The Los Angeles Dodgers have multiple needs to address before the 2024 MLB trade deadline passes, which was not a position the team necessarily expected to be in after spending over $1 billion in free agency during the offseason.
In particular, the Dodgers are in search of starting pitching despite trading for Tyler Glasnow and signing Yoshinobu Yamamoto to a record-breaking contract. Both pitchers are on the injured list, but Glasnow is expected to make a quick return from from lower back tightness.
Yamamoto faces a longer recovery as he works to overcome a right rotator cuff strain.
Meanwhile, there has been an imbalance in the Dodgers lineup throughout much of the season and it’s become a bigger issue with Max Muncy and Mookie Betts both out.
Even with the two of them back in the fold, though Muncy’s return does not look certain, it would be wise for the Dodgers to look for ways to at the very least bolster their depth. Due to the nature of the expanded playoffs format, there are limited options for acquiring talent on the trade market.
And those that are available likely will have inflated price tags as the July 30 trade deadline approaches.
However, it seems as if the Dodgers have locked in on a team that should be open for business this year. The Chicago White Sox could be a one-stop shop for the Dodgers as they have discussed Garrett Crochet, Tommy Pham and Luis Robert Jr., according to Jim Bowden of the Athletic:
They’ve had discussions with the White Sox about several of their players, including Garrett Crochet, Luis Robert Jr. and Tommy Pham, and those talks are expected to continue throughout the month.
With the worst record in the Majors, the White Sox should entertain the thought of a rebuild. With the players that the Dodgers are reportedly targeting, there are seemingly two routes they could take.
A blockbuster trade for Crochet and Robert would be the most costly, but offers the biggest reward if it all works out. Alternatively, the Dodgers could take a slightly more conservative trade package of Crochet and Pham.
Of course, there is also the possibility of acquiring just one of the three players in a trade with the White Sox.
Pham revealed he lobbied Dodgers president of baseball operations Andrew Friedman to sign as a free agent but was unsuccessful in making contact with him.
Dodgers tried for Garrett Crochet trade
Seemingly aware of a mounting need for starting rotation help, the Dodgers reportedly made an early trade offer for Crochet.
That was said to have been quickly declined by the White Sox, who nevertheless are believed to being willing to part with the left-hander.
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