The Los Angeles Dodgers were linked to Max Scherzer throughout the week leading up to the MLB trade deadline, but for a couple hours appeared to have fallen short as it was reported the Washington Nationals and San Diego Padres were closing in on a deal.
The Dodgers not only remained involved in talks with the Nationals, but hammered out a trade to include Trea Turner as well. By all accounts the blockbuster further made L.A. the prohibitive World Series favorite and winners of the trade deadline.
And to no surprise, it resonated with the team. “I’ve gotten a number of texts,” Dodgers president of baseball operations Andrew Friedman said.
“Guys are really excited, obviously. Scherzer was someone people expected to move and I know a lot of our guys were hoping he would end up being their teammate. So I think by adding him and Trea, it provided a little jolt.”
That sentiment was expressed by Blake Treinen in an interview with MLB Network Radio:
“I think we all kind of knew that we were in the sweepstakes for Scherzer and a bunch of the other starters, depending on which teams likes whose prospects better. That’s kind of how it works out. Like, ‘Oh, we’re kind of getting the same thing, but who do you like better for the organization?’
“I was actually thinking who else we were going to get. When Scherzer and Trea Turner popped up, I was like, ‘Dear goodness.’ I feel like Trea Turner is a guy you build a franchise around. … We get him, that’s pretty incredible. That only adds to the depth we have in L.A. with so many great infielders now that Seager is back, and C.T., Muncy and J.T., and Lux and McKinstry are young and spry, trying to cut their own path out there. They’ve shown flashes of greatness. Just a lot of talent.”
Scherzer joined the team in Arizona on Saturday and is scheduled to make his Dodgers debut in the series finale against the Houston Astros. Once Clayton Kershaw is back from elbow/forearm trouble, L.A. will boast arguably the best trio of a starting rotation.
As for Turner, he is not yet able to come out of isolation after testing positive for coronavirus (COVID-19) on Tuesday. The Dodgers hope to have him available in a week or so. Turner must test negative and pass other screenings after isolating for a minimum of 10 days from the time he entered into MLB’s protocol.
Justin Turner talks Dodgers trade
As the Dodgers look to repeat as World Series champions, Justin Turner is confident their new additions — including Danny Duffy — will have an impact on the team’s pursuit.
“It was exciting. Obviously you add two players like that from the Nationals and Danny Duffy, we’re excited,” Turner said. “We can’t wait. Max got here [Saturday], it was good to see him in the dugout. He looks good in blue. Trea is on his way whenever he’s able. We’re excited.
“We have one goal in mind, and that’s to win another championship. We think those are two cornerstone pieces that are going to help us do that.”
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