Dodgers: Four relievers that can fill Brandon Morrow’s place
By Jason Reed
1. Brad Hand
The Los Angeles Dodgers capitalized on Morrow’s success with the San Diego Padres and the team very well could look to do the same with left-handed reliever Brad Hand. Hand is arguably the most talented pitcher on the Padres’ roster and was a huge trade chip this past offseason. To the surprise of nobody, the Padres failed to capitalize on his immense worth in July.
However, that does not mean that the Padres will fail to capitalize this winter. With the Winter Meetings underway, and the Dodgers being one of the quietest teams, they could look to pull the trigger on a deal for Hand.
Trading for Hand would be worth it as well. The southpaw has put together two great consecutive seasons that warranted him an all-star selection in 2017. All in all, Hand made 72 appearances for the San Diego Padres with a 2.16 ERA and 104 strikeouts.
This acquisition knocks out two birds with one stone. First, the Dodgers fill Morrow’s hole. Second, they effectively fill the left-handed hole left behind by Tony Watson. With Hand and Kenley Jansen closing up shop, the Dodgers’ eighth and ninth innings seemingly become unhittable.
Los Angeles would likely have to send a mid-level pitching prospect such as Jordan Sheffield to the Padres alongside a big league talent such as Hyun-Jin Ryu. Either or, landing Brad Hand should be on the Dodgers radar.