Los Angeles Dodgers should do whatever it takes to acquire Ryan Madson
The Los Angeles Dodgers reportedly claimed Ryan Madson off waivers from the Washington Nationals. Expect the veteran righty to head west by Friday.
If the season ended today, the Los Angeles Dodgers would not make the postseason. After representing the National League in the World Series a year ago and being favored to return to the Fall Classic this year, the Dodgers have fallen from grace.
Despite their unfortunate situation, the Dodgers still have a realistic chance to turn their season around. They are just one game back in the NL West and 1.5 games back in the NL Wild Card race. With one of the most talented rosters in baseball, the Dodgers are more than capable of going on a run.
However, if the Dodgers are going to play into October, they need to improve a few weaknesses, specifically their bullpen.
The Dodgers’ relief corps has historically been a strength, headlined by All-Star closer Kenley Jansen. Unfortunately, Jansen has not been himself in 2018. His ERA is almost two runs higher than his mark from a year ago.
Jansen has been especially ineffective lately. Since returning from the disabled list with an irregular heartbeat, he has pitched to a 15.75 ERA and has not converted a save opportunity. This is a relatively small sample size, but Jansen’s struggles date back even further than his DL stint.
Over his last seven appearances, Jansen has pitched to a 9.00 ERA. Over his last 15 appearances, he has pitched to a 5.06 ERA. He is going to play a large role in whatever the Dodgers accomplish, but he has not looked like himself.
Like Jansen, most of the Dodgers’ relievers have struggled. It has even gotten to the point where Dave Roberts was forced to move Kenta Maeda and Ross Stripling to the bullpen.
It is no secret that the Dodgers need more from their bullpen if they want to repeat as NL champions, but August trades can be tricky. Fortunately, a possible fit has fallen into their laps.
The Washington Nationals have endured an underwhelming season as well and have begun to sell. Daniel Murphy and Matt Adams have already been shipped out of DC, but the Nats may not be done dealing yet.
On Wednesday, Ken Gurnick reported that the Dodgers claimed veteran reliever Ryan Madson off waivers.
Although Madson has not had his typical dominant season, he is still a valuable reliever. Backed by a 3.45 ERA in 13 major league seasons, he has established himself as a reliable arm. His versatility would also allow him to fill a couple different roles with the Dodgers.
Prior to being dealt to Washington last summer, Madson served as Oakland’s closer. He has converted 91 saves throughout his career and is just two years separated from a 30-save season. With the Dodgers, he could serve as a setup man and insurance for Jansen.
Despite his abysmal 5.28 ERA this year, there is hope that Madson can return to form. He has pitched through various injuries throughout the season, but recently claimed that he feels as good as he has all year prior to being activated from the disabled list. His FIP is also almost an entire run lower than his ERA, suggesting that he has been hurt by a bad defense.
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Madson could also benefit from a change of scenery. He and rookie manager Dave Martinez have disagreed about his usage on numerous occasions this year, which has led to diminished results at times. Perhaps the change of scenery and a more highly-regarded manager would help Madson return to form.
Finally, Madson has a fantastic postseason track record. He is a two-time World Series champion and has pitched to a 2.85 ERA in 46 postseason appearances. The Dodgers have relied on a few untested relievers, but Madson would provide some much-needed stability.
Fortunately for the Dodgers, the Nats are inclined to deal Madson. He is owed approximately $1.25 million over the remainder of the season, and the Nats are attempting to get under the luxury tax threshold. By shedding Madson’s salary, their goal becomes much more achievable.
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If the Los Angeles Dodgers are serious about returning to the World Series, they must improve their bullpen. Ryan Madson may not be the most glamorous addition, but he could make a significant impact.