The Los Angeles Dodgers sit atop MLB with the best record in baseball, and their farm system’s loaded with talent. That’s a pretty good combination heading into trade deadline season.
As back-to-back World Series champions, Dave Roberts’ club doesn’t really need much. The roster’s already packed with former MVPs and All-Stars who know how to win when it matters.
But there’s always room for improvement, especially on the pitching side.
Bleacher Report’s Kerry Miller thinks the Dodgers could use some extra depth while they wait for key arms to get healthy.
“If the Dodgers need anything, it’s some pitching depth as they wait for Blake Snell and Tyler Glasnow to get healthy. And between their loaded farm system and their seemingly limitless payroll, they’re well-positioned to land whoever ends up being the most valuable player moved at the deadline.”
Miller suggests it might not be Tarik Skubal, but it could be Freddy Peralta.
That’s where things get interesting. Skubal’s probably staying put with the Detroit Tigers given their hot streak before the All-Star break. The reigning AL Cy Young Award winner’s trade deadline fate really comes down to how Detroit performs over the next two weeks.
Peralta’s a different story entirely.
The Milwaukee right-hander isn’t having his strongest season, but the Brewers are obvious sellers and he’s a pending free agent. It would surely take a lot less to acquire Peralta than Skubal – that’s just basic trade deadline economics.
What makes this situation perfect for Los Angeles is they’re not afraid to move prospects to improve the major league roster. Andrew Friedman has shown that repeatedly during his time as president of baseball operations.
The returns of Glasnow and Snell might be enough depth for most teams. But when you’re defending back-to-back championships, there’s always the temptation to add one more piece that could make the difference in October.
