Los Angeles Dodgers: Smartest trades to execute if not J.T. Realmuto
By Jason Reed
Do I think the Los Angeles Dodgers will pull the trigger on a trade for Corey 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 with Clayton Kershaw, and now Walker Buehler, already in the rotation.
More from LA Sports Hub
- Lakers: 5 Players to Target Through Trades to make another championship run
- LA Chargers: Week 8 against Denver Broncos is a must-win
- LA Rams: Jared Goff wants to keep the Los Angeles title streak going
- Lakers Rumors: Los Angeles Clippers interested in Rajon Rondo
- LA Chargers: Justin Herbert wins AFC Rookie of the Month
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 Kemp would 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 in Alex Verdugo, an elite pitching prospect in Dustin May, a mid-tier pitching prospect that thrived last season in Tony Gonsolin and a lower-tier pitching prospect with a ton of upside and good production in Andrew 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 and Hyun-Jin Ryu have struggled with health issues, Walker Buehler is a young arm that did just have Tommy John Surgery, Julio Urias is coming off of shoulder surgery and Rich Hill is 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.
Related Story. Potential suitors for Yasmani Grandal. light
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.