Dodgers drastically improve with Max Scherzer and Trea Turner

It had been quiet on the Los Angeles Dodgers‘ front. While other teams were making major moves and improving their chances at the deadline, the Dodgers were just waiting, adding Danny Duffy for a player to be named later. Eventually, the right deal would come around, and it would be time to strike.

That deal occurred on Thursday night. The Dodgers made a blockbuster deal, acquiring Max Scherzer and Trea Turner in exchange for a package of prospects headlined by Josiah Gray and Keibert Ruiz.

Dodgers shake up NL West with Max Scherzer and Trea Turner

With this trade, the Dodgers have to be considered as the favorites to come out of the National League. Scherzer provides another ace for the top of their rotation, someone that can pair with Clayton Kershaw once Kershaw returns. His experience in the postseason, and in winning the World Series as well in 2019, will be a perfect fit in the rotation.

It is less certain as to where Turner fits in. The Dodgers have Corey Seager at short, who is himself one of the better shortstops in the game. As Turner does have experience at second and center, it is possible he could slot at either of those positions once Seager returns. In the interim, he allows Los Angeles to not miss a beat at short.

The Nationals had to get an impressive return, and they certainly did so. Ruiz and Gray are both considered amongst the top prospects in the game, and can slot directly onto the major league roster. Both have received major league experience, which should help their transition as they presumably head to the majors in Washington.

A trade involving Ruiz had been expected for some time. With Will Smith as the starter, and an impressive amount of depth at the position, the Ruiz was blocked on the Dodgers. A switch hitting catcher with solid contact skills and respectable defense, he will now get his chance to live up to his prospect status.

Gray had been considered one of the top pitching prospects in the game. Although he is relatively new to pitching, having converted to the mound as a junior in college, he has a solid three pitch mix, led by a mid 90s fastball. He already has solid command of his arsenal, and could be a solid middle of the rotation arm.

While Gerardo Carrillo and Donovan Casey are not at the same level as prospects, they are not throw-ins either. Carrillo has an excellent four pitch mix, with a plus fastball that has excellent sinking action, a solid change that has similar movement to the fastball, a potentially plus slider, and a solid curve. The problem is that he has trouble repeating his violent delivery, which leads to command issues. His fastball/slider combo could make him a weapon in the bullpen, but that intriguing four pitch mix will lead to his getting more time to develop as a starter.

Casey is older for a prospect, as he is 25 years old and in Double-A. However, he does have solid tools, with an intriguing blend of power and speed. A two way player in college with a 95 MPH fastball, he has a strong arm in the outfield and can play all three positions. While he has trouble making consistent contact, the potential is there for Casey to develop into a solid fourth outfielder, or more if his contact level improves.

This is the type of deal both teams needed to make. The Dodgers had to land an upgrade to their rotation, with Turner being a bonus. Meanwhile, the Nationals had to get an impressive haul, with this crop of prospects hearkening back to the days of the old fashioned blockbuster.

The Los Angeles Dodgers have won the Max Scherzer Sweepstakes. However, it took quite the haul to pry him from the Washington Nationals.