While the number of reports linking the Los Angeles Dodgers to a starting pitcher suggests that’s the club focus ahead of the Aug. 1 non-waiver trade deadline, they’re also believed to be in search of a bat.
Last month the Dodgers were said to have interest in Cincinnati Reds outfielder Jay Bruce, who was nearly dealt during the offseason. Although Bruce didn’t openly lobby for a trade to the Dodgers, he acknowledged they were a club he’d have interest in joining.
More recently, it was reported the Dodgers were expected to contact the Colorado Rockies to inquire on Carlos Gonzalez. Outside of flashes from Joc Pederson, Los Angeles has been without a power left-handed bat this season as Andre Ethier has yet to return from a fractured right tibia.
Carl Crawford failed to supply much of anything at the plate, and was released from the organization on June 13. Although he isn’t the same caliber slugger as Bruce and Gonzalez, the Dodgers’ search for a left-handed hitter may lead them to New York Yankees outfielder Brett Gardner, via Joel Sherman of the New York Post:
Thus, the Dodgers also are weighing lefty-hitting outfielders. Brett Gardner is not atop their list, but would be a consideration.
Gardner this season is batting .260/.350/.361 with 12 doubles, six home runs, 24 RBIs, a .317 wOBA and 95 wRC+. The 32-year-old is under team control through the 2019 season, with the final year of his contract a $12.5 million club option that includes a $2 million buyout.
Gardner’s deal also includes a $1 million bonus in the event he is traded by the Yankees. New York shipped closer Aroldis Chapman to the Chicago Cubs on Monday, which may trigger additional trades. Chief among them may be dealing Andrew Miller.
The Dodgers’ big-picture in their outfield includes uncertainty surrounding Ethier’s return, Yasiel Puig dealing with right hamstring tightness, and Trayce Thompson suffering from a back injury that’s more severe than initially believed.
