The Los Angeles Dodgers are usually a team that is active around MLB’s trade deadline. As the schedule is now into July, and the deadline is at the end of the month, it’s time to start thinking about which teams may make moves. One reason the Dodgers continue to stay at the top of the league is because the organization’s willingness to continuously improve its roster, even when the team is already “complete.” This time, it’s the Dodgers landing another ace starter at the deadline.
Los Angeles had an embarrassment of pitching riches at the beginning of the season, but has seen numerous injuries as the season progressed to both the starting rotation and bullpen. Shohei Ohtani is starting to work his way back onto the mound, which is a welcome sign, but he has only been able to get through two innings. With Tyler Glasnow and Blake Snell sidelined with shoulder issues, the question arises if they will be able to pitch come the later months of the season. This has led to trade rumors circling the Dodgers, and Kansas City Royals ace Seth Lugo may be a potential target.
Dodgers Acquire Lugo in Blockbuster Trade Idea
In a trade piece today by ESPN.com, writer David Schoenfield hypothesizes a potential trade for each team. For the Los Angeles Dodgers, it is acquiring 2024 All-Star starter Seth Lugo, who is putting together another phenomenal year.
While it was originally thought that the Dodgers would not be shopping for a starting pitcher, things have changed since the recovery timelines of both Snell and Glasnow have been pushed back. There is also no indication of when Roki Sasaki will return. This has caused Los Angeles to rely heavily on starters Dustin May and Clayton Kershaw, who may reach the 3,000 strikeout mark as early as today. There has also been an uptick in bullpen work since Ohtani is just used as an opener for the most part.
This deal would hinge on the fact if the Kansas City Royals are going to be buyers or sellers. The Royals have other solid starters like Cole Ragans and Kris Bubic. They are 40-46, and on the outside looking in of an American League Wild Card Spot. This is a good opportunity to get a fruitful return for Lugo, who is in the midst of another potential All-Star campaign.
Lugo is Putting Together an All-Star Caliber Season
Lugo has a 2.7 WAR before the All-Star break, which is remarkable for a pitcher. He is 5-5, but has a 2.74 ERA in 88.2 innings pitched. Not only has Lugo been really effective, but he’s also been extremely durable, and able to take the ball every fifth day and give length. He’s set to be a free agent after this season, so it could be a rental trade for the Los Angeles Dodgers, who would likely have to give away a couple of their mid-tier prospects, but with a loaded farm system, they can certainly go for it if they please. As the deadline looms closer, Lugo is a name that many teams will make calls on.
Like Heavy Sports’s content? Be sure to follow us.
This article was originally published on Heavy Sports
The post Los Angeles Dodgers Trade Proposal Lands Another All-Star Ace Starter appeared first on Heavy Sports.