All eyes will be on the Los Angeles Dodgers until the non-waiver trade deadline passes on Monday, Aug. 1 at 1:00 p.m. PT. The club has been said to be exploring several possible trade scenarios to improve their current roster, with an eye on their outfield, starting rotation and bullpen.
The latest trade rumor to surface that involves the Dodgers is revolved around Cincinnati Reds right fielder Jay Bruce. Despite having a crowded outfield, the Dodgers are said to be seeking a left-handed hitting outfielder with power.
Other outfielders the team has reportedly expressed interest in are Josh Reddick of the Oakland Athletics and Carlos Gonzalez of the Colorado Rockies.
It’s believed the Dodgers have attempted to package Yasiel Puig in a trade for both Bruce and in other scenarios. Amid the swirling rumors, Dodgers chairman Mark Walter said on Friday he doesn’t believe the Dodgers are looking to trade Puig, according to J.P. Hoornstra of the Southern California News Group:
“I haven’t heard anything about moving Yasiel. Nothing,” Walter said. “I don’t think we want to. I think he’s still got a lot of potential.”
What’s more, Walter, who’s been looped in during previous trades of significance, added he did not know of any blockbuster deals in the works:
“So far, Walter said, “I haven’t heard any talk about anything big, seriously. That doesn’t mean they aren’t talking about it, but I haven’t heard anything discussed.”
This isn’t the first time Puig’s name has come up in trade talks as the Chicago White Sox reportedly inquired on the Cuban outfielder in February, but the Dodgers instead tried to deal Carl Crawford and Andre Ethier.
On the season, Puig is hitting .254/.315/.375 with eight doubles, two triples, seven home runs, 32 RBIs, a .303 wOBA and 90 wRC+ in 80 games. Puig hasn’t started a game since being removed last week after suffering a right hamstring injury.
