The Los Angeles Dodgers enter play Saturday with a bullpen that ranks second in ERA (2.90) and opponents’ on-base plus slugging percentage (.632), and first in WHIP (1.10).
Despite the group’s success, the Dodgers have been connected to multiple left-handed relief pitchers ahead of the July 31 non-waiver trade deadline. That’s presumably related to their roster not having a dependable southpaw in the bullpen.
Grant Dayton has twice been on the disabled list, Adam Liberatore is currently on the DL and a return is not in sight, and Luis Avilan has also been shelved for a stretch this season.
While a priority may be on acquiring a lefty, the Dodgers reportedly are discussing a potential trade with the New York Mets for Addison Reed, per ESPN’s buster Olney:
The Dodgers are exploring possible deal for the Mets' Addison Reed.
— Buster Olney (@Buster_ESPN) July 22, 2017
Reed this season is 1-2 with 16 saves, a 3.25 ERA and 1.07 WHIP in 45 games. Reed’s 7.83 strikeouts-to-walk ratio is on pace to be his second-highest mark, and is well above his 4.17 career average.
Unlike other relievers the Dodgers have been connected to in recent weeks, such as Baltimore’s Zach Britton and San Diego’s Brad Hand, Reed is eligible for free agency this winter.
In that light, the Dodgers presumably would need to part with less prospects and/or players from their roster in order to trade for the 28-year-old Reed.
