The Los Angeles Dodgers might be the best team in baseball, but that doesn’t mean they’re perfect. Even with one of the most talented rosters ever assembled, there are still holes to fill.
The biggest concern? Staying healthy on the mound.
It’s tough enough when you’ve got injury-prone guys like Blake Snell and Tyler Glasnow anchoring your rotation. Then Glasnow gets hurt again on Wednesday, and suddenly you’re wondering how realistic a three-peat really is.
That’s where the trade market comes in. There might be some solid arms available that won’t cost the Dodgers their top prospects.
Wacha Makes Sense
According to Robert Murray of FanSided, one name to watch is Michael Wacha. Murray didn’t specifically connect the Dodgers to the veteran right-hander, but it’s a move that makes plenty of sense.
“Wacha’s teammate, Kris Bubic, will get most of the headlines because he’s on an expiring contract. But Wacha will also draw plenty of interest if the Kansas City Royals are out of contention at the deadline.”
Here’s what makes Wacha appealing: he’s not flashy, but he’s reliable. The 34-year-old has posted four straight seasons with an ERA in the 3s, and this year is no different with a 3.05 ERA through seven starts.
What’s even better? He’s signed through 2027 on a three-year, $51 million deal. That kind of controllability makes him attractive, especially for a team like the Dodgers that’s built for sustained success.
The Trade-Off
The only potential hang-up is whether Los Angeles wants to commit to a pitcher who isn’t an ace and has multiple years left on his contract. They’re already paying big money to other starters, and adding Wacha’s salary might complicate things.
But when you’re dealing with the injury concerns they’ve had, having a dependable arm like Wacha in the rotation could be exactly what they need. Sometimes the best move isn’t the flashiest one – it’s the one that keeps you competitive when everything else falls apart.
If the Royals fall out of contention by July, don’t be surprised if the Dodgers come calling on Wacha. It’s the type of under-the-radar move that could make all the difference come October.
