Dodgers Rumors: Top 3 Relievers LA Should Targets at the Deadline
Before June 20th, the Dodgers had a poor bullpen, which is uncharacteristic for the team since moving from Brooklyn to Los Angeles. Since then, the Dodger bullpen has been fantastic, even against teams with terrific offenses.
Nevertheless, with the Dodgers in contention for another division title, the Dodgers should add another reliever before the trading deadline. Going into the postseason, teams can’t have too strong of a bullpen. Unless the Dodgers acquire a starter, they have a weak starting rotation, and they need relievers who can come in and put out the fire.
Since the Dodgers don’t have an experienced closer, and they lost the closest thing they had to one when Daniel Hudson went down with another knee injury, they should try to acquire one before August 1st.
The Padres are seemingly out of the playoff race even though pitcher Blake Snell thinks they are buyers. They need cash after their television deal went up in smoke and prospects after the Juan Soto deal with the Washington Nationals. The likelihood of the Padres trading with the Dodgers is slim.
At any rate, here's a look at three relievers LA should look at picking up at the deadline.
Josh Hader San Diego Padres – After having a bad 2022 season, the left-hander is back dominating everyone. He has a 0.97 ERA and 24 saves.
David Robertson New York Mets – This 15-year veteran is having a marvelous year while the rest of the Mets’ bullpen has toiled. His 2.13 ERA and 13 saves have been good, and his pitching style compliments the rest of the Dodger bullpen.
Scott Barlow Kansas City Royals - This right-handed Californian is having a mediocre season. However, the Royals are the second worst team in the major leagues. His pitch mix baffles the opposing hitters. With some refinement from the Dodger coaching staff, Barlow could be a real find for the Dodgers. In the recent past, the Royals took cash for their players.
While the Dodger bullpen has improved greatly, the Dodgers need a reliever or two to assure them a deep run in the postseason.
