Dodgers' Updated Trade Targets with 2022 MLB Deadline Approaching
Despite some ups and downs in recent weeks, the Los Angeles Dodgers still have one of the best records in baseball and sit atop the NL West standings.
That said, there's still work to be done fortifying the roster for the stretch run and a potential title push, so expect them to be as busy as anyone in the days leading up to the trade deadline.
Adding another versatile bench piece capable of playing infield and outfield would be great, and shoring up the bullpen also figures to be a priority. However, the biggest question is what, if anything, they'll do to address a starting rotation that is without Walker Buehler and has already seen Clayton Kershaw miss time.
Ahead we've highlighted four players who could address those areas of need.
IF/OF Brandon Drury
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The Dodgers love a versatile hitter, evidenced by the way they've used Enrique Hernandez, Chris Taylor and Max Muncy in recent years.
Brandon Drury fits the bill with more than 10 games played at first base, second base, third base, shortstop, left field and right field during his eight-year MLB career.
The 29-year-old signed a minor league deal with the Cincinnati Reds during the offseason and has emerged as the team's best offensive performer with a 128 OPS+ that includes 14 doubles, 15 home runs and 39 RBI in 262 plate appearances.
He would be an upgrade over Hanser Alberto, who is hitting just .233 with a 64 OPS+ in 74 plate appearances in a utility role.
RHP David Robertson
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Upgrading the bullpen should be the No. 1 priority for the Dodgers next month.
Closer Craig Kimbrel has converted 13 of 15 save chances, but it's been a tightrope walk with a 4.13 ERA, 1.54 WHIP and a .260 opponents' batting average. That inconsistency, coupled with the fact that veteran setup man Daniel Hudson was just lost for the season to a torn ACL, makes finding an experienced late-inning reliever a must.
Few active pitchers have more late-game experience than David Robertson, who spent years filling a variety of roles in the New York Yankees bullpen before bouncing around a bit more recently.
The 37-year-old signed a one-year, $3.5 million deal with the Chicago Cubs during the offseason, and he has tallied nine saves with a 1.86 ERA, 0.93 WHIP and 12.1 K/9 in 26 appearances.
RHPs Luis Castillo and Frankie Montas
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Walker Buehler is sidelined for 10-12 weeks with a Grade 2 flexor strain in his forearm, and the Dodgers could once again be players for a high-end rotation addition a year after swinging a blockbuster deal to acquire Max Scherzer.
With Clayton Kershaw, Tyler Anderson and Andrew Heaney all signed to one-year deals, it would also make sense to target a controllable pitcher who can fill a slot in the rotation beyond just the 2022 season.
Prospects Ryan Pepiot, Michael Grove and Bobby Miller are all capable of making an impact in the second half, but relying on any of them to regularly fill a spot in the rotation on a title contender would be a risk.
The Dodgers system is loaded, so they should be able to put together as good a trade offer as anyone in pursuit of the market's top available arms: Luis Castillo and Frankie Montas.
All stats courtesy of Baseball Reference and accurate through Tuesday's games.
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