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Yahoo
a day ago
- Sport
- Yahoo
As Dodgers look to upgrade outfield, Harrison Bader could be a trade deadline fit
The Dodgers have already clinched a losing record in July, entering play Monday with their worst single-month winning percentage since May 2013. Their league-leading offense has remained stuck in a nosedive, ranking bottom-four in the majors entering Monday in runs scored, batting average and OPS this month despite some short-lived signs of life from their lineup last week. For a while now, the team has known it would target a high-leverage reliever ahead of Thursday's trade deadline. But suddenly, amid a protracted slump that even president of baseball operations Andrew Friedman acknowledged he didn't see coming, the deadline might feel incomplete without the addition of another position player as well. 'Relief pitching is always talked about, certainly with what we're going through,' manager Dave Roberts said this weekend. But, he added, 'a potential bat' is something club officials are 'kicking the tires' on. As deadline week commenced on Monday, it meant the question wasn't so much whether the Dodgers would look to bolster their lineup over the next four days, but rather how they could best supplement their already $400-million roster. Read more: Trade Dustin May? Dodgers pitcher stumbles in loss to Red Sox as deadline rumors swirl One specific priority that has been increasingly emphasized by people around the organization in recent days: Someone who can not only hit, but more profoundly upgrade their outfield defense. The Dodgers, after all, know their long-term offensive success depends primarily on their superstar players. So far in July, Freddie Freeman, Shohei Ohtani and Teoscar Hernández have all batted in the low .200s. Mookie Betts and Tommy Edman are hitting .186 and .150, respectively. And Max Muncy has been out with a knee injury (though he could return during next week's home stand, if not the end of this current trip). No impact hitter on the market can change that reality. No one they add this week can save them if their star-studded core endures similar struggles in October. In a surprise twist, some of their best hitters this month have actually been those who once seemed like obvious candidates to replace at the deadline — none more so than Michael Conforto, who is batting .280 with an .855 OPS since June 22 after belting a home run and two doubles in the team's series finale in Boston on Sunday. 'The first half [of the season] was not me,' said Conforto, the $17-million offseason signing who was hitting a woeful .163 before his recent 24-game surge. 'I left a lot of hits out there. There was a lot of work to be done. And I just had to put my head down and keep grinding.' Now he's finally starting to produce at a level the Dodgers would be happy to get from any potential deadline acquisition. That doesn't mean, however, the Dodgers will be dissuaded from looking for outfield help this week. Because, even as Conforto's bat has heated up, his glove remains a glaring area of weakness in left field. For all he did at the plate Sunday, Conforto also had two costly defensive misplays early in the game, dropping a fly ball in the first inning that stressed Dustin May's pitch count before overpursuing a line drive off the Green Monster that turned into a run-scoring triple in the fourth, aiding a Red Sox rally that keyed their eventual victory. On the whole this season, Conforto ranks 13th out of 16 qualified MLB left fielders in defensive runs saved (negative three) and 14th in outs above average (negative five). It has illustrated a larger conundrum facing the team. Unlike last October, when the Dodgers needed potent offense to compensate for their patchwork pitching staff, their playoff run this year could be keyed more by what they do on the mound. Barring late-season injuries (a big 'if' given their recent history), the club is shaping up to have a potentially dominant rotation featuring Yoshinobu Yamamoto, Tyler Glasnow, Blake Snell (who will return from injury this weekend) and Ohtani (who Friedman believes will be capable of pitching 'real innings' come the playoffs). While their bullpen has struggled to this point, the returns of Blake Treinen (who was activated from the injured list Sunday), Michael Kopech (who is due back late next month), Tanner Scott (who avoided a season-ending elbow injury last week) and Brusdar Graterol (expected to return sometime in September) figure to transform the group, along with whoever the front office adds in an expected deadline splash. It all means that preventing runs could be the biggest key to the Dodgers' title defense this fall. And to do that, they could benefit from more trustworthy outfield defense — where Conforto's issues have been compounded by Hernández's regression in right field (he also grades out at one of the worst defenders in the majors at that position this year, while being limited by a groin injury) and repeated misreads from Andy Pages in center (mistakes that have at least been somewhat offset by his lethal throwing arm). That's why it came as no surprise to see the Dodgers' interest in someone like Harrison Bader intensify this week, as a person with knowledge of the situation but not authorized to speak publicly confirmed. A veteran outfielder with the Minnesota Twins, Bader is a premium defender having one of his best career seasons at the plate (.255 average, 12 home runs, .777 OPS). And as a likely free agent this offseason (he has a mutual option for 2026), he could be acquired at a relatively reasonable price — or, perhaps, in a package deal with a top Twins reliever such as Jhoan Durán or Griffin Jax. Other contenders, including the New York Yankees, have also been mentioned as potential landing spots for Bader. But the Dodgers' interest appears to be strong. The Dodgers' other route would be to add an infielder, and move Edman to center field. Utilityman Brendan Donovan of the St. Louis Cardinals is one such option, as The Athletic reported this week. But Edman has been limited by a lingering ankle injury (he was given Monday off to keep managing it). And his most defensive value is on the infield dirt anyway, evidenced lately by his sharp play filling in at third base in Muncy's absence. Bader is a right-handed bat, running counter to the initial belief that the Dodgers preferred to add another left-handed hitter at the deadline. But between Conforto's recent improvements (even if the Dodgers make another addition, the left-handed slugger will likely still have a role on the team), and the fact that backup left-handed- hitting catcher Dalton Rushing is not expected to be dealt this week ('I don't see a world in which he's moved,' Roberts said of Rushing on Monday), the Dodgers could accommodate anything — if it means making a significant improvement to their outfield defense. Sign up for more Dodgers news with Dodgers Dugout. Delivered at the start of each series. This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times.
Newsweek
7 days ago
- Sport
- Newsweek
Dodgers Predicted to Replace Tanner Scott With Trade for Reliever of the Year
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 have held onto their lead in the competitive National League West division but after a loss to the Minnesota Twins on Tuesday, manager Dave Roberts has sounded an alarm. The Dodgers bullpen gave up six runs in two innings to propel the team's 11th loss in its last 14 games, soliciting boos from the home fans and a clear message from Roberts. "It better be rock bottom as far as how we've been pitching, how we've been playing defense," he said after the game, according to ESPN's Alden Gonzalez. Earlier in the day, the Dodgers placed reliever Tanner Scott on the injured list with an elbow issue and the poor performances and extensive ailments are making it clear that the team will seek at least one high-leverage relief arm at the upcoming trade deadline. LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA - DECEMBER 03: Andrew Friedman of the Los Angeles Dodgers reacts during a press conference introducing Blake Snell as a Dodger at Dodger Stadium on December 03, 2024 in Los Angeles, California.... LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA - DECEMBER 03: Andrew Friedman of the Los Angeles Dodgers reacts during a press conference introducing Blake Snell as a Dodger at Dodger Stadium on December 03, 2024 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by) More How/Getty "POBO Andrew Friedman doesn't like overpaying at the trade deadline, but he doesn't have much of a choice right now," Mike Axisa wrote for CBS Sports. "The Dodgers are the most win-now team in the sport and the bullpen is a huge weakness." To fix that weakness in a big way, Axisa predicted the Dodgers would trade for St. Louis Cardinals closer Ryan Helsley, the reigning National League Reliever of the Year Award winner. "The Dodgers seem likely to add multiple relievers at the deadline," Axisa added. "I'll bet on Helsley being the most impactful." As a two-time All-Star, Helsley has the credentials to serve as a high-impact reliever addition for the Dodgers, though his campaign so far this year hasn't lived up to last season's performance. He has a 3.18 ERA with 19 saves in 27 games finished so far, though, and that would be good enough to instantly make him the Dodgers' best closer option if he does join them in a trade. More MLB: MLB Insider Lists Braves Slugger As Best Designated Hitter On Market
New York Times
17-07-2025
- Sport
- New York Times
Rosenthal: What I'm hearing about the MLB trade deadline with two weeks to go
So much for the Los Angeles Dodgers building enough depth to make their team deadline-proof. After investing a combined $107 million in free-agent relievers Tanner Scott, Blake Treinen and Kirby Yates, the Dodgers are expected to pursue bullpen help, according to sources briefed on the team's plans. Advertisement Part of the Dodgers' motivation stems from Scott's struggles — he has allowed eight homers with a 4.09 ERA, compared to three homers with a 1.75 ERA last season for Miami and San Diego. Part of it also stems from injuries. While some of the Dodgers' injured relievers are projected to return, the production they will provide is not certain. • Evan Phillips underwent season-ending Tommy John surgery on June 4. • Treinen is expected to rejoin the team next week after a three-month absence due to forearm tightness. • Michael Kopech, whose season production amounts to seven scoreless innings in June, is on track to return next month from surgery to repair a damaged meniscus in his right knee. • Brusdar Graterol, who underwent right shoulder surgery last November, could begin a rehabilitation assignment next month. Dodgers president of baseball operations Andrew Friedman hates overpaying at the deadline and constructed his 2025 roster with the express purpose of avoiding such a fate. Looks like he'll be shopping again, anyway. Baltimore Orioles right-hander Charlie Morton and left-hander Trevor Rogers are examples of how quickly a player's trajectory – and trade value – might change. Morton, 41, was the symbol of the Orioles' early-season collapse, posting a 10.89 ERA in his first five starts. But over his last 59 innings, dating to April 29, his ERA is 3.05. One of many Orioles on an expiring contract, Morton suddenly looks like an attractive chip. During Fox's All-Star preview show on Monday, I mentioned him as a possibility for the Boston Red Sox. Yes, the Red Sox would love to do better, and perhaps they will. But the starting pitching market is thin and Sox manager Alex Cora is familiar with Morton from the 2017 Houston Astros. With Bryan Bello and Lucas Giolito both on a roll, perhaps the Sox would be OK with someone like Morton rather than a pure (and possibly unattainable) No. 2 starter. Advertisement Rogers, 27, also has bounced back. His debut with the Orioles last August was so rough, the team sent him to the minors. At that point, his acquisition from the Miami Marlins looked like a bust. And when Rogers began this season on the injured list, it didn't appear much better. Outfielder Kyle Stowers became an All-Star with the Marlins. The other player the Orioles sent to Miami, infielder Connor Norby, also seems capable of haunting Baltimore. But since joining the Orioles on May 24, Rogers' ERA is 1.53, and it isn't just luck. His expected ERA is 2.94. The difference between Morton and Rogers is that Rogers is under club control for one more season. The Orioles plan to contend in 2026. Their current projected rotation would include Grayson Rodríguez and Kyle Bradish, both of whom could be hard-pressed to carry significant workloads coming off major injuries. The Orioles are listening on Rogers, just as they are listening on closer Félix Bautista, who is under club control for two additional seasons. A source briefed on the team's plans, however, said it was unlikely either would be traded. The Orioles have nearly a dozen potential free agents to work through, including All-Star designated hitter Ryan O'Hearn. Trades involving some or most of those players will be the priority. In his recent midseason awards column, The Athletic's Jayson Stark named Chicago White Sox center fielder Luis Robert his Least Valuable Player (LVP). 'He has one job – to get himself traded,' Stark quoted a friend as saying. 'And he's failing!' The problem for the White Sox is they might face little choice but to move Robert anyway. There seems virtually no chance of the team exercising Robert's $20 million option for 2026. A trade would be the only way to get something back, however meager. Robert's .190 batting average is the second lowest among qualifiers after Michael Conforto's .184. He has struck out nearly twice as many times (93) as he has hits (51). His offense is so bad, his bWAR is at replacement level and his fWAR is just slightly above, even though he has stolen 22 bases in 28 attempts and rates above-average in center. Advertisement Perhaps a team such as the San Diego Padres would take Robert if the White Sox included a portion of his remaining salary, something the team has indicated a willingness to do. But even then, the White Sox could not count on getting much of a return. Robert's value keeps sinking, and time is running out. The AL Central is the division to call for controllable relievers. The Cleveland Guardians' Emmanuel Clase and Cade Smith are two trade candidates. The Minnesota Twins' Griffin Jax and Jhoan Duran are two others. But prying any of those pitchers loose might be difficult. Both the Twins and Guardians are below .500, but the Twins are only four games back in the wild-card race and the Guardians only 4 1/2, making it still too early to concede. The Twins' schedule leading to the deadline (COL, LAD on road, WAS, BOS at home) is mixed. The Guardians' schedule (home against Athletics, BAL; road against KC, home against COL) appears somewhat easier. But how much any of that will help remains to be seen. The other element is that the Guardians are extremely disciplined in trade talks, often frustrating potential partners. And where did Twins chief of baseball operations Derek Falvey begin his front-office career? Cleveland. If you've heard one bubble team say it, you've heard 'em all: 'Our play leading to the deadline likely will determine our course.' The Rays, after stumbling to the break, suddenly are one of those teetering clubs. Following a six-game homestand against the Orioles and White Sox, they will have only 22 home games remaining, 37 on the road. However they fare, the Rays' reluctance to trade players who signed team-friendly extensions almost certainly will lead to first baseman Yandy Díaz remaining with the club. Díaz actually agreed to two such deals, the second coming in March when the Rays exercised his $12 million option for 2026 and added a $10 million club option for '27. Advertisement Second baseman Brandon Lowe also signed a below-market extension for six years and $24 million in March 2019. But all that remains on Lowe's deal is an $11.5 million option for next season. Closer Pete Fairbanks is in the same position, with only a $7 million club option remaining. If the Rays fail to snap out of their 3-11 slide, the shorter commitments might put both in play. Speaking of the Rays, here's an intriguing thought if Jacksonville developer Patrick Zalupski is confirmed as the team's new owner in time for the offseason: Kyle Tucker. The thought might not be as preposterous as it sounds, depending upon how much Zalupski is willing to spend on players after plunking $1.7 billion or so for the team. Tucker, 28, is a native of Tampa. The Rays are a good bet to escape the final eight years of Wander Franco's 11-year, $181 million contract if Franco is unable to leave the Dominican Republic after being found guilty in that country of sexual abuse of a minor. And even under owner Stuart Sternberg, they've occasionally tried to go big in free agency, most notably during the 2021-22 offseason when they reportedly offered Freddie Freeman six- and seven-year deals in the $140 million to $150 million range. As a free agent, Tucker figures to command at least three times that much, maybe more. The range might be far out of Zalupski's comfort zone. But what better way for a new owner to announce his intentions than by signing the best free agent available? We present further evidence that this is the Year of the Big Dumper: In addition to hitting 38 homers before the break, winning the Home Run Derby and being named to Team USA for the 2026 World Baseball Classic, Cal Raleigh recently won the Seattle Mariners' 'Golden Locker' award for keeping his space the cleanest and most organized. The award, bestowed by the Mariners' clubhouse attendants every homestand, comes with a free car wash or haircut — just slightly less of a prize than the $1 million Raleigh earned for winning the Derby. (Top photo of Charlie Morton: Edward M. Pio Roda / Getty Images)
Yahoo
07-07-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
Dodgers Trade Idea Lands Royals All-Star Pitcher Seth Lugo for Pair of Prospects
Dodgers Trade Idea Lands Royals All-Star Pitcher Seth Lugo for Pair of Prospects originally appeared on Athlon Sports. The Los Angeles Dodgers are, at this point, infamous for having an injured starting rotation. This year, it's more of the same. Roki Sasaki, Blake Snell, and Tyler Glasnow are just a couple of pitchers on the injured list. Advertisement At the 2025 MLB trade deadline, the Dodgers might have to consider adding another starter if more injuries prop up. If they do need to add a starter, Joel Reuter of Bleacher Report has a pitcher for the Dodgers to target. He pitched a trade idea that would land the Dodgers' Kansas City Royals starter Seth Lugo, for a prospect haul including Eduardo Quintero and Mike Sirota. The two prospects are ranked 5th and 17th in the Dodgers' farm system. "The Dodgers made a play for arguably the top rental arm on the market last summer when they acquired Jack Flaherty from the Tigers." Reuters wrote. "With the rotation expected to be their biggest focal point once again, Lugo could end up atop their wish list." Lugo is likely to be a top option for any team looking for a starter. If the Royals fall out of contention, Lugo would be highly sought-after. The Royals would be foolish to hold onto him as he's set to be a free agent after 2025. Advertisement Los Angeles Dodgers president of baseball operations Andrew Friedman before a game against the Chicago Cubs at Dodger Mio-Imagn Images While the two prospects would be a lot to give up for less than half a season of Lugo, in the Dodgers' pursuit of back-to-back World Series titles, Lugo would be a huge help. In 2025, through 15 starts, Lugo has a 2.74 ERA. He also has struck out 76 batters and walked 28 in 88.2 innings pitched. Lugo is coming off an All-Star campaign in 2024 with the Royals, where he was the AL Cy Young runner-up to Tarik Skubal. Over the past two seasons, not many pitchers can stack up to what Lugo has done. With Lugo in the final year of a two-year, $30 million deal, the Royals may be inclined to trade him if the price is right. Advertisement For the Dodgers, this trade idea may cost a lot, but it'd solve their troublesome starting rotation. Whether it's more injuries or setbacks, any bad news in the rotation may lead the Dodgers to add someone like Lugo by the deadline. Related: Dave Roberts Gives Injury Update on Dodgers' Miguel Rojas Related: Dodgers Manager Dave Roberts Gives Update on Hyeseong Kim This story was originally reported by Athlon Sports on Jul 1, 2025, where it first appeared.
Yahoo
28-06-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
Dodgers' Hyeseong Kim Becoming Key Part of Success
Dodgers' Hyeseong Kim Becoming Key Part of Success originally appeared on Athlon Sports. The Los Angeles Dodgers made plenty of huge signings this offseason, whether it was extending current players or adding to the roster. Advertisement The Dodgers acquired starting pitcher Blake Snell, relievers Kirby Yates and Tanner Scott, outfielder Michael Conforto, and KBO additions Rosi Sasaki and Hyeseong Kim. In addition, Los Angeles agreed to extensions with Teoscar Hernandez, Clayton Kershaw, Blake Treinen, and Tommy Edman. However, the name most people would forget out of that group is Kim, who spent the last eight years in the KBO playing for the Nexen Heroes for two years, who later became the Kiwoom Heroes for the last six years. Kim carved out quite a career in the KBO before coming over to MLB. He hit over .300 in his final four seasons with an OPS over .840 in his last two seasons. The former KBO standout also earned four Gold Glove awards for his elite defense and led the league with 46 stolen bases in 2021. Los Angeles Dodgers president of baseball operations Andrew Friedman (left) and manager Dave Roberts at press conference at Dodger Lee-USA TODAY Sports The Dodgers signed Kim to a three-year, $12.5 million deal, which seems low, especially with how the Dodgers spend money. However, there was uncertainty about how much Kim's success in the KBO would translate over to the Major Leagues. Advertisement Kim struggled to get going in spring training and started the season in Triple-A. The defensive utility player held his own hitting .252 with a near .800 OPS while playing three different positions in centerfield, shortstop, and second base. Just three days into May, Kim got the call-up to the majors. He got the opportunity to play nearly every day throughout May and crushed it in the batter's box. At the end of May, Kim was hitting .422 with an OPS over 1.000, and a 201 wRC+ across 48 plate appearances. Kim has seen slightly less playing time through June as Los Angeles becomes healthier, and his numbers have dropped slightly. However, he's still hitting .372 with a .940 OPS, and with his defensive prowess, he's an asset for the Dodgers. Advertisement Kim's incredible start to his rookie season has Just Baseball's Ryan Murphy considering him a key cog for the Dodgers in 2025, even if his name isn't the headline you see each night. Whether Kim can keep this rampant start-up or not is yet to be seen, though. Based on his predicted stats, there could be a decline. Kim's expected metrics show a batting average of .273 and a wOBA of .326, a considerable amount of points lower than his current stats. However, even at those numbers, the rookie would be more than producing as a platoon defensive specialist near the bottom of the lineup. Dave Roberts recently said that Kim is "earning the opportunity to get somewhat of a consistent look" (h/t Advertisement Fans may not see Kim in the lineup every day, but when he's had the opportunity, he's produced for the Dodgers. Kim has quietly been a very important piece for the top team in the National League. Related: Bold Trade Idea Sends Emmanuel Clase to Dodgers This story was originally reported by Athlon Sports on Jun 28, 2025, where it first appeared.
