With the MLB trade deadline a mere two days away, the Los Angeles Dodgers continue to be linked to some of the biggest names on the block.
Amidst their search for an impact starting pitcher, the Dodgers remain interested in Garrett Crochet of the Chicago White Sox and the Detroit Tigers’ Tarik Skubal. However, the growing consensus is that both players will stay put with their respective teams.
The Dodgers are also believed to want to add a power-hitting outfielder and were involved in trade talks for Randy Arozarena before he was sent to the Seattle Mariners. Luis Robert Jr. is still available, but the White Sox are placing a high price on him.
Another position the Dodgers could look to upgrade is third base, which has been a black hole since Max Muncy was placed on the injured list in middle of May due to a right oblique strain.
During an appearance on MLB Network’s “High Heat,” general manager Brandon Gomes suggested the Dodgers are open to trading for a third baseman but fully expect Muncy to return at some point this season:
“I think it’s continuing to see where Max is. He had a good week this past week, throwing med balls with real intent, so that’s a good first step in the process. We’ll obviously be mindful and see how he continues to progress. Looking at what Max brings to the table offensively and defensively, I think that is the most important thing, and as we’ve learned over the last few years, the most important part is playing our best baseball down the stretch and having that team ready to go perform in October. So we’ll look at what’s available and how our team is constructed, but our hope is Max is there for the stretch run.”
With Muncy sidelined, the Dodgers have primarily relied on Kiké Hernández and Cavan Biggio to fill the void at third base. Both players have had their moments, but have largely struggled to replicate Muncy’s offensive production.
The 33-year-old’s oblique strain was initially considered to be mild, but he has experienced multiple setbacks during his recovery. He has particularly had trouble once beginning to take swings.
Given that there is still a need for significant progress and a rehab assignment, Muncy doesn’t figure to return until some time in August at the earliest.
Who can Dodgers trade for?
After missing out on Arozarena, the Dodgers could circle back to the Tampa Bay Rays about a trade for All-Star third baseman Isaac Paredes.
The teams know each other well and have matched up on several deals in the past, including the one that sent Tyler Glasnow to L.A. during the offseason.
Other potential third base options are Paredes’ teammate, Yandy Díaz, who mainly plays first base but has experience at the hot corner, and Luis Rengifo of the Los Angeles Angels.
The Dodgers nearly sent Joc Pederson to Anaheim in exchange for Rengifo before the 2020 season, but Angels owner Arte Moreno nixed the trade and likely won’t do business with L.A.
St. Louis Cardinals utilityman Tommy Edman is another name that has emerged as a Dodgers trade target. Edman offers plenty of positional versatility but has yet to play this year because of offseason wrist surgery and suffering a setback during the rehab process with a sprained right ankle.
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