The Dodgers are expected to be very active prior to the July 30 trade deadline, as while Los Angeles still has the fourth-best winning percentage (.585) in baseball, the team is just 10-12 in its last 22 games. Injuries all over the roster have left L.A. with plenty of holes to fill, and the Dodgers are therefore casting a wide berth in exploring possible deadline pickups.
With starting pitching a particular need, Tigers right-hander Jack Flaherty is a Dodgers target, according to Evan Petzold of the Detroit Free Press. Nationals reliever Kyle Finnegan, Rays third baseman Isaac Paredes, Cubs second baseman Nico Hoerner, and Angels infielder Luis Rengifo have also received consideration, as per USA Today’s Bob Nightengale, since the Dodgers are trying to shore up both their bullpen and the infield.
Since Flaherty is a free agent after the season, he is one of the more obvious rental candidates available considering that the Tigers (despite some good recent play) are still only 52-54 and more on the outskirts of the AL wild card race. As noted by both Petzold and Nightengale, Detroit’s asking price for Flaherty is both high and somewhat straight-forward — teams will have to offer the Tigers something they deem more valuable than the compensatory draft pick the Tigers would receive this winter if Flaherty rejects the team’s inevitable qualifying offer and signs elsewhere.
The Dodgers’ rotation needs have somewhat lessened now that Tyler Glasnow is back from the injured list and Clayton Kershaw has made his season debut, but L.A. still has a whopping nine pitchers on the IL. Walker Buehler is on a Triple-A rehab assignment, though Yoshinobu Yamamoto’s timetable is still unclear, and Yamamoto will be out until late August at the earliest as he recovers from a triceps injury. Los Angeles did feel comfortable enough in its pitching depth to deal James Paxton to the Red Sox, but Flaherty is more of a front-of-the-rotation type that could conceivably start a playoff game.
Likewise, Finnegan could slot right into what has become something of a fluid late-game mix. Evan Phillips is still ostensibly the Dodgers’ top choice as closer, though his recent struggles have brought Daniel Hudson and Blake Treinen into the picture as save candidates. Manager Dave Roberts recently stated that Phillips could be deployed in any high-leverage situation late in games rather than specifically just the ninth inning, which opens the door for L.A. to solidify things by landing another experienced closer like Finnegan.
Since Finnegan is arbitration-controlled through 2025, he’d also be able to help Los Angeles next season in addition to this year’s playoff run. This extra year of control means that the Nationals would get an even nicer return by moving him at the deadline, though D.C. might consider waiting until the offseason to gauge offers if nobody steps up with an acceptable enough trade package by Tuesday. The Nats already got a good score in moving Hunter Harvey to the Royals earlier this month, and between the Harvey deal and yesterday’s trade of Jesse Winker to the Mets, Washington is clearly in sell mode.
The infield targets all come with varying degrees of control beyond just the 2024 season. Rengifo is arb-controlled through 2025, Paredes is arb-controlled through 2027 as a Super Two player, and Hoerner is signed through 2026 via the three-year, $35MM deal he inked prior to the 2023 season. That extension started this year, so Hoerner is owed roughly $3.9MM in salary for the rest of 2024, as well as $11.5MM in 2025 and $12MM in 2026.
Sticking with Hoerner, that is a decent-sized price tag for a Dodgers team already far over the highest tier of luxury tax penalization. In terms of both the actual salary and the added tax hit, Hoerner’s dollar value would come at more than double the size of his contract, as the Dodgers have an additional repeater penalty for exceeding the Competitive Balance Tax in each of the previous three seasons. This cost could be reduced if Los Angeles sent another contract to Chicago in return, or the Cubs could absorb more of Hoerner’s deal if the Dodgers improved the value of the trade package.
The latter scenario could involve better prospects, or perhaps more win-now types of players for a Cubs team that is still aiming to contend in 2025, even if 2024 is looking like a wash. Moving a reliable everyday player like Hoerner would be a bold move for the Cubs, yet for a team that has a good amount of middle infield depth, trading Hoerner could allow Chicago to upgrade in other areas.
A defensive standout at either middle infield position, Hoerner could give the Dodgers an answer to their shortstop woes, as both Mookie Betts and Miguel Rojas are injured. Installing Hoerner at short would allow Betts to play second base (or even move back to the outfield) when he is healthy, and Rojas and Gavin Lux would then assume depth roles. With Hoerner locked up through 2026, the Dodgers could then explore returning Betts back to right field altogether, or perhaps at least limit him to second base when he does get infield work.
Rengifo is a utility player who can play all over the diamond, though he doesn’t offer strong glovework at any position. The switch-hitter does bring more offense than Hoerner, and Rengifo has returned in seemingly good health after a three-week absence due to wrist inflammation. Perhaps the biggest obstacle to a Rengifo trade for the Dodgers would be the fact that the two L.A. teams are infrequent trade partners. Ironically, Rengifo was part of an infamously scuttled trade between the Angels and Dodgers in February 2020, which reportedly left Halos owner Arte Moreno upset at the idea of ever again doing business with his local rivals.
Conversely, the Rays and Dodgers have lined up on several trades over the years, including the blockbuster deal that sent Glasnow to Los Angeles just this past offseason. This could help the Dodgers in working out a Paredes trade, who would likely play third base with Max Muncy’s recovery from an oblique strain still up in the air. Since Muncy is signed through at least 2025 and Paredes would be a longer-term addition, one of the two could likely be moved to second base in 2025, which also helps the Dodgers’ middle infield picture to some extent. The Rangers, Astros, and Mariners are among the other teams who have been linked to Paredes in recent rumors, though intriguingly, Nightengale writes that the Yankees and Dodgers are in a “bidding war” over the All-Star infielder.
These two would make the most sense:
Kyle Finnegan: – The Dodgers need bullpen help, especially in high-leverage situations. Finnegan could provide stability as either a closer or in other critical late-game roles. His extra year of control makes him valuable for both this season and next.
Isaac Paredes – With Max Muncy’s injury and the Dodgers’ need for infield depth, Paredes would be a strong addition. His ability to potentially play second base in the future provides flexibility, and his longer-term control aligns with the Dodgers’ needs beyond 2024.
Paredes might bring back the largest return this deadline. He has a pretty strong market. If the dodgers do land him I wonder if they would trade even more prospects still for crochet. I’m sure they could get both but that would be very taxing on their system. Specially if they also got finnegan.
I wouldn’t had guessed the dodgers would have so many needs at the deadline when the season started.
They have to trade their highly rated catchers at some point because they aren’t going to get playing time with will smith on a 10 year deal
I agree with both, and also add the need for a starter. It appears that Skubal is unobtainable and Crochet’s demands border on the unreasonable. Flaherty would appear to be the best option, but Friedman most always surprises. He needs to work that magic again. I wouldn’t expect Muncy back in 2024, so Paredes would be an excellent answer at third, and the bullpen desperately needs reinforcements. Can’t really count on Graterol and Brasier to be the shutdown relievers they were in 2023, at least not this year.
Send Evan Philips to the IL please. Dude was very inconsistent this year
Is there a legitimate reason to send him to the IL?
Because you do know that IL rules were changed based on the Dodgers throwing inordinate sums of money at injured players and rotating them through the IL with “phantom injuries”.
Can’t just send a guy to the IL because he’s inconsistent.
And yet it was Billy Eppler that got the one year ban for doing this.. Hmmm
This year, yes, because the rules were changed after the Dodgers did it for years. Eppler thought he could be slick and get away with it, and got the appropriate punishment.
The Dodgers abused the IL system to the point that rules had to be changed and Eppler got himself called out under those new rules; two things can be true at the same time.
Crochet, Robert Jr and Skubal nowhere to be mentioned. Pretty hefty pumping of the brakes.
Skubal likely isn’t going to be traded. Sounds like the market for Robert isn’t all that strong so he prob doesn’t get traded.
Crochet’s market has hit a bit of snag with his extension demands.
All could still be dealt but less likely today than even a week ago.
Robert has been awful this season and you’re lucky to get 90 games a year out of him.
Think we will see some heavy action the next 48 hours or so. Especially teams in the NL…dodgers, padres, braves, cards, brewers, Mets, dbacks and perhaps the pirates all likely to make a move or several.
Not a ton of sellers in the market just yet. Will be interesting to see what the giants and tigers decide to do. Also how much will the jays and rays trade off.
So far there haven’t been any high end prospects traded. That could change depending on who is available.
I’m ready to see some heavy action.
I can understand the discussion of Hoerner getting traded, if only because of Matt Shaw is getting closer to Chicago. And if the return was a young catcher who could help soon at the MLB level – I’d be all for it.
It sure would make more sense than suggestions from some baseball savants, of moving Steele or Imanaga.
Could easily slide Morel to second next year if Shaw is called up and would rather have his bat on a rookie contract than Hoerner, as much as I appreciate Hoerner’s game if Jed can get a good return do that all day.
Agree 16. Second basemen and corner OFers are positions of depth in the Cubs system. I appreciate Hoerner as well. But IMO, he as well as Happ or Suzuki are people with value, who could be replaceable by long term in-house talent. Or in the shorter term by someone like Morel, until people like Shaw or Triantos or Rojas are ready. Or OFers like Caissie or Alcantara.
Proven quality, controllable LH SPs, are who you keep.
Hoerner is a fantastic piece that can play Exceptional SS and 2B. But I could move him if it meant getting one of the Dodgers stud catching prospects and some other pieces because he’s worth a lot. And like you said, 2B is probably the deepest position in the Cubs system if not SS. I would be in favor of moving Morel also and then try to get a short term 3B in FA this off season. I still think that the Cubs have the prospects to get McMahon from the Rockies and would be the perfect short term fix.. The Dodgers have a lot of C’s backing up behind Will Smith who is one of the best in the game and it seems the perfect match for a trade because Smith is still pretty young and not going anywhere. I’d even toss in a reliever to sweeten the return. It would stink losing Nico who is total class but as the old saying goes you have to give something to get something. An eventual IF of McMahon, Swanson, Triantos-Shaw and Busch is pretty solid IMO. Hopefully Smith arrives to replace McMahon someday if he starts to falter.
Morel won’t be sliding anywhere other than in Tampa Bay
Paredes-Swanson- Hoerner-Busch works for me too.
Flaherty, Foley and Urshela fit the Dodgers needs. Rushing heads the package going back the other way. Flaherty and Foley won’t come cheap. One stop shopping.
Foley and Urshela have very little value. Foley doesn’t strike anybody out but still walks plenty considering the low K% and doesn’t even get that many ground balls considering the other flaws.
Foley has lots of value. Urshela not so much.
Flaherty, yes, but I’d pass on Gio and Foley if Rushing is involved. Would rather have Rushing head the package for Paredes. Better relief options out there (Finnegan and Fairbanks) than Foley. However, if Friedman takes too much time, those options will be gone to Arizona, San Diego, Philadelphia, Baltimore, or the Yankees.
There is talk that the Tigers could get Rushing in a Flaherty package just by himself.
Tigers don’t need a catcher/DH. Have Dingler waiting at AAA
If Dinglers hitting holds up when he gets to MLB. Rushing plays 1B as well and who knows what will happen with Tork.
Chris, please wake up. Time to do your job.
Would be sad to see Nico go but have thought for a while that LA might be interested. I wonder if LA would trade one of their top catching or pitching prospects. Cubs probably have to eat a portion of Nico’s contract. Thankfully the farm has both Triantos and Shaw in case, though their defense is not as strong. Gonna be crazy the next so many days. Mahalo
I’m thinking with my heart here. Although trading Hoerner would be a bold and practical move that could net done great pieces, it would devastate this old Cub fan. I haven’t liked a particular Cub on or off the field since Ryno, but Nico to me is the guy. He would be the heir to the Face of the Franchise, something that Rizzo was. It’s a huge thing that front offices don’t seem to care about. Yes, we the fans like winning and like championships, but this old guy likes his TEAMS more. Especially since we don’t win the chips so much. I need someone to root FOR where the means will justify the ends instead of the other way around.
I appreciate Nico’s game, but he is not going to be the face of the franchise. With Shaw nearly ready it’s actually a perfect time to cash in on Hoerner and save ~$11M next year. If he can bring back a good return.
Cheers for the name on the front of the jersey and not the name on the back.
I like the idea of Finnegan and Hoerner they seem like Friedman type moves
Lux has been the Dodger’s best player in the last 3 weeks or so and has been playing decent D at 2B. I don’t think don’t think bumping him down is a top team need anymore. Adding to the infield probably means more about the extent of Muncy’s and Betts’ injuries. But after the last few months, bullpen has emerged as a concern almost as big as starting pitching.
Exactly, Lux has solidified himself at 2B and adding Ahmed relieves some of the pressure to make a SS move. Moving Lux back to SS is also an option. I suspect Mookie gets some time in RF at least initially when he comes back. The continuing problem is 3B.
Flaherty-Bobby Miller + lotto ticket.
Dingler is destroying the minors so Rushing is less of a positional need.
Bobby Miller would practically net Skubal by himself. Has tons of control left in terms of years and was a stud just last year. Would be a huge overpay for two months of Flaherty.
That’s nonsense, Bobby Miller is not worth Skubal.in any demented world,
Can never have too much catching. Rogers is as much to credit for the pitching in Detroit as their pitching coach, but with his bat, I don’t see him being extended.
It might be time to make a deal. Before the player or players your trying to get are off the board then your left with table scraps.
Maybe Harris is still miffed E-Rod made a fool of him, but remember, the Dodgers also had a hand in that. So Flaherty comes to Detroit and Fetter can now claim he resurrected a pitcher…really the only example of that amid the TJ surgeries and various other injuries to his pitchers. He’s not alone in pitching injuries but let’s not call him a genius, capiche? Since Flaherty has lower back issues and has rebounded from them, what really is the point in trading him? To prove they can? Why not keep him, tell Boras he’s already made plenty off the Ilitch family, and sign Jack to a 3 year @ $15M a year deal with good bonus money if he pitches well? He likes Detroit, likes his mates, likes the HUGE outfield and stellar defense. How about Chris maybe looking at the fan loyalty shown, and telling Harris to trade some of the TIGER assets for a real bat and keep trying for
a playoff spot THIS year. Not all of us are promised a 2025 season.
Why not trade Flaherty, get some quality offensive prospects, and then sign him in the off season? That way you keep JF, get the offensive upgrade you need, and don’t have to deal any Tiger assets. They’re close but not a serious post season threat in 2024. Agreed, though, time for Chris to make more serious investments he’s been costing on awful teams for 8 years.
A player dealt at the trade deadline makes new pals, has new experiences, new fans, a new city. They rarely return to where they came from and were traded away from, disrupting their lives and families.
$15 million a season for 3 years isn’t going to be enough. A commitment past that is just too risky at the moment for the Tigers. I’d imagine he wants 4 years at $100 million and he’s pitching like it,.
Nah, my offer, remember the incentives money, will do the trick with Jack. Of course he could throw a no-no, win 3 games in a series, all kinds of scenarios the new team might want to pay him big money for but that’s not going to happen with him.
Nico Hoerner is “on the block”?
As a Nico fan I’d hate to see him go but understand his value and ROI on a trade. If we’re trading him to LA let’s soak them. He’s under control for two more years and his potential is still mostly untapped. I’d want Rushing or Cantaya and/or one of those stud RHP they have in the minors. Eat some of the contract if you have to to improve the haul, but you don’t deal him just to make a move and let LA bully you. You don’t have to trade him – he isn’t the problem with this lineup. Make them sting if they want him.
Nico better return a good haul at 2 reasonable years left as a 4+ WAR a year player. What worries me about that trade tho is if Swanson gets hurt like he did earlier in the year…
Surprised to not see Yusei Kukuchi’s (probably spelled wrong) name here
With the Othani connection, more sample than Flaherty, very strong season (5th in strike outs for a lefty), and when he pitched against nl clubs he seemed to really give them trouble this year.
Tigers need starting pitching. I understand Jack Flaherty is a valuable trade piece, however the Tigers haven’t been competitive for years. Sign Flaherty, not trade him.
Yep, they got him, why let him go when both sides are happy?
I feel like the past additions from the Dodgers weren’t forecasted all that much…maybe Scherzer was presumed but not with Turner.
This is a really tough deadline for them- there hasn’t been much reliable info on the injury front to provide clarity on Muncy, Yamamoto or Graterol. Getting a combo of those people back along with Betts puts the dodgers in pretty solid shape along with either Buehler or Miller coming back in a #4 type role.
Dodgers have a ton of pitchers coming back next year- so I have to figure some prospects/current young rostered pitcheds are being showcased and sent off together for 1 really solid pitcher with a year or two left.
Next years rotation: Ohtani, Glasnow, Yamamoto, Cat daddy is back, More than likely Kershaw… this doesn’t include River, stone, may, knack, miller and the young lefty who has been pitching solid as well for his first 4 starts. I have to imaging knack, the lefty and probably river are packaged for a #2 with a few years left of control (add in one of the catching prospects)… lots over very good and controllable talent.
Ok- I’m going to throw out a different option…. Dodgers get Hunter green and India for a pile package of prospects
Bunch of arm chair GMs here. Gotta love it
Mookie Betts might return to the outfield if rentals are added, but I do believe the plan still is to have Mookie at second for the long term. Reducing wear and tear on him should still be the goal.
Wake me up Tuesday afternoon. That’s when Friedman will be doing his deals….
My predictions: Flaherty goes to the Dodgers or Milwaukee. Skubal ends up going to the O’s on a deal that gets them Holliday or Mayo not both w/McDermott & 3 lowery tier prospects at AA A+ A so 5 prospects. O’s wasting Burnes would be criminal & those recent trades are solid for the playoffs but it doesn’t beat Phillies in the World Series!
Skubal would cost Baltimore more than both Holliday and Mayo or it would already have happened.
Why is Drury getting playing time for the Angels anymore? He does absolutely nothing for them and single-handedly lost the game against the A’s on Sunday for the Angels. Just play Rengifo at 2nd and Rendon at 3rd and let Drury ride the bench where he belongs.
Damn. Angels lost today?
@ Mark Polishuk
For future reference, it’s “cast a wide net” and “give a wide berth.” The first means trying to draw more in; the second is sort of the opposite, meaning to carefully leave a lot of space between two things.
Bidding war for Rengifo?