The Los Angeles Dodgers are one of multiple teams expected to complete a trade prior to Monday’s non-waiver deadline. Los Angeles thus far has been linked to multiple starting pitchers, relievers and outfielders.
Among the more intriguing names to be mentioned in Dodgers trade rumors is Colorado Rockies right fielder Carlos Gonzalez. He would fulfill the Dodgers’ reported criteria of a left-handed power bat to insert into the heart of their lineup.
While the Rockies aren’t yet believed to have entered sell-mode ahead of the deadline, expectation held that Los Angeles would inquire on Gonzalez.
According to Jon Paul Morosi of MLB.com, in the event Colorado trades Gonzalez, they reportedly are hoping to avoid doing so within the National League West division:
Also, the Rockies are reluctant to move Gonzalez within the National League West to the Giants or Dodgers.
Gonzalez is in the midst of another successful season in Colorado as he was recently named to his third career All-Star team. He is batting .317/.370/.544 with 20 home runs and 62 RBIs. More importantly, he has remained healthy and played in 98 of the team’s 102 games through Thursday.
Of particular interest to the Dodgers, who under Andrew Friedman have avoided a significant trade for a rental player, Gonzalez has one more year remaining on his contract. In addition to Gonzalez, the Dodgers are said to have inquired on Oakland’s Josh Reddick and Cincinnati’s Jay Bruce.
Both Bruce and Reddick are receiving interest from other clubs, particularly the 29-year-old Bruce.