Dodgers Rumors: Three Players the Team Should Attempt to Trade For
By Jason Reed
Brad Hand
The Dodgers bullpen has infinitely improved since just three seasons ago when the bullpen ranked in the bottom third of the league. Last season we saw many arms step in their roles, and Dave Roberts manage masterful games. However, while the Dodgers did replace Joe Blanton with Sergio Romo, they need a solid left-handed option to serve in the setup role.
As of now, the Dodgers bullpen is stacked with right-handed pitchers. The only viable left-handed option to pitch in the eighth inning is Adam Liberatore. Liberatore did show flashes of brilliance last season, but he shouldn’t be the team’s only option in this situation.
That is where Brad Hand comes in, the guy that led all of baseball in games pitched in. Not only did Hand pitch in 82 games, he pitched well in 82 games. Owning a 2.92 ERA and over an 11 k/9 ratio, Hand served to be a bright spot in the Padres dark season. This kind of consistency is exactly what the Los Angeles Dodgers need in their bullpen.
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A good trade that makes sense for both sides would involve a right-handed option for the Padres. A guy like Chris Hatcher or Ross Stripling makes sense. Stripling would likely start right away for the Padres as he was a pleasant surprise last season.
However, being in the spot they are in, the Padres will demand more return in this trade. I would expect them to ask for a starting rotation arm as well, maybe in the likes of Stripling, or in the likes of Alex Wood. Alongside that, the Dodgers would need to deal an outfielder to join the already young Padres outfield. Scott Van Slyke would likely be a good option for the Padres.
However, this trade would need one more piece, and that would come in the likes of a lower level minor league pitching prospect. Jordan Sheffield is a guy that potentially makes sense for San Diego. While it may not come to fruition, out of the Dodgers rumors, this is the most practical.
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Well there you have it, there are three players that the Dodgers should target via trade this season. Whether you are a fan of this Dodgers rumors or you hate them, these moves would undoubtedly bolster the areas of need for Los Angeles.