Los Angeles Dodgers president of baseball operations Andrew Friedman made his intentions crystal clear over the offseason:
“My goal is to not buy in July. … My goal is to do everything we can right now to not buy in July. It is terrible.”
Credit to Friedman, he did in fact do everything he could to make that happen.
Unfortunately for him, it wasn’t enough.
Despite spending a combined $107 million to sign relievers Tanner Scott, Kirby Yates and Blake Treinen in free agency, the Dodgers are “expected to pursue bullpen help” at the trade deadline, according to The Athletic’s Ken Rosenthal.
Scott, who signed a four-year, $72 million deal this offseason, has been the biggest disappointment in the bullpen, blowing a league-high seven saves while sporting a 4.09 ERA. He’s allowed eight home runs, which is tied for fifth-most among relievers in MLB this season.
Yates, who signed a one-year, $13 million deal, hasn’t been much better. He has a 3.90 ERA with five home runs allowed in 27.2 innings. He has two blown saves and three losses.
Thus, between the struggles of Scott and Yates, along with the injuries to multiple members of the bullpen, the Dodgers are yet again in the market to add at the deadline — whether Friedman wants to or not.
Which Relievers Will Dodgers Target at Trade Deadline?
The Dodgers have already been linked to the Minnesota Twins, who have multiple relievers who could be of interest to LA. Jhoan Duran (1.66 ERA in 43.1 innings), Griffin Jax (3.92 ERA in 41.1 innings) and Brock Stewart (2.45 ERA in 29.1 innings) could fill a major hole in the team’s bullpen, which ranks tied for 23rd in MLB with a 4.38 ERA.
The Dodgers have also been linked to a blockbuster move for Cleveland Guardians closer Emmanuel Clase, who is having a “down year” with a 2.91 ERA and 20 saves in 43.1 innings. Last year, he had a 0.61 ERA with 47 saves over 74.1 innings.
Other names linked to LA over the past couple months include Tampa Bay Rays right-hander Pete Fairbanks (2.75 ERA in 36 innings) and St. Louis Cardinals closer Ryan Helsley (3.27 ERA in 33 innings), among others.
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