The Dodgers announced today that they’ve activated Corey Seager from the injured list and optioned first baseman/outfielder Matt Beaty to Triple-A Oklahoma City. Seager, 25, will ultimately miss just under a month due to a strained left hamstring. He’ll now rejoin a Dodgers roster that recently welcomed David Freese back from the injured list and is set to get A.J. Pollock back as well. Los Angeles still has a 13.5 game lead on the second-place Diamondbacks and will likely be in an all-the-more commanding position with several key players back to full strength. However, the L.A. front office still has some work to do in the three weeks leading up to the trade deadline. Here’s a look at the latest chatter on the Dodgers…
- The Dodgers have “varying levels of interest in multiple Giants relievers,” writes MLB.com’s Jon Morosi. Unsurprisingly, Los Angeles harbor some degree of interest in each of Will Smith, Sam Dyson, Tony Watson and Reyes Moronta. That quartet likely appeals to the majority of contending clubs throughout the game, though, and there’s no indication within Morosi’s report that there are any substantive talks between the two sides. The Dodgers are loath to part with any of their top four prospects for a rental reliever, making Gavin Lux, Dustin May, Keibert Ruiz and their own Will Smith unlikely to change hands in any type of deal for one of San Francisco’s short-term assets.
- If the recent comments from Pirates GM Neal Huntington didn’t sufficiently quash the Dodgers/Felipe Vazquez connection, Morosi writes that Pittsburgh would require “at least two” of the four aforementioned top prospects (Lux, May, Smith, Ruiz) to headline a Vazquez deal. Between that and Huntington’s declaration that the team’s “expectation and anticipation is that Felipe will be closing out playoff games, be it this year or in the future with us,” it doesn’t seem wise to bank on Vazquez landing in Los Angeles (or anywhere else, for that matter).
- In a more high-level look at the Dodgers’ trade needs, Ken Gurnick of MLB.com points out that the Andrew Friedman-led Dodgers have not been a team that has been willing to deal away its very best prospects, making a high-profile acquisition of Smith, Brad Hand, Vazquez, etc. less likely than some trades to more affordably acquire some second-tier relievers on the market. He suggests that a reunion with Watson or Blue Jays righty Daniel Hudson is more plausible than a marquee splash. (To be clear, those are speculative examples listed by Gurnick rather than specific trades that the Dodgers are actively pursuing.)
- Hyun-Jin Ryu’s gamble on accepting the qualifying offer made by the Dodgers could prove one of the wisest decisions of the offseason, writes Jorge Castillo of the L.A. Times, who notes that Ryu is now positioned to cash in on a major contract (without the burden of draft compensation, as players can only receive one qualifying offer in their careers). Indeed, over his past 191 1/3 regular-season innings, Ryu has a 1.83 ERA with 8.8 K/9, 1.2 BB/9, 0.89 HR/9 and a 48.6 percent ground-ball rate. More broadly, Castillo’s column is a terrific look at the long road that Ryu took from intriguing high-school prospect coveted by the Dodgers and Twins to 2019 All-Star Game starter. Dodgers fans who have not previously familiarized themselves with Ryu’s path to stardom in the United States will want to be sure to give the story a read-through.
Joe Kelly has quietly been returning to form lately. That may make the Dodgers less inclined to deal for a high-leverage reliever.
They will still aquire some bullpen depth. 100%
Yep. I’m a Giants fan, but I honestly don’t see a trade between the two teams. Neither team is going to want to give an inch. Under the right circumstances it doesn’t matter to me if the Giants get equal or same value for their guys from the Dodgers or anyone else. I think Smith and Moronta are too much for Los Angeles and SF and just don’t see a discussion or deal being there.
Although, Watson and Dyson as a combo starting with Jeter Downs? I could see that. Both those pitchers are under team control through 2020. Don’t know how much you guys value Downs, but you guys already have Lux. The Giants would defiantly want more than just Downs, but Downs being the center piece would get it done. At least I think it’s fair value.
If you’re looking for blockbuster trades between the Giants and Dodgers then yes you are almost certainly right about it not being at all likely. But why look for blockbusters involving a lot moving parts when the Dodgers really have only the one critical need that the Giants can supply, and as a rental? That’s the kind of deal that could happen between the two teams.
Joe Kelly sucks
Stroman and Giles for Gordon and rooker
Two of the better pieces on the trade market while keeping your 4 best prospects…If that was a real offer I’m thinking Toronto doesn’t even counter because it is not close.
I don’t think it’s way out of line. Take a look at the Geritt Cole trade return for example.
Gerritt cole only had one good season his entire career when he got traded, and it was for highly regarded prospects and an mlb ready 3rd basemen in Colin Moran. Stroman has been up and down but has had several good years, him AND Giles are not gonna be had for a package headlined by nick gordon
This is a Dodgers article!!!!
It sure is a trip to see an all Dodger article and have a Giants as the picture. As far as the dealing goes I can only really see the two teams matching up on Dyson or Watson. The other 2 would require a high ranked prospect and I dont see Friedman doing that for SF and rightfully so.
…..Agreed,also I think the Giants selling out is highly overrated unless they can unload one of those Infield Contracts and unless a Team will give a Up a High Rated OF or Starter,it ain’t happening especially if they keep playing well
Ruiz, plus 2 more of the their top 5 prospects, plus 2 more of their top 6-10 prospects, plus two more lotto tickets and a roster player better start the offer for Vazquez or else laugh, yell at them and hang up the phone.
There is ZERO reason to trade a player that dominant, that cheap, who is under control for that long unless it alters your franchise.
None.
Lol
I doubt he’ll be traded. I also doubt any team will be willing to give up two guys of the the quality Pittsburgh wants for him.
Perfect.
Huntington is right to ask for the world, the moon, the sun and the stars for Vasquez and for all the reasons you stated above. Love how the fans of the pursing teams think their team should be able to offer scraps for the star that they want. Wonder what Dodger Dog thinks the Dodgers should ask for any of their star pitchers should another team ask? Bet he would also be LOLing if said team offered what he thinks the Dodgers should be,able to get,Vasquez for..
I Lol’d because 5 top 10 players is more than Chris Sale was traded for. The Brad Hand deal is probably the most comparable deal to what ANY team would give up. Should the Pirates trade him? Probably. Will they? Doubt it. But suggesting a team gut their farm for a reliver is squarely in the LOL zone.
Beyond you wanting him, can you name one reason why a team should trade a cheap, controllable All Star for anything less than a jaw dropping return?
I haven’t seen anyone actually offer a rational reason for why they should trade him, other than this sort of vague “because that’s what small market teams do, they trade their good players to the big market teams” vibe.
You could look at Edwin Diaz’ 2019 as an example of why. Good relievers don’t always stay good.
Pittsburgh will trade him, the only question is when. They will trade him when he it to expensive for them (ie cole). now, off season 2020 or 2021. His value will go down each year.
This seems to be what all Pirate fans are forgetting. Relief pitching is volatile. Lots of small sample size.
Hope they work a deal for Mr. Hand.
I asked you this on another thread but never received your answer, Suffer. Who closes for the Tribe in you trade Hand and how does trading Hand help us in 2019. I am not willing to give up on any season that we have Lindor.
don’t see Hand Happening, Cleveland is getting people back and may win division. But they might if they start losing again. next 3 weeks will tell.
Point taken. You obviously don’t think the pirates should trade Vasquez unless it’s for an extreme overpay. I assume you know that the dodgers don’t operate that way with what they view as their top prospects.
All of that established and settled…I’m curious to hear what you actually think Vasquez’s value truly is?
To be clear…Im talking about setting both of the organizations current circumstances aside and throwing an offer out there that you think would equal the value of what you think the pirates would get from FV the rest of his current contract.
I should also point out that I’m not asking because I’m trying to play gotcha. I’m just honestly curious to hear what you truly think of FV’s value and I’m also curious to hear what you think of some of the dodgers prospects.
I do get your question, but I don’t see a way to set aside an organizations circumstances in terms of assessing a player’s value. Those circumstances determine the player’s value.
A team with 3 All Star catchers surely values #3 less than a team with two lousy catchers, for example.
The Pirates circumstance is that they don’t get to keep elite players very often, because they either price themselves out or want to move on. In Vazquez, they have an elite player who is cheap, signed for years and wants to stay.
For what possible reason would they ever move that guy?
The offer would have to be such that keeping him would be insane.
Or if they had enough also elite bullpen arms to make him expendable. They do not.
Regarding the Dodgers prospects, all I know is what I read on Fangraphs. Ruiz is a 60 FV and a catcher. If there was ever a prospect I’d want to headline such a package…that would be it. The Pirates have nothing at catcher in their system. But, look at Mejia, it’s still a roll of the dice in exchange for a proven all star closer.
Pittsburgh could ask for Barnes and LA might give him up. they have 4 very good catcher in there system. I see Ruiz and Miller in LA in 2020.
I agree tolls. The number of teams in need of relief team amongst contenders is staggering.
5 out of top 10 farm teams need relief help Rays, Padres, Astros Dodgers & Twins
That’s not even including other contending teams like the Cubs, Phillies, & RedSox but their farms are lackluster at best
In other words, Dodgers should stay in the Vasquez talks just to raise the price for another team to acquire him.
He’s good. But not THAT good
Vazquez is a relief pitcher, correct? One of the best relief pitchers of this generation was not even signed until June. I seriously doubt that any organization is going to gut the system for a relief pitcher, no matter how good they might be.
I do not think General Managers value relievers as much as you do….
I bet you you’re one of the dudes who wanted him DFA or traded, and now that he’s doing well you’re jumping on the ship.
I’m not really sure which comment you’re referring to… but is this wrong? I want my team’s guys when they’re good, but not when they suck. Am I missing something? Is that not perfectly reasonable?
it’s completely unreasonable to think you can predict when a player can play well and then cry, whine, and otherwise yammer away when that player does poorly. What you’re missing is understanding of the human condition.
Good times.
What would Tigers require for Greene as a lower get than Vazquez?
Swap GMs? Please?!
Probably a significantly lesser value than what fans would assume.
Re: Ryu – I wonder what advice Boras gave him last offseason. I’m sure if he was pressing for a multiyear deal Ryu would have rejected. Seems like a big win for both.
extend RYU now or after season.
The Dodgers can pay up or shut up if they want any of the Giants relievers.
Keep them, we just need lefty depth. Not gonna give up the farm on bloated deadline prices. Best bet is to promote one of our own prospects to reinforce the bullpen.
Morantas, even though a righty, is under control for a bit, and he’s better then anyone on your LA reliever staff, Will Smith won’t be cheap either, and I’m sure neither team will deal to each other anyway. So your right, we will keep em and sell them to the highest bidder that isn’t a doyer!
Me thinks the risk of losing three World Series in a row says otherwise.
Keep thinking that and Giants will suck for s long time.
Won’t take much to get Daniel Hudson from the Jays. Maybe a young arm slightly better than the Alford deal.
Axford….not Alford. You want him? 🙂
Urias, Lux, and May should be Huntington’s demand.
Yea, why stop there? Add Verdugo too!
Dodgers are not gonna give up their top prospects for anyone. Especially for a RP no matter how good.
In the last 6-7 years they have refused to send away their top guys.
Lux is untouchable.
Lux Urias and May all untouchable lol. Fans are crazy thinking they getting traded lmao. Dodgers farm more than able to get a quality arm with one or two of Smith,Ruiz,Gonsolin, White, Peters, Rios, Alvarez headlining.
Crazy , no going to happen.
Moronta is not a short-term asset, and would require an incredible return. He’s a future closer that doesn’t even hit arb year 1 until 2021.
I wouldn’t be surprised if Dodgers checked in on Marcus Stroman. Rich Hill won’t be back till late Aug/Sep and who knows if he’s going to be ready for playoffs.
If Mets gonna trade Thor they should be checking in on that.. Ruiz,Gonsolin + 2-3 others otherwise check down on others lower like stroman
Dodgers nay be looking for 2020 players in addition to relief this year.
Shayne Green for a six pack of Budweiser and a Dodger Dog!
Zaidi better not help the Dodgers win a WS unless they give up one of those top 4 prospects.
…that not being how it works, at all.
I mean it kind of is
Actually, it kind of isn’t. The Giants are not going to give up a good trade opportunity based on the screwy theory that it might make it more difficult for the Dodgers to win a World Series. These people are in the baseball business, not the silliness business.
Your missing the point of my comment. What I meant is any of the Giants relievers are at least worth a Dodger top 4 prospect. Giving up one for less is a bad deal. AND YES providing the Dodgers with a stronger bullpen is helping their chances of winning a WS.
Now that you’ve clarified your point I see it, but I’m not sure I agree that any rental reliever the Giants have on offer is worth “at least” a top-4 prospect. In fact I doubt any of them are worth it. For the Dodgers that would be Ruiz, May, Lux, and the other Will Smith. I doubt anybody gives up that much for two months of a reliever. That’s the kind of price usually paid for a top of the rotation starter. Realistically it’s somebody further down the list.
Dodgers won’t do that, never have traded top prospects.
Good for them.
I am sure Zaidi (who is in his current position BECAUSE of the opportunity given him by the Dodgers Organization) harbors the same resentment and hatred feelings towards the Dodgers as Giants’ fans do…. LOL
I am sure he would be very happy to see the Dodgers win, as he still has friends and made a lot of positive connections with players in the organization. These are human beings, not robots, they do not turn on and off feelings they have towards actual people.
Not to mention he knows the Dodgers system quite well, I am sure he would be more confident plucking talent from the Dodgers system, than any other organization. A trade makes sense.
Right, he knows the guys he would be getting back better than guys from another org. I would think it makes a deal more likely, not less. That being said, I assume Zaidi is in no rush and would like the market to heat up, given that lots of teams with good farms need relief help.
Yeah!
Please don’t squash my hopes for a Will Smith for Will Smith trade. It’s all I have.
Lol squash everything I’ve seen and said myself…. this guy’s got it.
It’s criminal your comment is at the bottom, but it was also a riveting last second redemption for my faith in the MLBTR community.
F the bums
Haha…but Wait you’re thinking too small. What’s better than Will Smith x2? Will Smith now hitting for Will Smith… Pitching to Will Smith this inning is Will Smith. Will Smith’s pitch got by Will Smith…. What if Will Smith (rp) stays in a game? Due up this inning is Will Smith followed by Will Smith, or Will Smith is on deck followed by Will Smith’s spot……
I’d like to see the Dodgers get Yates