It\u2019s no secret Andrew Friedman will do anything and everything in his power to make the Los Angeles Dodgers a World Series contender on an annual basis.<\/p>\n
There have been numerous examples in which he\u2019s aimed to improve the ballclub prior to the trade deadline. Some instances have involved working on the fringes with minor moves. Other situations included big swings for all-star level talents.<\/p>\n
Whether it\u2019s unearthing a hidden gem, acquiring a reclamation project\/discarded player, or landing an established one, the odds are that Friedman will yet again make a move (or more) within the next couple of months.<\/p>\n
Most of the rumors have had L.A. associated with\u00a0Chicago White Sox outfielder Luis Robert\u00a0and \u2014 to a lesser extent \u2014\u00a0St. Louis Cardinals third baseman Nolan Arenado. Since both players have been analyzed ad nauseam, let\u2019s look at three other potential trade targets that could be attainable and realistic for the team.<\/p>\n
Kiner-Falefa would be an example of the Dodgers working on the fringes. Having said that, he does fit the archetype in what Friedman looks for in a player.<\/p>\n
For one, Kiner-Falefa has immense positional versatility \u2014 seemingly a prerequisite for any L.A. position player. He\u2019s currently the Pirates\u2019 starting shortstop, though the 2020 Gold Glove winner can also play third base, second base, and the outfield.<\/p>\n
Traditionally, Kiner-Falefa is also a guy who rarely strikes out.<\/p>\n
Possessing this level of flexibility plus having the ability to put the ball in play seems like a perfect fit for what the Dodgers want to do, as well as being a valuable chip to use in postseason play.<\/p>\n
Entering May 17, Kiner-Falefa is hitting a respectable .276 with a .673 OPS. He would likely be a rental given his contract is up at the end of the year. That could make him even more enticing for the Dodgers given the fact that it likely wouldn\u2019t cost all that much to procure the 30-year-old.<\/p>\n
At the very least, he\u2019d provide cover for\u00a0Mookie Betts, Hyeseong Kim,\u00a0Max Muncy, Tommy Edman \u2014 and would be an upgrade over\u00a0Chris Taylor.<\/p>\n
Granted, this is an out-of-left-field possibility. If you squint hard enough, there could be something here.<\/p>\n
Cleveland is notorious in not spending a ton of money. Depending on who you ask, the thought of re-signing Thomas to a multi-year deal might not sound all that appetizing from the Guardians\u2019 standpoint.<\/p>\n
He will be a free agent at season\u2019s end, and if they do plan on letting him walk, it would be prudent to nab something in return for him.<\/p>\n
This is where the Dodgers come in. L.A. is more than comfortable in taking on a rental assuming the player can help them inch closer to another World Series title.<\/p>\n
Thomas has been out since April 22 with a bone bruise on his wrist. Whether pressing with his impending free agency coming up, or simply a stretch of poor play, Thomas has been very bad in the early part of this year. In 45 at-bats, Thomas is hitting .156 with zero home runs and two runs batted-in.<\/p>\n