Already boasting one of the deepest rosters in baseball, the Los Angeles Dodgers did not feel pressured to make a splash at to the MLB trade deadline on Monday.
The club nonetheless was connected to some of the biggest players rumored to be available, such as Mike Clevinger, Josh Hader and Lance Lynn. Of the trio, only Clevinger changed teams, going from the Cleveland Indians to San Diego Padres.
The Dodgers wound up completing just one trade on the day, sending Ross Stripling to the Toronto Blue Jays for prospect Kendall Williams and a second player to be named later. The deal wasn’t all that surprising considering a report that L.A. looked to move some of its depth to bolster the farm system.
However, according to Jon Heyman of MLB Network, the Dodgers additionally contemplated trading three unknown relief pitchers as well:
Most interesting aspect of deadline: Dodgers are the best team ever to sell. Apparently they just have too many good players. Not only did they trade solid SP Ross Stripling but they shopped at least 3 MLB relievers (they ended up holding them). Indians a 2nd contender to sell
— Jon Heyman (@JonHeyman) September 2, 2020
Though it is unclear which relievers the Dodgers considered trading, a logical guess would be that they attempted to deal from their surplus of left-handed pitching.
Caleb Ferguson, Adam Kolarek, Victor Gonzalez, Jake McGee and Scott Alexander all are in the midst of solid seasons. Alex Wood was also recently reinstated and sent to the bullpen, so there are many capable arms that could have been of interest to other teams.
The Dodgers also expect Pedro Baez and Joe Kelly to return from the injured list later this month, which figures to only add to the logjam in the bullpen.
Kenley Jansen named National League Reliever of the Month for July-August
One reliever that presumably wasn’t mentioned in trade talks is closer Kenley Jansen, who recently was named National League Reliever of the Month for July and August.
The all-time Dodgers saves leader has enjoyed a resurgent 2020 season thus far, posting a 1.13 ERA, 2.94 FIP and 0.88 WHIP with 23 strikeouts in 16 innings pitched (18 appearances).
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