Although the Los Angeles Dodgers’ main focus is said to be acquiring a high-leverage relief pitcher, they could look to upgrade other positions before the MLB trade deadline at 3 p.m. PT on July 31.
While the team still believes Michael Conforto can turn things around at the plate, they are open to adding another outfielder if the opportunity presents itself.
One potential option is St. Louis Cardinals All-Star Brendan Donovan, who has received most of his reps at second base this season but can play left field as well.
According to Bob Nightengale of USA Today, the Dodgers are also looking into the possibility of acquiring Harrison Bader from the Minnesota Twins:
They also are looking to upgrade their outfield with Michael Conforto’s season-long struggles and have expressed interest in Minnesota Twins outfielder Harrison Bader and Cardinals utility man Brendan Donovan.
With the Twins in a midst of a disappointing season, they are believed to be open for business at this year’s deadline. While Byron Buxton is seemingly not part of that due to a no-trade clause he does not intend to waive, the team could move Bader along with top relievers Jhoan Duran and Griffin Jax to contenders.
The Dodgers could attempt to acquire both Bader and one of the right-handers to address all of their needs in the same trade. Though, that presumably would come at a steep cost.
Bader has a mutual option for $10 million next season or a $1.5 million buyout that can increase based on his plate appearances, and both Duran and Jax are under team control through 2027 via salary arbitration.
How would Harrison Bader fit on Dodgers roster?
Bader has primarily played left field this season, but can slot over to any of the other outfield spots if necessary.
The 31-year-old is mostly known for his defense but has enjoyed a solid offensive season, hitting .250/.332/.435 with 12 doubles, 12 home runs and 38 RBI in 295 plate appearances across 92 games.
Indications have been the Dodgers’ prefer to find a left-handed hitting outfielder, but Bader would be a boost to their current group.
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