Dodgers Rumors: Low-Cost Trade Options to Hit Left-Handed Pitching

Wilmer Flores – IF

Mets utility man Wilmer Flores already almost got traded before – if you don’t remember how that went down you can read about it here. Long story short, Flores was supposed to be part of a package deal alongside Zach Wheeler in return for Carlos Gomez. Flores cried, and the Mets backed out of the deal with concerns regarding Gomez’ hip.

Now, we may not see a deal like that transpire with the Mets-Dodgers, as the Dodgers are not selling any star outfielder. Sure, perhaps they send Yasiel Puig to New York in exchange for Flores and Wheeler, but I find that highly unlikely. Instead, I could imagine the Dodgers flipping utility men, sending Hernandez to New York, alongside a player to be named later or some cash.

While the Dodgers are essentially trading a utility guy that can play everywhere for just an infielder, the deal still remains extremely smart. Hernandez may be the Bumgarner killer, but Flores thrives against left-handed pitching.

Last season in 100 at-bats off the bench for the Mets against left-handers Flores batted .340, slugging 11 home runs and 28 runs batted in. Of course, this standard may not persist, but if we assume it did and Flores logged 300 at-bats solely against left-handed pitching the Dodgers would have a 30 home run hitter at their hands.

Of course, the game of baseball does not work that way and Flores would likely slow down. However, he still would be outstanding, his .273 lifetime batting average against left-handers attests to that. With the ability to play any infield spot, Flores would be huge for the Dodgers.