Dodgers Eyeing Pitching Upgrades and a Shot at Ohtani Ahead of MLB Trade Deadline
The Dodgers
As the MLB trade deadline gets closer, the Los Angeles Dodgers need to strengthen their roster for a postseason run. Despite their success this season, the Dodgers still have to work on their weaknesses, looking for pitching help.
“Overall, I’d say the Dodgers have even better speed than last year, a chance at greater power and barring injury, better pitching. And I expect fewer mistakes than in`62. These boys are a year older"
Walter Alston
`63 Dodgers All Stars
Drysdale, Davis, Koufax, Wills pic.twitter.com/STj1ZWU7M1— Jim Koenigsberger (@Jimfrombaseball) July 24, 2023
The Dodgers' deadline haul so far pic.twitter.com/1rSLtjCsMq
— Talkin’ Baseball (@TalkinBaseball_) July 28, 2023
https://twitter.com/genymets/status/1685336737353265152
The new guys have the dance on lock and Freddie approves. 😂 pic.twitter.com/BQDM7CCyDV
— Los Angeles Dodgers (@Dodgers) July 29, 2023
Do the Dodgers have good pitchers?
Pitching is without a doubt one of the Dodgers’ top priorities, with both starters and relievers. The absence of Clayton Kershaw, and Julio Urías’ subpar performances has shown the Dodgers’ need for pitching support. Concerns have also been raised about the workload the team has placed on young pitchers like Michael Grove, Bobby Miller, Emmy Sheehan, and Gavin Stone. This has prompted the team to reinforce their rotation.
Dodgers Injury Update: Clayton Kershaw’s Throwing Program Delayed #LADodgers #Dodgers #HereToPlay https://t.co/DPvmNiL3tg pic.twitter.com/EYzutSthvz
— Ron Bohning (@RonBohning) July 24, 2023
Potential Deals
One pitcher of interest is Lucas Giolito, a right-hander for the Chicago White Sox. Growing up in Southern California, Giolito could be attracted to return home and help the Dodgers with their pitching team. The Dodgers’ track record of improving their pitchers through pitch design and optimized pitch usage could help Giolito become great again.
While pitching is the Dodgers’ top priority, they also need a right-handed bat to balance their outfield, which currently has primarily left-handed batters. Randal Grichuk is a potential candidate for this spot. His skill for power-hitting against lefties has caught the Dodgers’ attention. With the Colorado Rockies being in last place, and needing to make moves for the deadline, Grichuk is very likely to be on his way to Los Angeles.
Who are your top 3 starting pitcher targets for the Dodgers this trade deadline? https://t.co/q8JWfNKuog
— Dodgers Nation (@DodgersNation) July 24, 2023
Will the Dodgers trade for Shohei Ohtani?
The most enticing possibility though, is making a run at Shohei Ohtani. The two-way star’s unique talents have made him a sensation in Major League Baseball. The Dodgers have the means to put together an appealing trade package for Ohtani, yet the Los Angeles Angels owner Arte Moreno would be very hesitant to trade Ohtani to their rival.
The Dodgers possess valuable trade chips, Diego Cartaya, Dalton Rushing, and All-Star Will Smith. Along with Michael Busch and other young pitchers like Grove, Sheehan, and Stone, allow the Dodgers to be active members in the trade.
In the end…
As the deadline gets closer, the Dodgers are eager to address their pitching issues and emerge as one of the better teams in the division. Improving their pitching chance and securing Ohtani would significantly shape their path into the postseason. Fans and analysts alike will have to wait and see what moves the Dodgers will make at the deadline.
