logo
Could Trade to Dodgers Be Secret Recipe to Return Ace to 'Former Glory'?

Could Trade to Dodgers Be Secret Recipe to Return Ace to 'Former Glory'?

Newsweeka day ago
Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources.
Newsweek AI is in beta. Translations may contain inaccuracies—please refer to the original content.
The Los Angeles Dodgers came into the season with seemingly the best pitching staff in baseball, but injuries have destroyed most of the top arms. Los Angeles' pitching staff is barely averaging four innings per start at this point.
ESPN's Jeff Passan recently suggested the Dodgers would be one of the best fits in a trade for Miami Marlins ace Sandy Alcántara ahead of the upcoming trade deadline.
MIAMI, FLORIDA - JULY 18: Sandy Alcantara #22 of the Miami Marlins pitches against the Kansas City Royals d1i at loanDepot park on July 18, 2025 in Miami, Florida.
MIAMI, FLORIDA - JULY 18: Sandy Alcantara #22 of the Miami Marlins pitches against the Kansas City Royals d1i at loanDepot park on July 18, 2025 in Miami, Florida."Alcantara was arguably the best pitcher in baseball in 2022, winning the NL Cy Young unanimously. He was more solid than spectacular in 2023 and missed 2024 with Tommy John surgery," Passan wrote. "He has been tinkering this season to try to get his pitch mix and locations right in hopes of regaining his former glory. His 7.14 ERA is unsightly, and with the Marlins still valuing him as a top starter, they could hold on to him until the winter, when teams such as the Baltimore Orioles would be more inclined to acquire him and the final two years of his contract."
The Dodgers are certainly the level of aggressive it would take to land a star like Alcántara. The righty also has a few years of affordable team control left on his deal, which would fit perfectly with the Dodgers' payroll.
The Marlins need to trade him before he drops his trade value any further. Trading him now would almost certainly net at least one star prospect in return.
If the Marlins hunt a trade with the Dodgers, they could pursue former top prospects Bobby Miller and James Outman as well as talented prospects like Justin Wrobleski and plenty of others.
Either way, the Dodgers are the right level of aggressive and desperate to make a deal like this come to life this month.
More MLB: Shocking Deadline Deal? MLB Insider Links Phillies To All-Star Outfielder
Orange background

Try Our AI Features

Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:

Comments

No comments yet...

Related Articles

Tyrann Mathieu announces retirement from the NFL after 12 seasons
Tyrann Mathieu announces retirement from the NFL after 12 seasons

USA Today

time2 hours ago

  • USA Today

Tyrann Mathieu announces retirement from the NFL after 12 seasons

One of the best of his generation is calling it a career. Three-time All-Pro safety Tyrann Mathieu announced in a post on his Instagram page that he is retiring from the NFL. The 33-year-old defensive back was entering his fourth season with the New Orleans Saints but won't step onto the field this year. "As I hang up my cleats, I'm filled with gratitude as I close this chapter of my life and officially retire from the game that's shaped me in every way," Mathieu wrote in his announcement. "From my first snap in college to my final play in the NFL, this journey has been nothing short of a blessing. Football gave me purpose, discipline, and memories that will stay with me forever. But more than anything, it gave me a community." A post shared by Tyrann Mathieu (@mathieu_era) Mathieu was drafted in the third round, 69th overall by the Arizona Cardinals in the 2013 NFL Draft. A Heisman finalist at LSU in 2011, he slid to the third round due to off-field concerns following his dismissal from LSU in 2012. He ended up a steal for the Cardinals and finished fourth in Defensive Rookie of the Year voting in 2013. In 2015, he made his first All-Pro team as the Cardinals made the NFC championship game. He spent five seasons with the Cardinals and played well alongside standout cornerback Patrick Peterson. Arizona released him in 2018 and he signed with the Houston Texans for one season before signing a multi-year deal with the Chiefs in 2019. Mathieu was part of the Chiefs Super Bowl-winning team in 2019 and made his second All-Pro team that season. He made his third a year later with the Chiefs in 2020. Kansas City did not retain him after the 2021 season and he made his way back to Louisiana to play for his hometown New Orleans Saints. He started every game for New Orleans from 2022 through 2024. "To every coach who believed in me, every teammate who battled beside me, and every fan who showed up, cheered, and rode with me through the highs and lows, thank you," Mathieu wrote in his announcement. "You gave me strength when I needed it most, and your love carried me farther than I ever imagined." He did tease that he's not done with football yet, writing "this isn't goodbye - it's just the next chapter."

Dodgers May Find Much-Needed Bullpen Help With All-Star Closer David Bednar
Dodgers May Find Much-Needed Bullpen Help With All-Star Closer David Bednar

Newsweek

time2 hours ago

  • Newsweek

Dodgers May Find Much-Needed Bullpen Help With All-Star Closer David Bednar

Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources. Newsweek AI is in beta. Translations may contain inaccuracies—please refer to the original content. The Los Angeles Dodgers, despite their offseason intentions, have to go searching for bullpen help before the trade deadline. While the Dodgers will have plenty of options to choose from, none will be cheap in a sellers' market. MLB insider Jeff Passan believes Los Angeles is a good fit for Pittsburgh Pirates closer David Bednar. PITTSBURGH, PENNSYLVANIA - AUGUST 23: David Bednar #51 of the Pittsburgh Pirates celebrates with Joey Bart #14 after the final out of a 6-5 win over the Cincinnati Reds during the game at PNC Park... PITTSBURGH, PENNSYLVANIA - AUGUST 23: David Bednar #51 of the Pittsburgh Pirates celebrates with Joey Bart #14 after the final out of a 6-5 win over the Cincinnati Reds during the game at PNC Park on August 23, 2024 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. More"In a market replete with relief options, 30-year-old Bednar brings high-end performance without quite the price tag of his peers," Passan wrote on Monday. "His swing-and-miss stuff has been elite since his return from Triple-A, and he has more than salvaged his trade value: Over his past 18 outings, Bednar has struck out 23, walked four and posted a 0.00 ERA." Bednar appeared for the Pirates in Monday night's 3-0 win over the Detroit Tigers and struck out one batter en route to recording his 14th save of the season. This brings his strikeout-to-walk ratio up to 24-to-4 over his last 19 outings and has not conceded an earned run. The Dodgers bullpen would certainly benefit from a closer of Bednar's pedigree as he has regained his All-Star form for the Pirates. He has 1 1/2 years of team control remaining so while Los Angeles wouldn't acquire him for peanuts, it also wouldn't have to sell the farm either. Passan gives Bednar a 60% chance of being traded but believes several other teams will be pursuing him from the Pirates. "Best fits: Detroit, Los Angeles Dodgers, Philadelphia, New York Yankees, New York Mets, Chicago Cubs," wrote Passan. Bednar would thrive in a late-inning role for the Dodgers as they pursue another World Series as long as they are willing to outbid other contenders for his services. More MLB: Red Sox Would Make Common-Sense Home for All-Star First Baseman Josh Naylor

Dodgers Reportedly Checking In On Guardians Lockdown Closer For Bullpen Reinforcements
Dodgers Reportedly Checking In On Guardians Lockdown Closer For Bullpen Reinforcements

Newsweek

time2 hours ago

  • Newsweek

Dodgers Reportedly Checking In On Guardians Lockdown Closer For Bullpen Reinforcements

Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources. Newsweek AI is in beta. Translations may contain inaccuracies—please refer to the original content. The Los Angeles Dodgers are looking to defend their World Series championship, and after enduring many injuries to their bullpen this season, are looking for reinforcements at the deadline. According to Bob Nightengale of USA Today, the Dodgers have been inquiring about Cleveland Guardians closer Emmanuel Clase. CLEVELAND, OHIO - JULY 18: Emmanuel Clase #48 of the Cleveland Guardians celebrates the team's 8-6 win over the Athletics at Progressive Field on July 18, 2025 in Cleveland, Ohio. CLEVELAND, OHIO - JULY 18: Emmanuel Clase #48 of the Cleveland Guardians celebrates the team's 8-6 win over the Athletics at Progressive Field on July 18, 2025 in Cleveland, Ohio. Photo byThe Guardians aren't currently looking to trade Clase as reported by Nightengale in the same column. But if anyone has the stack of chips to change their mind, it would be the Dodgers. Clase is one of the league's premier closers and has led the American League in saves the past three seasons, including two seasons where he led all of Major League Baseball. Striking out one batter per inning this season, Clase has closed out 21 games for the Guardians and leads all relievers in appearances as of Monday. The Dodgers are looking for depth in their bullpen after losing Evan Phillips to Tommy John surgery, along with Blake Treinen and Michael Kopech currently injured. The Dodgers are expected to be active in the bullpen market during the trade deadline to fill those holes. While the Guardians aren't actively looking to move on from Clase, the Dodgers are staying in contact in case they can change their mind. Clase is under team control through 2028 and is one of the few high-end closers that could be on the market this season. If the Dodgers are unable to make a deal with Cleveland, there are other options on the market, but many teams are unsure of their path leading up to the trade deadline. More MLB: A's Reportedly Shopping Starting Pitchers As Deadline Hot Stove Heats Up

DOWNLOAD THE APP

Get Started Now: Download the App

Ready to dive into a world of global content with local flavor? Download Daily8 app today from your preferred app store and start exploring.
app-storeplay-store