With the Los Angeles Dodgers among the teams in search of pitching at the MLB trade deadline, they have most prominently been linked to Minnesota Twins starter José Berríos and Washington Nationals ace Max Scherzer.
There have been conflicting reports on the Dodgers’ potential interest in the Kansas City Royals’ Danny Duffy, who is on the 10-day injured list with a left flexor strain for a second time this season. L.A. also was said to have interest in Texas Rangers closer Ian Kennedy.
With a pressing need for a starter to bolster their rotation, much of the attention of late has gone to the Dodgers possibly coming to an agreement to acquire Scherzer.
If they are to trade for the future Hall of Famer, or even Berríos, the Nationals and Twins each covet a return that includes Keibert Ruiz, according to David Vassegh of AM 570 L.A. Sports:
“All these names you’re hearing: José Berríos, Max Scherzer, all of that, when it comes to the Dodgers, the conversations start and end with Keibert Ruiz. That’s who they want. If the Dodgers are willing to trade Ruiz, they will get one of those guys. If they’re not willing to trade Ruiz, they will not get one of those guys, from my understanding.
“He’s the guy. … That’s who Washington wants. They need catching, they know the Dodgers need pitching. They know the Padres are coming after the Dodgers. The Padres are having talks with the Nationals about Scherzer as well. Let’s not forget, if the Dodgers or Padres make a trade for Scherzer, he wants to talk contract extension with the team that he gets traded to.”
Ruiz, who was just named Triple-A West Player of the Week, has often been the subject of trade interest. The switch-hitting catcher is the top prospect in the Dodgers’ farm system and doesn’t have a clear path on their Major League roster.
In prior seasons at the trade deadline, the Dodgers have effectively rebuked all conversations that included the 23-year-old. The team operated in a similar manner with the likes of Corey Seager, Cody Bellinger, Walker Buehler, Gavin Lux and Dustin May as they made their way up the Minor League ranks.
Dodgers: Ruiz not for rent
Although a pitcher of Scherzer’s caliber would provide a significant boost to the rotation, the Dodgers reportedly are against trading Ruiz as the centerpiece of a deal that would net them a player who isn’t under team control beyond this season.
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