How the Dodgers could land Michael Fulmer this season

The Los Angeles Dodgers are no strangers to big, World Series impacting, moves. Come summer, there is a way for the Dodgers to do so again with Michael Fulmer.

The Los Angeles Dodgers are notorious for big moves, especially in the last several years. Unfortunately, none of these moves have yet landed the team a World Series trophy, however, it did get them one game away.

Ironically, it was the Dodgers’ big splash of 2017 that ultimately lost the World Series for the Dodgers. Yu Darvish imploded in game three of the World Series and repeated that in game seven. Now, Darvish is a Chicago Cub, the Astros are World Series Champions and the Dodgers are left dry.

That could give the Dodgers cold feet in making another move for a pitcher and understandably so. This is especially true with the Dodgers’ motives to stay under the luxury tax to avoid any penalties.

However, it is apparent that the pitching rotation lacks the same depth that has made it so good in the past. With a stellar farm system and big league guys to spare, Andrew Friedman can afford to make a splash.

Michael Fulmer is a potential candidate for a splash this summer. The Detroit Tigers pitcher survived the 2017 Detroit yard sale. At only 25 years old, though, the former AL Rookie of the Year has immense trade value that may be too hard for the Tigers to deny. Especially with Detroit in no position to win anytime soon.

Which leads into the trade itself; what exactly would the team have to give up to get Michael Fulmer?

One big leaguer and two future big leaguers with a ton of upside. In return, the Dodgers get a guy that could be really good in the National League and adds a solid right-handed arm to a southpaw heavy rotation.

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The Dodgers would be giving up some nice pieces, however, they are pieces the Dodgers can easily afford to change. Los Angeles is insanely deep in catching depth. Even after Yasmani Grandal becomes a free agent this upcoming off-season, LA still has Austin Barnes, Kyle Farmer and Keibert Ruiz ahead of Smith.

Mitchell White is a tough piece to let go but it is cushioned by the fact that Fulmer is under team control through 2022. White’s ceiling is similar to what Fulmer has already done; the front office is essentially trading an established guy for a guy with no big league experience; both with similar ceilings.

Joc Pederson is a lovable guy and a tough one to part ways with, but he is only finding himself more and more on the outside looking in as an outfielder. Pederson’s strike out rate has caught up to him. Now, Pederson is easily the fourth left field option. Ouch.

However, he does have a lot of pop in his bat and with proper coaching could be a great American League player. The Tigers have time to let Pederson strike out and refine his swing. The Dodgers do not.

Fulmer is also on his rookie contract, so he becomes the perfect option to add to stay under the luxury tax. He really is the perfect trade chip.

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And the Dodgers have the tools to pull in the perfect trade chip. While the MLB Trade Deadline is still months away, I would expect some form of Michael Fulmer rumblings this season.