UPDATE (July 28, 11:45 a.m. PT): The Los Angeles Dodgers acquired Lance Lynn and Joe Kelly in a trade with the Chicago White Sox. Nick Nastrini, Jordan Leasure and Trayce Thompson were traded to the White Sox in the deal.
With the Chicago White Sox among the sellers at this year’s MLB trade deadline, and the Los Angeles Dodgers in need of pitching, the teams figured to discuss the likes of Lucas Giolito, Joe Kelly, Lance Lynn and Reynaldo López, among others.
The Dodgers reportedly were among the teams interested in Giolito, but he was traded along with López to the Los Angeles Angels. In the time since, L.A. was said to have discussed a potential Lynn trade with the White Sox, and reportedly inquired on Kelly as well.
According to Bob Nightengale of USA Today Sports, there is a possibility the Dodgers trade for Kelly and Lynn:
The #Dodgers, involved in several potential high-stake trade possibilities, are also deep in talks with the #WhiteSox, and are cautiously optimistic about reaching a deal for veteran starter Lance Lynn, and perhaps reliever Joe Kelly, too.
— Bob Nightengale (@BNightengale) July 28, 2023
While the Dodgers bullpen has stabilized after the group collectively struggled to begin the season, it still figures to be an area that potentially gets addressed before the trade deadline on August 1.
Kelly isn’t having his most dominant year, but right-hander recently had a string of six consecutive scoreless appearances. However, that’s been followed by allowing a run in three of his last four games.
Kelly’s peripherals suggest he could be primed for improvement with some adjustments, as he’s striking out 12.7 batters per nine innings and inducing ground balls at a 56.2% clip. One notable change for Kelly is he’s largely abandoned throwing his curveball, which the Dodgers leveraged.
The Southern California native spent three seasons with the Dodgers from 2019-2021 and played a key role in helping the team win the 2020 World Series. After a successful 2021 campaign, Kelly signed a two-year contract with the White Sox that included a club option for 2024.
Lynn has pitched to a 6-9 record, 6.18 ERA, 5.28 FIP and 1.44 WHIP in 115 innings this season. Despite allowing an MLB-worst 79 earned runs and 28 home runs in 20 starts, he would provide the Dodgers with an ability to give length in outings.
Lynn’s contract contains an $18 million team option for 2024, though that can be declined in favor of a $1 million buyout.
Dodgers on Lance Lynn’s no-trade list
According to multiple reports, Lynn’s no-trade list includes the Dodgers, Seattle Mariners, San Diego Padres, San Francisco Giants, Los Angeles Angels, St. Louis Cardinals, Toronto Blue Jays, New York Mets, New York Yankees and Tampa Bay Rays.
However, it’s believed Lynn would waive his limited no-trade clause to join the Dodgers.
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!
