After reportedly agreeing to a three-year deal with Hisashi Iwakuma, the Los Angeles Dodgers remain in the market to add another starting pitcher.
Los Angeles has been linked to Johnny Cueto, Jose Fernandez, Scott Kazmir and Shelby Miller, among others.
Of the aforementioned starters, Fernandez and Miller would need to be acquired via trade.
While the Miami Marlins have publicly continued to deny they’re interested in dealing Fernandez, the growing sentiment is they would trade their ace for the right package.
As such, the Dodgers are among the teams attempting to gather information on Fernandez, according to ESPN’s Jayson Stark:
The New York Yankees, Los Angeles Dodgers and Arizona Diamondbacks have attempted to gather information on Miami Marlins ace Jose Fernandez, according to sources. … Those teams all were trying to gather more information Monday, asking about Fernandez’s health, makeup and work ethic to people inside the sport who know him.
Stark also confirmed a previous report the Marlins asked the Dodgers for a package that included Corey Seager and Julio Urias in exchange for Fernandez:
One source confirmed that the Marlins asked the Dodgers for a package led by highly regarded rookie shortstop Corey Seager, outfielder Scott Van Slyke and Los Angeles’ top pitching prospect, Julio Urias.
Coming off a May 2014 Tommy John surgery, Fernandez was limited to 11 starts last season after making his 2015 debut on July 2. The right-handed ace went 6-1 with a 2.92 ERA, 2.24 FIP, 1.16 WHIP, and 79 strikeouts to 14 walks in 64.2 innings.
Fernandez extended his dominance at Marlins Park, and is now 17-0 with a 1.40 ERA and 192 strikeouts in 167.2 innings over 26 lifetime starts in his home ballpark.
Overall Fernandez, a one-time All-Star and 2013 National League Rookie of the Year, is 22-9 with a 2.40 ERA, 160 ERA+, 2.52 FIP and 1.01 WHIP in 47 career starts.
