With less than three weeks until the MLB trade deadline, the Los Angeles Dodgers see themselves as a serious player to acquire some top-end, impact talent.
Since the middle of May, the Dodgers are a .500 team, but they haven’t lost ground in the National League West standings. This extra window of time has lessened the pressure of making overly aggressive moves with room to further analyze the roster.
The Dodgers have aligned with the Chicago White Sox, matching up at last year’s deadline, also dealing with the Tampa Bay Rays this offseason in a multi-player swap.
Now, the Dodgers may be looking to deal with those teams again as a pair of outfielders are on their sights going into the final stretch before the end of July, per Jack Harris of the L.A. Times:
The team has had interest in outfielders Luis Robert Jr. of the Chicago White Sox and Randy Arozarena of the Tampa Bay Rays, according to multiple people with knowledge of the situation who weren’t authorized to speak publicly.
Robert Jr. is the big ticket, by all accounts, but his play this season and concerns with health give him a question mark of consistency. However, his contract remains one of his best qualities, as he’s cost-controlled and under team control through the 2027 season.
Since being activated by the White Sox on June 4, Robert Jr. owns a 119 wRC+ in 137 plate appearances. He’s tallied six doubles, nine home runs and 17 RBI.
Arozarena is under contract through the 2026 season. Playing a corner outfield spot, the 29-year-old boasts a 155 wRC+ since June 1, showing more of what has made him one of the premiere right-handed bats in baseball.
The Rays’ outfielder is an interesting piece for many reasons, especially for his energy and postseason pedigree.
Dodgers need to address rotation
The Dodgers starting pitching has taken a huge blow from numerous injuries. Being without Yoshinobu Yamamoto, Emmet Sheehan, Dustin May, Clayton Kershaw, Tony Gonsolin, Walker Buehler and now Tyler Glasnow missing just a few weeks.
Operating on razor thing depth, the Dodgers’ rotation has taken a step back with their overall production. The expectations of Landon Knack, James Paxton, Justin Wrobleski and Gavin Stone must be tempered.
Heading into the trade deadline, the front office is working to address two areas, a front-end arm, and perhaps they’ll target a middle-rotation piece as a supplemental guy.
Have you subscribed to the Dodger Blue YouTube channel? Be sure to ring the notification bell to watch player interviews, participate in shows and giveaways, and stay up to date on all Dodgers news and rumors!
