Dodgers Rumors: Examining LA's Top Potential Pitching Trade Targets

Who makes sense for the Dodgers to target?

The MLB trade deadline is quickly approaching as August 1 will be here sooner than we realize. With the new expanded postseason format, more teams than ever may look to be competitive and go for the chance to reach the playoffs. After all, baseball playoffs are anything but a certainty and anyone who gets in has a chance to go on a run.

Unfortunately for teams looking to buy this season, there may not be a ton of options available. Many people around the game have mentioned that this could be a very underwhelming trade deadline but for the Dodgers, they need some help.

MLB insider Jim Bowden at The Athletic mentioned some names of pitchers that he could see becoming available over the next few weeks. The Dodgers desperately need help both in the starting rotation and bullpen so here are some intriguing names from his list that could make sense for LA.

Starting Pitchers

Jack Flaherty, Cardinals

With the Cardinals sitting at the bottom of the NL Central, they could look to sell off some pieces. Flaherty could be one of those players. He owns an ERA of 4.64 in 14 starts, but over his last three starts before he was roughed up on Tuesday against the Giants, he had allowed just two runs in 18.1 innings. His stuff on the mound can be nasty and the Dodgers could easily work with him to keep up the positive results. 

Flaherty is scheduled to be a free agent this winter so St. Louis may elect to get something for him. The Dodgers could then see what he has and possibly retain him in the offseason if the pairing works out. This could be a really nice option for Los Angeles if St. Louis is willing to move him.

Marcus Stroman, Cubs

Now this is one that could cost the Dodgers more than others. Stroman is in the midst of a very solid season, posting an ERA of 2.42 over 14 starts. He has been lights out for Chicago this season and while the two sides have mutual interest in staying together, if the team starts to flame out, he could be moved. This is likely the highest value that the Cubs will have with Stroman so they may choose to move him now. 

He has one more season left on his contract at $21 million so the Dodgers could elect to go and get him to ensure some flexibility for the winter. Stroman could settle in as a number three starter for this team and provide some real help in the rotation. 

Eduardo Rodriguez, Tigers

Rodriguez is currently dealing with an injury to his left index finger and likely will return sometime in July. So the Dodgers grabbing him could be out of the question due to all their other pitching injuries. But this move screams Andrew Friedman — getting a guy who is hurt that has great stuff on the mound. 

Rodriguez is currently having a career year with his 2.13 ERA over 12 starts for the Tigers. Before he got hurt, he was one of the AL CY Young award frontrunners and could provide some spark to the Dodgers rotation. He is eligible to opt out of his current deal at the end of the season and likely will, provided that he is healthy and keeps up the strong production. Like Stroman, this is likely the highest value that Rodriguez may have so Detroit may elect to move him before it's too late.

Bullpen Options

Scott Barlow and Aroldis Chapman, Royals

Kansas City could be one of the only real sellers this deadline and they have some nice bullpen options. Chapman will likely have a high price that the team may not want to pay but Barlow is interesting. He holds a 4.38 ERA on the season but could provide the team with another option to help stop the bleeding in the bullpen.

Kendall Graveman, White Sox

While Graveman may not be the reliever from the White Sox that Dodger fans want, he could be one of the best options. The veteran pitcher is holding down a 2.86 ERA for Chicago and has been one of their better options out of the pen. He has six saves on the season and could provide some nice depth to a struggling Dodgers relief system. 

Justin Lawrence, Rockies

Another interesting option could be Justin Lawrence from Colorado. He holds an ERA of 3.08 and has 38 strikeouts in 38 innings pitched. The side-armed pitcher just knows how to punch opponents out and could be lethal for the Dodgers. The biggest hurdle would be whether or not the Rockies would be open to trading him in the division. My guess would be no but there is always a price. 

JLaw defying physics 🤯 pic.twitter.com/Xvg8vg5zHH

— Colorado Rockies (@Rockies) March 31, 2023

No matter where the Dodgers look, they just need help pitching wise. Friedman and company know what's at stake here, and moves need to be made to turn this team into a true contender. It'll be interesting to see who the team goes after because with them, you just never know. Expect some move to be made but it just remains to be seen what exactly.