Dodgers Rumors: Alex Guerrero Being Mentioned In Trade Talks

The Los Angeles Dodgers’ desire to acquire a starting pitcher ahead of Friday’s 1 p.m. PT non-waiver trade deadline is among the worst kept secrets in baseball at this point.

However, who or whom, the Dodgers may eventually end up with is largely unknown. They’re interested in Cole Hamels and David Price, though whether Price will be made available is in question. Additionally, Yovani Gallardo is perceived as a backup plan should Los Angeles not land one of the two aforementioned left-handers.

As an organization with no shortage of financial resources, the Dodgers don’t particularly have an abundance of trade chips. It was reported Yasiel Puig is available should the “right deal” come along, and according to Ken Rosenthal of FOX Sports, Alex Guerrero is being dangled in trade talks as part of the Dodgers’ search for a starting pitcher:

Sources: #Dodgers discussing Alex Guerrero in trades, looking for pitching in return. Guerrero, if traded, can become FA at end of season…

— Ken Rosenthal (@Ken_Rosenthal) July 28, 2015

Guerrero’s bat earned him a spot as a utility man out of Spring Training and he built on that success to split time with Justin Turner at third base. However, Guerrero’s playing time slowly began to diminish and so too has his effectiveness.

After a hot start to the season, he’s now batting .245/.269/.491 over 72 games (167 plate appearances). He hit .220/.231/.320 in 52 plate appearances over 23 games in June and is slashing just .063/.063/.063 with one hit and two walks in 16 plate appearances in July.

The 28 year old was slated to start Friday’s game against the New York Mets, but was scratched due to back stiffness; it would’ve been his first start since July 10. Guerrero has two years remaining on his contract and his ability to swing the bat makes him an ideal designated hitter in the American League.

Although his contract contains a clause that allows him to opt out at the end of any season in which he is traded, Guerrero reportedly indicated he waive the clause if it meant being traded to a better situation.

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