Dodgers: Four players that may be traded this offseason

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DENVER, CO – SEPTEMBER 29: (Photo by Matthew Stockman/Getty Images) /

4. LHP Hyun-Jin Ryu

The Los Angeles Dodgers have a good amount of starting pitching depth; which is also very backend heavy. Right now, the Dodgers can expect Clayton Kershaw, Alex Wood, Rich Hill, Kenta Maeda, Brandon McCarthy and Hyun-Jin Ryu all going for the starting rotation. While McCarthy may not make the rotation, this still leaves a pitching staff heavy with left-handers.

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Thus, right-handed pitching seems to be the Dodgers number one focus this offseason. If the Dodgers signed a viable number two right-hander, such as Jake Arrieta, the team can move Alex Wood third, Kenta Maeda fourth and Rich Hill fifth. This gives a nice blend of lefty-righty-lefty while remaining the deepest staff in baseball.

The odd man out then becomes Hyun-Jin Ryu. McCarthy may be able to move to the pen, something Ryu could not do for the Dodgers when the postseason rolled around. With Ryu acting as the odd man out, Los Angeles may look to trade him to get some sort of return.

What that return would be is unclear. The Dodgers could pursue big league level talent but likely won’t get more of a role-player in return. The last thing the Dodgers need is fewer roster spots.

Perhaps the team could trade for Grandal’s big league replacement, or Ryu could be part of a bigger deal for a superstar. Regardless, if anyone from the pitching staff is going to be dealt, it is going to be Hyun-Jin Ryu.

Next: Prioritizing the Dodgers potential offseason targets

Ryu does have some decent trade worth. In his first full season back from injury Ryu tossed 126.2 innings with a 3.77 ERA and 116 strikeouts. Ryu is definitely a pitcher that can help out a thin pitching staff.

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