Although reports indicate the Los Angeles Dodgers are focused on addressing their bullpen prior to Monday’s 1 p.m. PT non-waiver trade deadline, the club also remains in contention to acquire one of the top starting pitchers available.
The Oakland Athletics and New York Yankees are said to be close on a trade for Sonny Gray, but talk seemingly reached a stalemate Sunday. The Dodgers have reportedly remained in contact with the A’s.
Whether it’s an attempt by both teams to gain leverage for separate trades or because of mutual interest can be debated. All the while, it’s appeared the Dodgers are more focused on Texas Rangers ace Yu Darvish.
Texas has reportedly had their sights on acquiring two of the Dodgers’ top four prospects. However, according to Ken Rosenthal of FOX Sports, the Rangers have re-signed themselves to the fact that Buehler is unlikely to be included in a trade for Darvish:
The Rangers accept that they cannot land right-hander Walker Buehler, the Dodgers’ top pitching prospect, in a trade for Darvish, and are not as high on some of the other Dodgers prospects who might be in play, sources said.
Expanding on the Rangers asking for two of Yadier Alvarez, Buehler, Willie Calhoun and Alex Verdugo, they more recently were said to be seeking a trade package that included either Buehler or Verdugo. Los Angeles hasn’t shown a willingness to include either of the prospects in any trade, particularly for a rental such as Darvish.
There also has not been a clear indication Alvarez and Calhoun are available, but they would fit the description of high-ceiling prospects who aren’t yet MLB-ready. Those are thought to be the type of young talent the Dodgers reportedly are willing to part with.
In addition to the Dodgers, the Yankees are believed to have interest in Darvish. So too are the Cleveland Indians, who have emerged as a recent suitor.
