Despite their efforts to assemble a vaunted bullpen during the offseason, the Los Angeles Dodgers find themselves in search of more relief as the MLB trade deadline is just over 24 hours away.
Ironically, it’s partly due to the struggles of offseason additions Tanner Scott and Kirby Yates, that the Dodgers are in this position. Brusdar Graterol still recovering from right shoulder surgery and Michael Kopech undergoing an operation for a torn meniscus in his right knee also are factors.
While the Dodgers are canvassing the market, they aren’t expected to make a play for Minnesota Twins closer Jhoan Duran, Mason Miller of the Athletics, or other top relievers, according to Ken Rosenthal of The Athletic:
The Los Angeles Dodgers are not playing at the high end of the relief market for pitchers such as Miller and the Minnesota Twins’ Jhoan Duran, sources say.
St. Louis Cardinals’ Ryan Helsley figures to be another top reliever the Dodgers ultimately won’t be a factor for, barring a surprise.
Like in most years, teams with talented relief pitchers and who are willing to sell at the deadline, are in strong position to seek significant returns.
That presumably is factoring into the Dodgers’ approach, and president of baseball operations Andrew Friedman historically is not one to complete a blockbuster trade for a relief pitcher.
Particularly this year, when the Dodgers appear willing to count on Scott returning from injury and getting back to a dominant form, and Yates also righting the ship. Blake Treinen’s return should provide a boost as well, and Kopech is expected to come off the 60-day injured list once eligible in late August.
Dodgers bullpen trade targets
Given their reported reluctance to operate at the top of the market, the Dodgers might be more inclined to pursue a trade for Tampa Bay Rays closer Pete Fairbanks or Louis Varland of the Twins. Both right-handers are under team control beyond this season.
In the case of Varland, it’s plausible the Dodgers expand a potential trade to include fellow reported target Harrison Bader to satisfy their desire of improving outfield defense.
Have you subscribed to the Dodger Blue YouTube channel? Be sure to ring the notification bell to watch player interviews, participate in shows and giveaways, and stay up to date on all Dodgers news and rumors!
