The Los Angeles Dodgers roster has been decimated by injuries, impacting both the lineup and starting pitching. While the absences won’t have a significant influence on how the Dodgers approach the MLB trade deadline, that might say more about the team’s approach.
The Dodgers front office is known for being one of the most aggressive in baseball. It was on full display this offseason with the acquisitions of Shohei Ohtani, Yoshinobu Yamamoto and Tyler Glasnow. Months later, that same level of aggressiveness would make Los Angeles an enticing team to monitor in MLB trade rumors.
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Los Angeles certainly has reason to be aggressive buyers. Entering the season, the Dodgers top prospects resulted in the club landing eighth in MLB farm system rankings. Thanks to one of the best player development systems in the sport, Los Angeles is also recognized for having good depth in its farm.
What would complicate matters for the Dodgers at the MLB trade deadline is the presence of the New York Yankees and Baltimore Orioles. Not only are they both two of the best teams in baseball, but New York and Baltimore also have excellent farm systems to offer top prospects in trade talks.
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Jim Bowden of The Athletic recently said on MLB Network Radio, the former MLB general manager guaranteed that the Dodgers would get a starting pitcher, reliever and outfielder before the MLB trade deadline.
“I know I know the Dodgers and I know Andrew Friedman and everyone just take a deep breath because he’s gonna get a starter, a reliever, and an outfielder by July 30. Book it. Put it in cement.”
Jim Bowden on the Los Angeles Dodgers’ approach to the MLB trade deadline
Who will the Los Angeles Dodgers trade for?
Shortstop is known to be one of the positions Los Angeles is targeting at the MLB trade deadline. However, outside of Bo Bichette and Paul DeJong, there aren’t many compelling options at the position. The Toronto Blue Jays currently seem opposed to a Bichette trade and DeJong would be a downgrade defensively at shortstop in comparison to Miguel Rojas.
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There are more compelling options in the outfield. Even with the Washington Nationals, San Francisco Giants and St. Louis Cardinals no longer viewed as potential sellers, there are still teams like the White Sox, Los Angeles Angels and Miami Marlins.
What the Dodgers could do is pursue a trade that addresses multiple positions with one swing. Examples of this would be acquiring starting pitcher Tyler Anderson and outfielder Taylor Ward from the Angels, agreeing to a trade with the White Sox for Luis Robert and Michael Kopech or making a blockbuster trade with the Marlins for outfielder Jazz Chisholm Jr. and reliever Tanner Scott. No matter which approach the Dodgers take, it seems apparent that Los Angeles is prepared to be aggressive in July.