Dodgers Rumors: Cleveland Indians Inquired On Alex Wood
UPDATE (July 31, 12:30 p.m. PT): According to Ken Rosenthal of FOX Sports, it was the Cleveland Indians, not the Chicago Cubs, who had interest in Alex Wood:
More on #Dodgers/Wood: Was NOT discussed with #Cubs. #Indians inquired on him in bigger deal.
— Ken Rosenthal (@Ken_Rosenthal) July 31, 2015
Previous reports indicated the Los Angeles Dodgers and Indians held talks over Cleveland’s pitchers, and more recently the Dodgers inquired on Carlos Carrasco.
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Among the group of players the Los Angeles Dodgers acquired in their trades with the Atlanta Braves and Miami Marlins, 24-year-old Alex Wood was perceived as the crown jewel. Despite trading for him and Mat Latos, the Dodgers were said to still be interested in acquiring more pitching.
One of the Dodgers’ targets on the final day of the non-waiver trade deadline is Texas Rangers right-hander Yovani Gallardo, though whether the Texas Rangers will sell is far from guaranteed. As Los Angeles continues to pursue Gallardo, they’ve also held discussions with the Chicago Cubs for Wood, according to Joel Sherman of the New York Post:
Hearing #Dodgers are talking about moving Alex Wood to #Cubs
— Joel Sherman (@Joelsherman1) July 31, 2015
According to Ken Rosenthal of FOX Sports, although the Cubs and Dodgers have discussed Wood, a deal appears unlikely:
Confirming: #Dodgers discussing Alex Wood to #Cubs, as first reported by @joelsherman1. “Sounds like a longshot,” one source said.
— Ken Rosenthal (@Ken_Rosenthal) July 31, 2015
Wood this season, his third with the Braves, is 7-6 with a 3.54 ERA, 3.40 FIP and 1.41 WHIP. Who the Cubs would send to Los Angeles is unclear. Chicago has been linked to trade talks with the San Diego Padres, with speculation growing to the Boston Red Sox becoming involved to lead to a three-team trade.
Cubs shortstop Starlin Castro has been included in the trade rumors, though he may not be a natural fit with the Dodgers. Despite Jimmy Rollins being in the final year of his contract, the Dodgers have Corey Seager waiting in the wings. Seager is capable of playing third base, but the Dodgers thus far have maintained they envision him at shortstop.
