The Los Angeles Dodgers have identified multiple needs ahead of the August 1 MLB trade deadline, including a right-handed bat, which was addressed in some part with the acquisition of Kiké Hernandez and deal to acquire Amed Rosario.
The Dodgers will now presumably focus on bolstering their pitching staff as they are in the market for a starter and reliever. To this point, L.A. has been publicly linked to Shohei Ohtani and Lucas Giolito.
Though, the Los Angeles Angels have not only decided against an Ohtani trade, but they proceeded to acquire Giolito and Reynaldo López from the Chicago White Sox, who are in full sell mode and still have several players of interest to other teams.
According to Bob Nightengale of USA TODAY, the Dodgers have interest in a potential Lance Lynn trade:
While the #WhiteSox and #Rays have exchanged names on veteran starter Lance Lynn, the Los Angeles #Dodgers have not given up their pursuit of Lynn, while also showing interest in White Sox teammate Lucas Giolito.
— Bob Nightengale (@BNightengale) July 26, 2023
It was previously reported the White Sox and Tampa Bay Rays were in talks on a potential trade for Lynn and that names had been exchanged.
The 36-year-old has struggled to the tune of a 6-9 record, 6.18 ERA, 5.28 FIP and 1.44 WHIP in 115 innings pitched this season. He has allowed an MLB-worst 79 earned runs and 28 home runs in 20 starts.
Lynn nonetheless has some interesting peripherals as he is striking out 10.9 batters per nine innings. Furthermore, some of his struggles have stemmed from the White Sox’s shoddy defense, which ranks in the bottom five in numerous metrics.
Lynn is owed roughly $6.7 million of his $18.5 million between now and the rest of the 2023 season. His contract contains an $18 million club option for 2024, though the team that acquires him can decline it in favor of a $1 million buyout.
Dodgers among 10 teams on Lance Lynn’s no-trade list
One obstacle toward a potential deal coming to fruition is that the Dodgers are among 10 teams Lynn can block a trade to. That isn’t expected to be an issue as the veteran pitcher reportedly would waive his no-trade clause to join L.A.
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