With the MLB trade deadline less than 24 hours away, the Los Angeles Dodgers remain involved in a multitude of scenarios.
The most notable of which is for Washington Nationals All-Star Juan Soto, who is on the trade block after reportedly rejecting a $440 million contract extension. The Dodgers, San Diego Padres and St. Louis Cardinals reportedly are the leaders for a Soto trade.
Meanwhile, the Dodgers have additionally been connected to Miami Marlins pitchers Pablo López and Anthony Bass, along with Cincinnati Reds utilityman Brandon Drury and the Kansas City Royals’ Whit Merrifield.
According to Jon Heyman of the New York Post, the Dodgers additionally have interest in Ian Happ as well:
Dodgers have looked at Ian Happ, though as with the Padres that seems like a backup plan to Soto
— Jon Heyman (@JonHeyman) August 2, 2022
The Dodgers and Chicago Cubs have already completed one trade prior to the deadline this season, swapping Zach McKinstry and Chris Martin.
Happ is in the midst of a strong season, offers versatility in the outfield, is a switch-hitter and remains under team control through 2023. Those traits and contractual status make Happ a natural fit on the Dodgers’ roster.
Happ has also drawn varying degrees of interest from the Atlanta Braves, Chicago White Sox, Milwaukee Brewers and Toronto Blue Jays, among others.
Ian Happ run-in with Tyler Anderson
When the Dodgers hosted the Cubs in July, Happ was involved in a minor dust-up at home plate with Tyler Anderson.
Shortly after extending the Cubs’ lead with a two-run double, Happ tried to score from third base on a ball hit back to Anderson. A rundown ensued and it ended with Happ lowering his head and shoulders toward Anderson.
He absorbed some of the contact, applied the tag on Happ and shoved him to the ground.
“It seemed like he kind of thought he was out, and I don’t know if it was intentional or not, but he kind of put his head and shoulders down as I caught it,” Anderson said of the play.
“It’s not what I was expecting, but I understand it. I respect guys that play hard. He wanted to play hard and try to get a run there. I’m all for it.”
Happ appeared to turn apologize to Anderson, but the Cubs’ dugout was not pleased by the shove.
“Maybe their dugout said something, I don’t know,” Anderson said. “But for me it was get out there, we’ve got a guy on second, so have to try to get out of the inning still.”
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