The final weeks leading up to the MLB trade deadline left no secret the Los Angeles Dodgers were in search of starting pitching help and an outfielder as well.
Similar to years past, the Dodgers front office prioritized a search for impact talent that could provide a boost to a roster that features multiple All-Stars.
Among others, the Dodgers have been linked to the likes of Randy Arozarena, Garrett Crochet, Luis Robert Jr., Mason Miller, Tanner Scott and Tarik Skubal. Arozarena was no longer an option when the Tampa Bay Rays traded their All-Star outfielder to the Seattle Mariners.
According to Jon Heyman of the New York Post, the Dodgers’ first big move ahead of the 3 p.m. PT deadline on July 30, is acquiring Tommy Edman from the St. Louis Cardinals and Michael Kopech from the Chicago White Sox as part of a three-team trade:
Michael Kopech going to Dodgers
— Jon Heyman (@JonHeyman) July 29, 2024
The White Sox are receiving Miguel Vargas and Dodgers prospects Jeral Perez and Alexander Albertus in the trade, per Alden González of ESPN:
The full trade is three teams and seven players, according to sources.
Dodgers get: UT Tommy Edman, RP Michael Kopech.
Cardinals get: SP Erick Fedde, OF Tommy Pham.
White Sox get three INF prospects from the Dodgers: Miguel Vargas, Alexander Albertus and Jeral Perez.
— Alden González (@Alden_Gonzalez) July 29, 2024
Despite interest from the Dodgers and several other teams, there hasn’t been much clarity as to whether or not the Chicago White Sox would trade Crochet. His reported demands of remaining in the starting rotation and needing a contract extension in order to pitch in the postseason further complicated matters.
There also have been significant doubts the Detroit Tigers would trade Skubal, who remains under team control for multiple years.
Kopech emerged as more likely White Sox trade candidate of late, and reportedly drew interest from multiple teams.
Dodgers trade Miguel Vargas
In somewhat of a surprise, the Dodgers are parting with Vargas one year after he was anointed the team’s starting second baseman.
Vargas was demoted to Triple-A Oklahoma City during the All-Star break last year and never regained a starting job with the Dodgers. He shifted out to left field this season in effort to be in the lineup more regularly.
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