Editorials

Dodgers Rumors: Los Angeles Could Be in Prime Position to Make Deadline Deals

The 2017 trade deadline could be one of the craziest in recent memory, writes Ken Rosenthal. And that may well include the Dodgers, who seem to love nothing more than negotiating a deal.

Some potentially available names, per Rosenthal, include Andrew McCutchen, Jose Quintana, Sonny Gray, David Robertson and Ryan Braun. All of whom would fit the Dodgers’ roster.



Other players, such as Brian Dozier and Todd Frazier, won’t blink on the Dodgers’ radar, but the amount of possibilities, coupled with teams anticipating the on-paper historic free agent class of 2018, could create a number of roster shakeups.

The new qualifying offer system, which no longer awards first round picks for departed stars, will motivate teams to extract value via trade rather than settle for the pick. Teams such as Kansas City and Detroit are at a financial crossroads, and hovering around .500 or worse could result in a number of impact players hitting the trade block. A good chunk of the aforementioned players are close to free agency, meaning a controllable player, such as a Yasiel Puig, could hold more value in that landscape.

There was a shortage of big names shopped during the 2016 deadline, and after Chris Sale and Chris Archer rumors faded, Los Angeles ended up with Josh Reddick and Rich Hill. Reddick was a disappointment, but Hill earned an extension this winter and will serve as the team’s No. 2 starter until Julio Urias grows into the role.

[graphiq id=”fZWCpR6V0Vv” title=”Rich Hill 2016 Complete Pitching Splits” width=”600″ height=”786″ url=”https://w.graphiq.com/w/fZWCpR6V0Vv” link=”http://baseball-players.pointafter.com/l/7338/Rich-Hill” link_text=”PointAfter | Graphiq” ]

The Dodgers could be major players because the roster isn’t desperate in any area. Perhaps a hole opens up by summer, but L.A. currently projects to operate from positions of strength. Yes, the team could use a right-handed powerful outfielder or a second ace, but it’s not a necessity.

L.A. will be in the thick of the pennant chase while being able to assess where a difference-maker will best fit. That is, will Braun or McCutchen be the upgrade that puts the team over the top, or is it Quintana slotted between Clayton Kershaw and Rich Hill? In other words, the Dodgers could shop for luxury in a market possibly diluted with excellent players.

As the Dozier talks most recently illustrated, the Dodgers won’t pull the trigger out of need. Perhaps the overall solid roster will result in the team being more willing to make a deal this July. Fortunately for Los Angeles, it will have several months to evaluate the team before making that decision.

Logan Forsythe will hit leadoff

Gabe Burns

Gabe Burns is an award-winning journalist. He serves as a reporter and editor at the DodgersNation news desk. He additionally works as editor-in-chief of The Spectator, Valdosta State University's student paper. Gabe's work has been featured on a number of platforms, including Draft Breakdown and Pro Football Spot. His byline has been cited in media such as the New York Times, Los Angeles Times and Chicago Tribune. Aside from covering Dodgers baseball, Gabe enjoys watching the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Orlando Magic and Tampa Bay Lightning. He can be followed on Twitter at @GabeBurns_DN.

4 Comments

  1. When the deadline approaches, it should be interesting but I say NO to Quintana because he is another LHP that we really don’t need.

  2. They’re not trading for mccutchen. It would cost the farm and plus we already have too many outfielders

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