The Los Angeles Dodgers preemptively made a move to address their starting rotation a few days before the MLB trade deadline on August 1 by acquiring Lance Lynn along with Joe Kelly from the Chicago White Sox.
Despite having a subpar season, Lynn was among the top starters available and he drew robust interest. Particularly after the White Sox traded Lucas Giolito and Reynaldo López to the Los Angeles Angels.
Even with the addition of Lynn, the Dodgers remain in the market for another starting pitcher.
According to Jack Harris and Jorge Castillo of the L.A. Times, Justin Verlander is among the Dodgers’ top targets:
The Dodgers have explored Verlander as a trade option, according to multiple people with knowledge of the situation.
In addition to Verlander, the Dodgers have interest in a potential Eduardo Rodriguez trade with the Detroit Tigers:
The Dodgers have also targeted Detroit Tigers left-hander Eduardo Rodriguez, according to a person with knowledge of the situation not authorized to speak publicly.
Verlander is in his first season with the New York Mets, who unexpectedly are sellers this season despite having the largest payroll in baseball. The Mets began to unload some of their talent by trading David Robertson to the Miami Marlins on Thursday.
Verlander is 5-5 with a 3.24 ERA, 3.94 FIP and 1.15 WHIP in 15 starts. The 40-year-old is under contract for the 2024 season and the mega deal signed with the Mets includes a vesting option for 2025.
Rodriguez, who is younger than Verlander at 30 years old, has gone 6-5 with a 2.95 ERA, 3.18 FIP and 1.03 WHIP in 15 starts. The Tigers signed Rodriguez to a five-year, $77 million contract prior to the 2022 season.
However, his long-term deal includes an ability to opt out and become a free agent after the 2023 season. If Rodriguez declines to do so, he would have three years and $49 million remaining on his contract.
Dodgers interest in Justin Verlander
The Dodgers were among the teams interested in signing Verlander during free agency and offered him a two-year, $80 million deal. However, the Dodgers’ contract offer included deferred salary.
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