Dodgers pursuing Jose Berrios, Max Scherzer trades

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As the July 30 deadline approaches, the Dodgers are looking everywhere for starting pitching. According to Mike DiGiovanna of The Los Angeles Times, that includes efforts to acquire Washington Nationals ace Max Scherzer or Minnesota Twins starter José Berríos.

The Dodgers are pursuing such ace-caliber starters as Washington’s Max Scherzer, Minnesota’s José Berríos
and Colorado’s Germán Márquez as well as mid-rotation starters who can provide better depth over the final two months of the season.

MLB reporter Mike DiGiovanna on Los Angeles Dodgers’ trade targets

Scherzer might be the most difficult to acquire. While MLB rumors indicate the Nationals are open to moving him, there are complicating factors. Scherzer will be a free agent this offseason but is still owed $105 million in deferred salary from 2022-’28.

• Max Scherzer stats (2021): 2.83 ERA, 35.1 percent strikeout rate, .182 BAA, 0.89 WHIP

The three-time Cy Young Award recipient is willing to waive his 10-and-5 rights, allowing him to block a trade, if it means landing with a club that has a shot at winning the World Series. But with the Dodgers projected to be over the luxury tax line, acquiring him would cost prospects and significant money.

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Berríos, who is more likely to be kept past the deadline, is a more affordable target. He is under team control next season via arbitration, making him affordable and giving Los Angeles more long-term security. However, Minnesota is setting a high asking price to move him.

• José Berríos stats (2021): 3.48 ERA, 25.7 percent strikeout rate, .211 BAA, 1.04 WHIP

If the Dodgers can’t land either of their top targets, mid-rotation arms like Texas Rangers starter Kyle Gibson, Pittsburgh Pirates hurler Tyler Anderson and Colorado Rockies pitcher Jon Gray are realistic options.