The Los Angeles Dodgers are focused on bolstering their starting rotation and outfield before the July 30 trade deadline, but another position they could look to upgrade is third base.
The hot corner has been a black hole since Max Muncy was placed on the injured list in mid-May due to a right oblique strain. The team has primarily relied on Kiké Hernández and Cavan Biggio to fill the void, but both have largely struggled offensively despite recent improvement.
Fortunately for the Dodgers, there are several players they can pursue to improve the position. Chief among them is Tampa Bay Rays All-Star Isaac Paredes, who has drawn interest from L.A. and the New York Yankees, among others.
According to Bob Nightengale of USA Today, the Dodgers are also interested in Nico Hoerner of the Chicago Cubs and the Los Angeles Angels’ Luis Rengifo:
No wonder they’re in trade talks trying to acquire Nico Hoerner of the Cubs or Luis Rengifo of the Angels.
Hoerner has been key to the Cubs’ success in recent years, accumulating 9.3 WAR over the last two campaigns, but he is in the midst of a down season.
Through 97 games, the 27-year-old is hitting .251/.328/.324 with 20 doubles, one triple, four home runs and 31 RBI in 418 plate appearances. Hoerner is under contract through the 2026 season, so the Cubs are likely seeking multiple prospects in return to move him.
Rengifo is having the better year of the two as he’s batting .304/.347/.426 with 13 doubles, one triple, six home runs and 29 RBI in 74 games. He is eligible for one more year of salary arbitration before potentially becoming a free agent after the 2025 season.
The Dodgers nearly acquired Rengifo in a deal that would’ve sent Joc Pederson to Anaheim before the 2020 season, but Angels owner Arte Moreno nixed the trade after he grew frustrated with the delay of completing the transaction.
There is a sense that Moreno would be hesitant to trade Rengifo — or any player for that matter — to their Freeway Series rival.
Dodgers open to trade for third baseman
Dodgers general manager Brandon Gomes recently indicated that the team would be open to acquiring a third baseman at the deadline, but they are still counting on Muncy returning this season.
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