While much of the trade rumors involving the Los Angeles Dodgers thus far have linked them to starting pitchers and outfielders, the club is also believed to be in the market for a reliever.
The bullpen was again a point of weakness for the Dodgers earlier this season but has since rounded into one of the better group of relievers in baseball.
Nonetheless, Los Angeles reportedly is intrigued by Andrew Miller should the New York Yankees elect to part with a second left-handed reliever.
As Monday’s non-waiver trade deadline draws near, the Kansas City royals are thought to be giving consideration to becoming sellers.
According to Jon Heyman of Today’s Knuckleball, the Dodgers would be interested in Wade Davis if he’s placed on the trading block:
Although the Dodgers have one of the best closers in the game in Kenley Jansen and, by ERA, the top bullpen in the NL (3.01), Wade Davis is someone who interests the Dodgers.
Although Davis does not have a no-trade clause in his contract, Heyman notes the right-hander is said to prefer remaining with the Royals:
That being said, word is, Davis loves Kansas City and — all things being equal — would like to remain a Royal for the remainder of 2016.
The reigning World Series champions enter play on Wednesday a disappointing 48-51 and trailing the Cleveland Indians by nine games for first place in the American League Central division. Kansas City is seven games out of the second AL Wild Card spot.
An attempt to pair Kenley Jansen with another elite closer has seemingly been a goal for the Dodgers’ front office since a trade was in place for Aroldis Chapman at the Winter Meetings. Davis this season has 21 saves, a 1.10 ERA and 0.98 WHIP.
Davis, who will turn 31 years old in September, has a $10 million club option on his contract for 2017, the final year of his contract, and it includes a $2.5 million buyout. Acquiring Davis would give the Dodgers some insurance in the event Jansen, the club’s all-time saves leader, doesn’t re-sign this offseason.
