Over recent seasons the Los Angeles Dodgers have resisted trading any of the organization’s top prospects, no matter how enticing their return may have been. It’s paid dividends as Joc Pederson now anchors center field, Corey Seager is at shortstop, and Julio Urias is ready for another step forward.
Behind Urias are several more pitching prospects, including Jose De Leon. A rash of injuries led to De Leon making his MLB debut this season. Though, he also deserves credit for overcoming an ankle and arm soreness early in the year.
While De Leon contributed in September and has been projected to be part of the Dodgers rotation in years ahead, the right-hander is the subject of ongoing trade speculation.
As the Dodgers continue to be tied to Minnesota Twins’ Brian Dozier, there have been multiple reports of De Leon headlining a package for the All-Star second baseman.
According to Jeff Passan of Yahoo! Sports, the Dodgers appear comfortable parting with the 24-year-old righty:
Sources: Dodgers have shown willingness to include top pitching prospect Jose DeLeon in a deal for Brian Dozier. Would be strong headliner.
— Jeff Passan (@JeffPassan) December 16, 2016
The Twins are also among the clubs with interest in Cody Bellinger, per Jon Heyman of Today’s Knuckleball:
Twins like bellinger, but tough to see dodgers trading him. De leon plus is more likely, as @JeffPassan said.
— Jon Heyman (@JonHeyman) December 16, 2016
Prior to the non-waiver trade deadline the Chicago White Sox reportedly had interest in Bellinger, when they were thought to be discussing a potential trade with the Dodgers involving Chris Sale. More recently, the Detroit Tigers were linked to Bellinger in Ian Kinsler trade speculation.
As for De Leon, he entered the season rated the No. 5 right-handed prospect by MLB Pipeline. De Leon went 7-1 with a 2.61 ERA and 111 strikeouts in 86.1 innings pitched in 16 starts for Triple-A Oklahoma City.
De Leon then was 2-0 in four starts with the Dodgers, but sported a 6.35 ERA, 6.97 FIP, 1.53 WHIP and averaged nearly four walks per nine innings. Although De Leon is held in high regard, there are questions surrounding his velocity and lack of a breaking ball.
Minnesota was also said to have interest in Brock Stewart, though it’s unclear if the Dodgers would be willing to part with both right-handed prospects.
