Dodgers: Three ‘Big Ticket’ Relievers to Target at the Deadline
By Nick Reid
Los Angeles Dodgers relief options
Felipe Vazquez, Pittsburgh Pirates
In 2016, the Pittsburgh Pirates traded their closer Mark Melancon to the Washington Nationals for a package including Felipe Rivero, a young arm who had some serious potential to be a threat at the back of a bullpen.
Fast forward to now and, apart from a name change, the Pirates have the exact same pitcher they were expecting when making the trade — with even more upside.
However, history may repeat itself as Vazquez is highly coveted on the trade market and a contending team could very well force Pittsburgh’s hand in moving the Venezuelan product. He has a 2.01 ERA, 1.11 WHIP, 219 ERA+, and a ridiculous 14.1 K/9, good enough for 5th best in the NL among qualified relievers — and you wonder why he earned the nickname “Nightmare”.
Vazquez has been nearly perfect when it comes to closing games having 21 saves in 22 opportunities, something the Dodgers surely value as they look to regain stability from their 9th inning fireman. A 2.10 FIP indicates Vazquez has been legit rather than lucky this year, and with a 2.13 ERA across 185 2/3 innings since 2016 further illustrates his dominance.
The 28-year-old closer is sought after by an abundance of clubs, and if the Pirates decide to sell he’ll guarantee their biggest return. But would the return be too substantial for most clubs? Probably. Vazquez has just three years of service time under his belt, meaning he won’t be a free agent until 2022. That along with his excellence means the Pirates can put a very high price tag on him, especially since they aren’t in any rush to move him this season.
This could force a team to give up several top prospects, but if the Dodgers are serious about going for it they should be willing to offer such for him. Acquiring Vazquez would likely cost the Dodgers a package that would feature Gavin Lux, Dustin May, or perhaps Jeter Downs as the centerpiece(s).