Starting pitchers figure to be a focal point for multiple teams at the MLB trade deadline on August 1, with the Los Angeles Dodgers arguably at the forefront.
Every member of the Dodgers Opening Day rotation has been put on the 15-day injured list at least once this season, with the likes of Clayton Kershaw, Ryan Pepiot and Noah Syndergaard still out. Pepiot has yet to throw a pitch for the Dodgers in 2023 as he suffered a strained left oblique during Spring Training, one week after being named the fifth starter.
While the Dodgers presumably will look to be involved if the Los Angeles Angels make Shohei Ohtani available at the deadline, a Lucas Giolito trade with the Chicago White Sox may be more feasible.
Though, Giolito doesn’t figure to have any shortage of interest, and according to Jon Morosi of MLB Network, the Arizona Diamondbacks have discussed a potential trade with the White Sox:
The Dodgers aren’t the only NL West team pursuing White Sox starter Lucas Giolito.
Sources say the DBacks have inquired about Giolito, as well. @MLBNetwork @MLB
— Jon Morosi (@jonmorosi) July 21, 2023
The Diamondbacks, Dodgers and San Francisco Giants remain involved in a competitive National League West race, which could serve as more incentive for all three clubs to be active at the trade deadline.
The Diamondbacks have been atop the NL West standings for most of the 2023 season, but recently were unseated by the Dodgers, who enter play Friday with a two-game lead over Arizona and the Giants.
Lucas Giolito trade value
Giolito, a Southern California native, has long been considered a talented starter who at times underperforms. He’s been unable to build much momentum since earning an All-Star Game selection in 2019.
The right-hander has improved from last season, but is still having modest success this year at 6-6 with a 3.96 ERA, 4.56 FIP and 1.19 WHIP across 20 starts for an underwhelming White Sox team.
Despite some of his struggles, the Dodgers presumably are drawn to Giolito in part to an effective changeup that the team’s pitching coaches likely would leverage when crating out a plan for the 29-year-old.
Furthermore, Giolito would bring some durability to the Dodgers but also only serve as a potential rental as he’s due to become a free agent after the 2023 season.
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