The starting rotation was expected to be a strength of the Los Angeles Dodgers this season, but injuries and inconsistent performances have made that an area of need as the MLB trade deadline on August 1 approaches.
The Dodgers have already been linked to several players, including Chicago White Sox right-hander Lucas Giolito, who almost certainly will be dealt in the coming weeks.
Another potential trade target is Shohei Ohtani, but it remains to be seen if the Los Angeles Angels will seriously consider offers for their two-way star. Ohtani is on track to become a free agent at the end of the 2023 season, and the Dodgers are among the favorites to sign him.
Milwaukee Brewers ace Corbin Burnes has also been loosely connected to the Dodgers since the past offseason. However, Brewers senior vice president and general manager Matt Arnold assured Burnes he will remain with the team at the trade deadline, via Adam McCalvy of MLB.com:
“He said he’s not trading me,” said Burnes. “They’re looking to add some pieces. Obviously the market we’re in, they’re going to do it responsibly and not trade off the farm system for one guy for two months.
“They obviously don’t tell us names of what they’re looking for or positions they’re looking for, but just knowing that hey, we’re not going to trade me, we’re not going to trade anyone that would put a huge dent in the team.”
The Brewers entered play Monday with a 52-42 record, which is good for first place in the weak National League Central. While the team has gone 7-3 in their last 10 games, they hold just a two-game lead over the surging Cincinnati Reds, and their run differential is -8.
Burnes would be a significant addition to the Dodgers’ staff as he is 8-3 with a 3.73, 4.08 FIP, 1.11 WHIP and 9.1 strikeouts per nine across 113.1 innings pitched this season (19 starts).
The 2021 NL Cy Young Award winner faces a final year of salary arbitration before potentially becoming a free agent after the 2024 season. The Brewers could always change course and field offers for Burnes at the deadline, but he is more likely to be traded this upcoming offseason.
Dodgers’ trade deadline needs
In addition to a starting pitcher, the Dodgers figure to explore deals for bullpen help and another right-handed hitter.
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