The MLB trade deadline is less than two weeks away, and the rumors are flying. Despite being busy in the offseason, the Los Angeles Dodgers are expected to be active as the deadline nears. President of Baseball Operations Andrew Friedman has been known to make a splash at the end of July. The question is, what will be the chief acquisition? According to Fabian Ardaya of The Athletic, it will be a bat. The most logical guess would be an offensive corner outfielder. Here’s why the All-Star-laden line-up needs it and three possibilities the Dodgers could pursue.
Do the Dodgers Really Need More Help Offensively at the Deadline?
The Dodgers recently endured a seven-game losing streak, one in which they barely averaged scoring two runs a game. In addition, during that stretch, the entire lineup with multiple All-Stars was batting below a .200 average, .199 to be exact. They have the second-worst offense in July, next to the lowly Pittsburgh Pirates. Secondly, Michael Conforto has continued to struggle. There have been flashes of production, but they have been few and far between, and his current OPS resides at .620. It is a definite hole the Dodgers need to fill. But with whom?
Time for some outfield talk.@Buster_ESPN is giving his thoughts on what the Dodgers will do in the outfield at the trade deadline
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— Dodgers Nation (@DodgersNation) July 12, 2024
Obi-Kwan-Kenobi
The Cleveland Guardians are said to be sellers, and outfielder Steven Kwan may be a good fit for Los Angeles. The two-time All-Star is an above-average defensive outfielder who has a tremendous arm. Kwan is a left-handed contact hitter who does not strike out much. This is instructive as the Dodgers have had multiple double-digit strikeout games during their recent offensive swoon. He is able to get clutch hits and a stolen base or two when needed. He is also under 30 and has multiple years of team control, as well as an affordable contract.
Duran, Duran
The Boston Red Sox have a surplus of outfielders. As a result, rumors are that Jarren Duran may be available. Duran is from Southern California. He is young and under team control. He makes hard contact with power. Duran has speed and is capable of stealing. Duran’s numbers are down from last year, but he may come cheaper than Kwan, and who knows what a change of scenery or coasts could do for the hometown kid?
Looking North
The Minnesota Twins are not going anywhere in 2025 and are currently sellers. One possible fit for the Dodgers is third baseman/ right fielder Willi Castro. Not only can he play multiple positions, but he is also a switch-hitter with power. He has a batting average of .263 with 10 home runs. Castro could add to the Dodgers’ flexibility in the field, add length to an already dangerous lineup, not to mention speed. Castro has eight stolen bases. He could also spell Max Muncy at third base, as Muncy will be coming back from a significant knee injury. Castro walks at the end of the season, so he would be cheaper than the other two options mentioned.
A Caveat and a Conclusion
If worst comes to worst, the Dodgers could switch Mookie Betts back to right field. It appears the move to shortstop has affected him offensively. Teoscar Hernández, who has struggled both offensively and defensively since being injured, could move from right field to left. Whatever happens, it is clear that the Dodgers will make a move to address the lackluster offense before the trade deadline passes. We will just have to see how and with whom.
Main Photo Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-Imagn Images
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