Los Angeles Dodgers Rumors: Five potential LA-bound trade options
By Paul Ashley
The Los Angeles Dodgers have won the National League West division for six straight seasons, but they need to pursue all possible upgrades this offseason in order to capture a seventh straight division title.
Despite ending last season with a 91-71 record, the Los Angeles Dodgers were tied with the Colorado Rockies for first place in the National League West division through 162 games. Even though the Dodgers were victorious in the tie-breaking game 163 to capture their sixth straight division title, the NL West could potentially be captured by another team next season.
As the Rockies only finished one game behind the Dodgers last season, they will likely remain a competitive foe as their entire starting rotation is under team control next season. Even though DJ LeMahieu and Adam Ottavino are now free agents, Nolan Arenado, Trevor Story, Charlie Blackmon, and Wade Davis are all under team control as well next season.
The San Francisco Giants finished 18.5 games out of first place last season, but they are likely to make improvements ahead of next season. This is primarily due to hiring away Dodgers general manager Farhan Zaidi to bring a more analytical mindset as the Giants new President of Baseball Operations. Full, healthy seasons from Buster Posey and Madison Bumgarner would also drastically help the team improve from their disappointing finish last season.
The San Diego Padres are also likely to improve ahead of this upcoming season as younger players were able to receive valuable experience last season, Even if the Padres are unlikely to win the division, Eric Hosmer, Wil Myers, and the rest of the team will likely not provide easy victories next season, which could further crowd the NL West division.
The Arizona Diamondbacks may end up taking a step back next season as they look to retool their team during the current offseason. However, if they end up holding onto Paul Goldschmidt and Zack Greinke, they will continue to be tough competition for their division foes. Despite the rumors that they are willing to shop many players on their roster during this offseason, the recent signing of Eduardo Escobar shows that the Diamondbacks are not pursuing a full rebuild, which will keep them competitive as well.
As the NL West division could very well be the only MLB division with five 75+ win teams next season, it is vital for the Dodgers to seek any and all upgrades to improve their current roster. With rumors circling the franchise that the franchise is looking to stay beneath the luxury tax threshold, the trade market may be the Dodgers best chance at making cost conscious improvements. Due to this, here are five possible trade options that could be LA-bound.