Shortly after the annual General Manager meetings concluded in November it was reported the Los Angeles Dodgers and Minnesota Twins discussed a potential trade for second baseman Brian Dozier. Since that point the Dodgers have also been connected to Logan Forsythe and Ian Kinsler, among others.
However, over the past few weeks it’s become apparent the Dodgers’ most likely course of action is trading for Dozier. The 29-year-old set career highs this past season in on-base plus slugging percentage (.886), doubles (35), home runs (42), RBI (99) and OPS+ (136).
Beyond the Dodgers, the San Francisco Giants, St. Louis Cardinals and Washington Nationals have also been reported as having some interest in the All-Star second baseman.
However, according to ESPN’s Mark Saxon, the Cardinals inclusion was part of the Twins’ effort to influence the Dodgers in improving their trade package:
Seems #STLCards link to Brian Dozier was part of Minn's effort to extract max value from Dodgers, who feel their offer is already generous
— Mark Saxon (@markasaxon) December 29, 2016
Los Angeles and Minnesota have reportedly agreed on Jose De Leon being the centerpiece of a deal, but remain at odds over the caliber of prospects that should be included. Some clubs expressed a sentiment that the Dodgers are being ‘stingy’ with their top prospects.
Much like the Nationals who have Daniel Murphy entrenched at second base, the Cardinals’ reported interest in Dozier came as somewhat of a surprise considering the club’s confidence in Kolten Wong.
Thus, the Dodgers seemingly remain as the best trade partner for the Twins, armed with a bevy of prospects, including multiple pitchers who are either MLB-ready or near that point. Minnesota reportedly asked teams to submit their best offer over the coming days.
