Dodgers trade rumors: Three ways to make space for Yu Darvish

The latest Dodgers trade rumors all revolve around ways to free up space for Yu Darvish. Here are three ways we think the Dodgers can accomplish the feat.

Re-signing Yu Darvish is huge to the Los Angeles Dodgers, no matter how fans may feel about his World Series performance. The Dodgers are lacking a true number two starter in a left-handed heavy starting rotation. Darvish checks off of all of the boxes that the Dodgers need.

And yes, his World Series performance was terrible. His 21.60 ERA over 3.1 innings only stung Dodger fans more as Justin Verlander was dominant for the Astros. It is understandable why the fans may not want Darvish.

However, those 3.1 innings are nowhere close to being a fair representation of Darvish’s worth. Darvish was lights out in the postseason prior to that point; so much so that manager Dave Roberts opted to keep him in during a crucial bases loaded spot in the NLCS. Darvish walked and brought in a run.

The Dodgers and Darvish seem to have mutual interest as well. Darvish is reportedly waiting on either the Dodgers or Yankees to free up cap space to sign him. Los Angeles’ entire offseason focus has been to get under the luxury tax. With Baseball-Reference estimating the Dodgers’ Opening Day pay roll at $193.2 million, they would only have $4 million to spend to remain under the threshold.

Thus, the Dodgers trade rumors have emerged on how exactly LA can free up at least $15 million to bring in Darvish. Here are three ways it can be done.