The Los Angeles Dodgers returned from the All-Star break to a demoralizing sweep at the hands of the Milwaukee Brewers and they’re running out of time to right the ship.
With the trade deadline just a few days away, the Dodgers seem set on upgrading their bullpen with an addition or two after suffering several injuries and setbacks so far this season in the relief corps.
But the team might also look to answer the disappointing play of outfield addition Michael Conforto through a surprising trade with the Minnesota Twins.
Katrina Stebbins of Dodgers Way floated a trade package of prospects Zyhir Hope and Jackson Ferris “should get Byron Buxton out of Minnesota.”
“No. 2 prospect Zyhir Hope and No. 4 prospect Jackson Ferris — both of whom came over in the Michael Busch trade with the Cubs — would solve some problems for the Twins’ prospect depth,” Stebbins wrote.
Buxton, who is in the fourth year of a $100 million contract with the Twins, has been enjoying a healthy and productive season, with 22 homers already. He’d mark an immediate upgrade over Conforto in the outfield and provide a needed boost to a batting order that has struggled lately. And with the Twins exploring a sale of the franchise, they could be jettisoning some pieces at the trade deadline.
However, Buxton has vowed to leverage his no-trade clause to block any deal that might send him out of Minnesota this season. Stebbins acknowledged that in her scenario, though she believes this Dodgers prospect package could be hefty enough to motivate a change of heart.
“That definitely makes it seem like Buxton would immediately shoot down any mention of a trade without further consideration, but if the Dodgers really wanted him, they could throw a package at the Twins that would have the front office practically begging Buxton to reconsider,” she added.
Buxton seems like a longshot as a trade upgrade for Conforto, but if the Dodgers are really willing to part with some top prospect talent, they could be one of the only teams Buxton would be open to joining.
