The Los Angeles Dodgers were the most aggressive team in baseball this offseason, acquiring Shohei Ohtani, Tyler Glasnow, Teoscar Hernandez and Yoshinobu Yamamoto. It appears the Dodgers are being just as aggressive ahead of the MLB trade deadline.
Injuries have certainly played a significant role in shaping the Dodgers’ approach to July. Entering MLB games today, the club currently has Glasnow, Yamamoto, Mookie Betts, Max Muncy and Clayton Kershaw on the injured list.
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While some of them will return either before the MLB trade deadline or shortly after, those absences have highlighted holes on the Dodgers roster. With several positions that need to be addressed and an aggressive front office, Los Angeles is reportedly making a big push for a blockbuster trade.
As first reported by MLB reporter Bob Nightengale of USA Today, the Dodgers have spoken to the Chicago White Sox about a blockbuster trade that would include All-Star starting pitcher Garrett Crochet, outfielder Luis Robert and could potentially include Michael Kopech.
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Crochet is the most coveted player among contending teams this year. Even with teams recognizing the All-Star hurler might need to be moved to the bullpen in September, since he’s well past his career-high in innings pitched, he’s coveted.
Robert, an All-Star in 2023, hasn’t been quite as productive this season. However, like Crochet, he’s under contract through 2026 and has proven he can play at an elite level. Landing both Robert and Crochet would instantly add a front-line starter to the rotation and add an impact bat to the Dodgers lineup.
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Kopech would further strengthen the Dodgers bullpen, although, he seems unlikeliest of the White Sox trio to land in Los Angeles. While Kopech’s ERA this season is 5.05, he boasts a 30.9 percent strikeout rate with a .222 batting average allowed. Just as importantly for the Dodgers, he’s under club control through next season.