Dodgers: The five trade targets that make the Dodgers better in 2018

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ST. PETERSBURG, FL – AUGUST 22: Pitcher (Photo by Brian Blanco/Getty Images) /

5. RHP Chris Archer

Chris Archer is the most decorated name in the MLB trade rumors this offseason and has all the makings of being this year’s Chris Sale. Archer is a great young pitcher whose sky is the limit. Pitching in the National League with the Los Angeles Dodgers could help Archer achieve that limit much faster than he can elsewhere.

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Again, Rick Honeycutt is an absolute magician and has made many pitchers look better than they really are. Archer already has the foundation with electric stuff and Cy Young potential, all Honeycutt needs to do is fine tune some things and let the pitcher-friendly Dodger Stadium do the rest.

Plus, Archer checks off all of the boxes for the Dodgers this offseason. Is he the perfect option to slide behind Clayton Kershaw? Yes. Is he a right-handed arm that can eat innings? Yes. Is he the best option for the Dodgers to pursue via trade this offseason? Absolutely.

Archer will be 29 for the majority of the 2018 season, right in the middle of his athletic prime. While his 4.07 ERA last season is not the easiest on the eyes, on the Dodgers that number could easily drop below the 3.00’s. Plus, since the Rays waited too long to make any sort of move with Archer his trade value has only reduced.

Now, the Dodgers do not have to pay as much as they would have in July, way less than they would have last offseason. Now, a trade for Archer becomes a realistic scenario for the Dodgers and not just another fantasy situation.

Next: Pass or pursue? The case for the ten best free agents

If the Dodgers did acquire Archer they undoubtedly would solidify themselves as the favorites to win the World Series.

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