Dodgers MLB Trade Rumors: 5 Trade Options for the Dodgers at the Trade Deadline

Dodgers MLB Trade Rumors: 5 Trade Options for the Dodgers at the Trade Deadline

The MLB trade deadline is set for August 2nd this year, which is right around the corner. Let’s check out some of the top targets on the Dodgers' radar as we approach the deadline. 

Los Angeles was set to feature an absolutely filthy starting rotation heading into 2022. However, due to an off-the-field situation with Trevor Bauer and injuries to Dustin May and Walker Buehler, the Dodgers are now reliant on an aging Clayton Kershaw, Julio Urias, and a cast of “not-so-big-name” starters. Furthermore, they’ve had a plethora of injuries to the bullpen, including Blake Treinen, Brusdar Graterol, Daniel Hudson, and Tommy Kahnle. 

Despite the injuries, the Dodgers pitching staff still leads the league in ERA (3.01) and WHIP (1.08) and they rank second in opponent batting average (.217). Basically, everyone has stepped up in a huge way and helped contribute in the absence of all the aforementioned pitchers. This was a long-winded way of me saying Los Angeles is stacked when it comes to arms, but here are a few cosmetic options they could go out and add this week. 

5 Trade Options for the Dodgers at the Trade Deadline

1. Luis Castillo (SP, Cincinnati)

I use the term “cosmetic” above pretty loosely as these guys below are cornerstone pieces in their respective roles. Luis Castillo is the marquee name headlining trade discussions as we approach the deadline. The 24-year-old righty has posted a 2.77 ERA and 1.08 WHIP over 13 starts this season for Cincinnati. As for his contract situation, he won’t be a free agent until 2024, so you’ll get a year-plus of him in a Dodger uniform. 

2. Pablo Lopez (SP, Miami)

Miami’s right-hander wasn’t expected to be on the move until recently when the front office announced that they would field offers on the 26-year-old. Pablo Lopez will require a decent haul of prospects, as he’s been fantastic this season and is under club control until 2025. He’s made 20 starts this year and posted a 3.03 ERA and 1.04 WHIP. Lopez has a K/9 rate of 9.2 and is allowing 1.0 home runs per nine innings. 

3. Frankie Montas (SP, Oakland)

Personally, I was a bit surprised that the Athletics didn’t move Frankie Montas prior to the season. They shipped off Matt Olson and Matt Chapman so I figured they’d get rid of Montas in the fire sale as well. Regardless of timing, the right-hander has kept his trade value high over 19 starts, pitching to the tune of a 3.18 ERA and 1.13 WHIP in 104.2 innings pitched. Montas is 28th in the league in strikeouts with 109. 

4. David Bednar (RP, Pittsburgh) 

If you can swing it, it’s always a good idea to fortify your bullpen heading into October. David Bednar of the Pirates would be an excellent piece for Dave Roberts to call upon when the playoffs roll around. The 27-year-old right-hander is 17/21 in save opportunities this season with a 2.76 ERA and 1.10 WHIP. 

5. David Robertson (RP, Chicago (NL))

The Cubs veteran closer has been another popular name floating around the news. Robertson will be a rental as his contract expires at the end of the season. The right-hander is 14/19 in save situations this season and currently boasts a 1.83 ERA and 0.99 WHIP. He’s had an incredible rebound to his career after having a pair of rough seasons with the Phillies and Rays.

Bonus Trade Option: Juan Soto (OF, Washington)

Personally, I don’t see the Juan Soto trade happening before the August 2nd deadline. I think it’s too complex of a trade and will likely happen over the upcoming winter meetings. But, I could be completely wrong and someone could offer up all of the necessary pieces to acquire the 23-year-old star. 

The Dodgers have the prospects to deal and they are obviously a team that can pay him the money required for the long term. Soto would fit in nicely in the outfield alongside Mookie Betts and Cody Bellinger and he’d be protected in the lineup surrounded by Freddie Freeman and Trea Turner. Soto boasts a career slash line of .291/.426/.539 with 118 home runs over 560 games. While I don’t expect Soto to get dealt soon, Los Angeles has to be one of the teams atop the list of suitors.

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