Los Angeles Dodgers: The positives of not signing Bryce Harper
By Jason Reed
2. The door remains open to make an outfield addition at the trade deadline
This might feel like a consolation prize to some fans and I totally get that logic. Adding a rental outfield option at the MLB Trade Deadline probably won’t be as talented as Bryce Harper, it is hard to deny that.
The only way the Dodgers can get better than Harper is if they land a big-name star at the deadline, like they did Manny Machado in 2018. The only thing is there really are not any big stars that seem to be poised on the trade block.
However, the Dodgers can still add a solid player to help a World Series push and as the year goes on it will become clear that the Dodgers might need another right-handed bat that can play in the outfield.
My personal favorite option is Nicholas Castellanos, who has the best batting average against southpaws in 2018. Castellanos would literally be the perfect bat to hit fifth between Cody Bellinger and Max Muncy.
The best part is he is on an expiring contract on a non-contending team. The Dodgers could easily package Joc Pederson with a prospect in the lower top-30 and get this deal done.
It would move Bellinger back to first and Muncy to second but a starting lineup that has Castellanos in it would be elite, even if he only plays against southpaws.
It might not be Bryce Harper but it is still positive.