Dodgers Rumors: Left-handed bullpen trade targets LA should consider

Brad Hand

You can’t help but feel bad for Brad Hand. Hand was quietly become one of the best relievers and set up men in all of baseball, yet because he plays for the San Diego Padres, he doesn’t get talked about much. Although he was a 2017 All-Star, the general population of baseball fans likely truly don’t realize how good Hand has been.

The starter turned reliever has found his niche inside the bullpen. Hand has compiled a 2.25 ERA and 0.979 WHIP over 48 innings pitched. In those 48 innings, Hand has struck out 61 batters. Yet, despite the great pitching off the rubber, Hand has only been able to muster a 2-4 record. Again, he plays for the San Diego Padres.

With Hand still under control for two more full seasons, he becomes one of the hottest commodities on the trade market. You would think that the struggling San Diego Padres would realize this and capitalize on his increased value. He is cheap, under control for a long stretch, and purely dominant.

Sure, the Los Angeles Dodgers would have to give up some top prospects, but they would for any of these deals. Personally, I would flip Yadier Alvarez for Hand. Alvarez is Los Angeles’ top rated prospect and a lot of fans love him, but I am not too keen on his performances.

Bringing in Hand would be great for Los Angeles. With the flexibility to pitch in any situation, it would make postseason managing much easier for Dave Roberts.