Trade Deadline: Relief Pitching Targets For Dodgers

With the Joakim Soria and Huston Street deals, I’d much rather prefer the Los Angeles Dodgers attempt to solve their bullpen issues in-house.

They have talented arms in Triple-A like Jose Dominguez, Pedro Baez, Yimi Garcia and a guy who should have been with the big club all year in Paco Rodriguez.

However, since management has made it clear that they prefer veterans over young players, let’s take a look at some veteran arms who could be on the move.

Contestant #1: Jonathan Papelbon

Papelbon may not be a fan favorite, but he’s been a productive closer. Even though his strikeout rate has taken a huge drop over the past two years, he’s succeeded in throwing strikes and keeping the ball in the park.

What The Philles Might Want: Joc Pederson, Zach Lee

Remember, Soria and Street netted top prospects, even though they came from weak systems. There is absolutely no way I see the Dodgers trading a guy like Pederson or Corey Seager or Julio Urias for a reliever, but that doesn’t mean teams won’t ask.

What The Phillies Might Take: Zach Lee, Scott Schebler

This still seems like a lot to give up to me. The Dodgers get a soon-to-be 34-year-old closer who would further complicate the back of their bullpen and lose two guys who could contribute at the Major League level within the next year or two.

Deal or No Deal: NO DEAL

Papelbon has another year on his contract at $12 million, as well as a vesting option for 2016 at $13 million. This is simply too much money for the Dodgers to commit to yet another reliever, while they already have the most expensive bullpen in MLB history.

Next Page: Boston Red Sox reliever