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Dodgers Rumors: Possible trade targets to stay away from

By Jason Reed

May 13, 2017; Denver, CO, USA; Members of the Los Angeles Dodgers hang on the dugout wall of Coors Field during the sixth inning of the game against the Colorado Rockies. Mandatory Credit: Ron Chenoy-USA TODAY Sports
May 13, 2017; Denver, CO, USA; Members of the Los Angeles Dodgers hang on the dugout wall of Coors Field during the sixth inning of the game against the Colorado Rockies. Mandatory Credit: Ron Chenoy-USA TODAY Sports /
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Dodgers Rumors – Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports
Dodgers Rumors – Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports /

Justin Verlander

Justin Verlander was heavily rumored to be the focal point of a trade between the Dodgers and Tigers last season. Verlander had a great 2016 campaign, finishing third in AL Cy Young voting, and has seen his name re-enter trade talks. One of our ten possible trade targets for the Dodgers, Verlander may see his name seriously re-enter talks with the Dodgers near the deadline.

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Verlander is one of the best pitchers of this generation, but his contract is massive and lets face it – he is only getting older. At 34 years of age Verlander has shown his struggles, posting a 4.47 ERA this season with a 3-3 record. His strikeout rate is still high, but his walk rate has doubled from last season – walking an average of 4.7 batters every nine innings pitched.

Verlander may have had a great 2016. but that was coming off of the tail end of an injury impacted 2015. The year prior, 2014, Verlander posted the highest ERA of his career, 4.54.

Verlander was last an all-star in 2013, and let’s face it, age is catching up to him. While he is still a good pitcher, his contract is far too hefty.

With the money pinching Dodgers, it would be rare to see them go out and acquire a 34-year-old that is owed at the very least $84 million dollars for the remainder of his contract. Verlander would be a good addition, however, with seven starting pitchers already fighting for the rotation it would be extremely unwise to overpay for a pitcher past his prime.

Next: Forsythe and Gonzalez set to begin rehab assignments

Overall, the latest Dodgers rumors have included many different targets. While the idea of a trade may be enticing for the Dodgers and their fans, they should avoid doing business with these three guys.

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