Do I think the Los Angeles Dodgers will pull the trigger on a trade forCorey Kluber? Probably not. Not only is the team already loaded in starting pitching next season but the Dodgers rarely make this kind of big offseason move for another ace arm withClayton Kershaw, and nowWalker Buehler, already in the rotation.
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However, I would not completely rule out the idea of trading for Corey Kluber, especially if the Dodgers cannot accomplish any other move this winter. If the Dodgers look empty handed, I would not be surprised to see the team make this kind of trade.
The Indians have been reportedly shopping Kluber and this is one of the best potential trade packages that the team could land in return.Matt Kempwould be a decent salary dump that would be off the books after 2019.
Aside from that, the team would get an elite big-league ready prospect inAlex Verdugo, an elite pitching prospect inDustin May, a mid-tier pitching prospect that thrived last season inTony Gonsolinand a lower-tier pitching prospect with a ton of upside and good production inAndrew Sopko.
Why would the Los Angeles Dodgers do this? Well, it would give them one of the deepest and most talented starting rotations perhaps ever and would allow the team to run a six-man rotation of straight killers.
Clayton Kershaw andHyun-Jin Ryuhave struggled with health issues, Walker Buehler is a young arm that did just haveTommy JohnSurgery,Julio Uriasis coming off of shoulder surgery andRich Hillis a veteran that will gas eventually.
Running a six-man rotation would undoubtedly help each of these guys stay healthy, stay fresh and attack the postseason. Plus, the chances of this staff staying entirely healthy for a season is unlikely, Kluber is an added bonus.
Just imagine this rotation: Clayton Kershaw, Corey Kluber, Walker Buehler, Rich Hill, Hyun-Jin Ryu and Julio Urias. Sure, each guy would sacrifice around five starts but that small sacrifice could have huge dividends.
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