The Los Angeles Dodgers completed their first big move before the July 30 trade deadline by acquiring Tommy Edman and Michael Kopech in a three-team swap with the St. Louis Cardinals and Chicago White Sox.
The addition of Kopech gives the Dodgers another hard-throwing right-hander for their bullpen. He’s had his struggles at the Major League level, but is a former top prospect with plus-stuff.
The Dodgers had also been linked to Oakland Athletics closer Mason Miller before his injury and the Miami Marlins’ Tanner Scott before landing Koepech from the White Sox.
According to Dan Hayes of The Athletic, the Dodgers also had interest in Minnesota Twins closer Jhoan Durán but found their asking price to be too high:
Dodgers were one team to inquire on Jhoan Duran. They found the #MNTwins ask to be too much. https://t.co/2F3ccmTM7T https://t.co/RDw9j2FK09
— DanHayesMLB (@DanHayesMLB) July 29, 2024
They weren’t taking anything less than something that improved them right now. Dodgers wanted to talk prospects.
— DanHayesMLB (@DanHayesMLB) July 29, 2024
The Twins seeking big league talent instead of prospects isn’t surprising considering they currently hold a one-game lead for the final American League Wild Card spot.
Durán would have been a great fit in the Dodgers bullpen but not if it means subtracting players from a Major League roster that is expected to win the World Series.
The 26-year-old is in the midst of somewhat of a down season as he owns a 6-5 record, 3.51 ERA, 4.15 FIP and 1.02 WHIP with 15 saves in 33.1 innings pitched (36 games).
However, Durán owns a career ERA of 2.42 and is striking out 11.3 batters per nine in 163.1 innings over parts of three seasons.
Dodgers trades
In addition to trading for Edman and Kopech, the Dodgers also reacquired Amed Rosario from the Tampa Bay Rays on Monday.
Having added a couple of bats and bullpen help, the Dodgers presumably will turn their attention to acquiring an impact starting pitcher, with the White Sox’s Garrett Crochet at the top of their wish list.
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