The Los Angeles Dodgers went into the 2024 regular season with a projected surplus of starting pitching, but their rotation has largely emerged as an area of focus and need with just one day remaining until the MLB trade deadline.
Tyler Glasnow and Clayton Kershaw both returned from the injured list last week, but the Dodgers rotation otherwise is made up of rookies Justin Wrobleski, River Ryan and Gavin Stone. The group also included Landon Knack until he was optioned to Triple-A Oklahoma City.
Dodgers trade targets have included starters Garrett Crochet of the Chicago White Sox, and Detroit Tigers teammates Tarik Skubal and Jack Flaherty. However, there is considerable doubt Crochet or Skubal will be traded before the 3 p.m. PT deadline on July 30.
According to Jon Morosi of MLB Network, another possibility for the Dodgers is a Yusei Kikuchi trade with the Toronto Blue Jays:
The Dodgers are among the teams discussing Yusei Kikuchi trade proposals with the Blue Jays.
The Twins, Padres and Astros also are involved.
A Kikuchi deal is seen as very likely before 6 pm ET tomorrow.@MLBNetwork
— Jon Morosi (@jonmorosi) July 29, 2024
Kikuchi is just 4-9 with a 4.75 ERA, 3.64 FIP and 1.34 WHIP in 22 starts this season. He has a 26.2% strikeout rate and career-best 6% walk rate but has been hurt by an inflated .340 batting average on balls in play.
Kikuchi is in the final season of a three-year, $36 million contract signed with the Blue Jays in March 2022. The left-hander being on track to become a free agent after the 2024 season has led to an expectation Toronto will trade Kikuchi.
The Dodgers had interest in the left-hander when he was posted by the Seibu Lions of Nippon Professional Baseball (NPB) prior to the 2019 season. Kikuchi signed with the Seattle Mariners to begin his MLB career.
It wasn’t long ago that many were predicting a potential trade between the Dodgers and Blue Jays, but that speculation largely centered around Bo Bichette. There has not been any recent indication the Blue Jays are discussing a Bichette trade with teams as he’s not only dealing with another calf injury but he also is having somewhat of a down season.
Despite being on the 10-day injured list because of a right calf strain, Bichette can still be traded. Injured players are allowed to be traded with MLB commissioner Rob Manfred’s approval.
Dodgers trade deadline focus
In addition to starting pitching, the Dodgers are said to be casting a wide net at the trade deadline as they search for an infielder and outfielder as well. The team also has been mentioned as having interest in relief pitchers, including Miami Marlins closer Tanner Scott.
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