The Los Angeles Dodgers expected to go into the 2023 season with plenty of starting pitching depth, but a rash of injuries coupled with inconsistent performances have seemingly made that an area of need leading up to the MLB trade deadline on Tuesday, August 1.
Every member of the Dodgers’ Opening Day rotation has been put on the injured list at least once this season, with Clayton Kershaw the latest to fall due to left shoulder soreness.
Manager Dave Roberts recently acknowledged the current state of the starting rotation was likely going to influence the Dodgers’ approach in pursuing potential trades this season.
According to Jon Morosi of MLB Network, the Dodgers have interest in Lucas Giolito, who the Chicago White Sox are considered likely to trade:
The Dodgers are interested in White Sox RHP Lucas Giolito, one of the top available pitchers, sources say.
Giolito, who went to high school in LA, has a 3.45 ERA this year. The Dodgers have an @MLB-best 9 of the industry’s top 100 prospects, per @MLBPipeline.@MLBNetwork
— Jon Morosi (@jonmorosi) July 13, 2023
Giolito, a Southern California native, has long been considered one of baseball’s more intriguing starters. However, he’s been unable to build much momentum since earning an All-Star Game selection in 2019.
The right-hander has improved from last year, but is still having modest success at 6-5 with a 3.45 ERA, 4.21 FIP and 1.14 WHIP across 19 starts for an underperforming White Sox team.
Giolito would bring some durability to the Dodgers but also only serve as a potential rental as he’s due to become a free agent after the 2023 season.
Could Dodgers trade for Lucas Giolito and more?
Considering the Dodgers have multiple areas of need on their roster, a Giolito trade with the White Sox conceivably could be expanded to include a relief pitcher as well, or Tim Anderson.
Anderson has long been speculated as a Dodgers trade target since Gavin Lux suffered a season-ending torn ACL and LCL in his right knee during Spring Training. However, trading for Anderson would require the Dodgers to shuffle their infield next season, as Lux was on track to be the starting shortstop and is expected to make a full recovery for 2024.
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