Dodgers GM Provides Insight on How LA Approached 2023 Trade Deadline
The Dodgers were active at the trade deadline, making moves to acquire five players who have been instrumental in their dominant August. Since the Aug. 1 trade deadline, LA has lost just three of their 20 games played.
Many of the players the Dodgers acquired were not popping off of the box score when their season stats were compared to those excelling in their respective positions. Dodgers general manager Brandon Gomes told J.P. Hoornstra of the Orange County Register that the front office read between the lines when deciding what players to pursue.
“The guys we acquired … it’s looking at their true talent level,” General Manager Brandon Gomes said, “like the Kikés and Lance Lynns and Joe Kellys, their numbers statistically were not indicative of how talented they are. It’s sifting through that, getting coaches’ perspectives, other players’ perspectives, how they would fit into different roles, the clubhouse culture and doing what we’re looking to accomplish, which is winning the World Series every year.”
Kiké Hernandez is a prime example. Since returning to the Dodgers, he is hitting .282 compared to his .222 with the Red Sox in 2023. He also has almost a third as many hits in over 220 fewer at-bats.
Relief pitcher Lance Lynn also fits the narrative. In four appearances with the Dodgers this season, he holds a 1.44 ERA and a 0.88 WHIP after a less-than-ideal start to the season with the White Sox.
“You’re making an educated bet,” Gomes continued. “You don’t really know how it will play out. It’s a lot easier to bet on somebody when you’re able to take the human factor in. We’re more willing to pour resources into a player who has a really good reputation.”
As the Dodgers look to win the NL West by a comfortable margin, their newly-acquired pieces will prove integral to their hopes at a championship run.
