know how the market operates in terms of dealing with starting pitchers. It also shows they are unwilling to let their lousy record dictate them being taken advantage of on a deal. Much like Lucroy, Teheran isn’t exactly breaking the bank in the A, and who knows, maybe the Braves rebuild quick enough to where Teheran is still under contract probably not, but possibly.
If the Braves asking price results in Friedman going into cardiac arrest, expect him to improvise and look elsewhere in order to add a legitimate starter as well as some depth to an injury riddled rotation. While certainly not a sexy option, Twins starter Ervin Santana is said to be on the market and needless to say would require far fewer players than going after a Teheran would involve. If the Rays continue to fall further out of contention who knows, maybe Friedman could make a call back to his old stomping ground to check on the availability of formidable starter Jake Odorizzi. Neither Santana or Odorizzi would have the same impact as landing a Teheran would, but assuming they could remain healthy, it sure would provide some stability to that back-end, at least until a perspective on the futures of Ryu, McCarthy and Wood is provided.
Next: A Lefty out of the pen
Bullpen Targets
While Kenley Jansen is no doubt one of the premier closers in the game as his career best 1.17 ERA and 0.61 WHIP clearly imply, the Dodgers pen as a collective unit haven’t nearly been as sharp as Jansen. Owners of a 3.90 ERA as a pen, the Dodgers are definitely in the market for an upgrade, and with most of their frequently called upon relievers being predominantly right handed, a gifted lefty is an area of intrigue for the Dodgers.
In four games since returning from the DL, Brewers left handed reliever Will Smith has failed to allow a run in 3.2 innings pitched. Though a small sample size, Smith makes an intriguing option for a team in need of a bullpen arm. Smith has worked primarily out of the set-up role since returning from a leg injury. While it was originally expected that Smith would assume the closers role in Milwaukee before the injury, with Jansen in place already in Los Angeles, Smith would essentially be asked to perform the same tasks he has proved capable of doing albeit in limited appearances so far this year with the Brewers.
Another more notable left handed bullpen arm said to be available is the Yankee’s, Andrew Miller. Unfortunately for the Dodgers, it is believed that inner division and current NL West leader, San Francisco Giants have already expressed interest in.
Next: D-Backs Trade Deadline Preview
Since being called up at the beginning of April, left hander Adam Liberatore has performed admirably for the Dodgers in relief. It is however, yet to be seen how comfortable the Dodgers are going forward with someone with such limited experience as Liberatore has, as the teams most heavily relied upon lefty.