The 2024 MLB trade deadline is quickly approaching, and the Los Angeles Dodgers once again find themselves looking to improve their club for both the stretch run and October.
So far, they have primarily been linked to starting pitchers and outfielders, looking to add impact at both positions. However, in the recent days, the bullpen and infield depth have both become areas of concern for the club.
Injuries to Mookie Betts, Max Muncy, Miguel Rojas and Chris Taylor have weakened the Dodgers’ depth in the infield significantly, and it remains to be seen if Muncy will return this year.
With the need for an infielder so prevalent now, the Dodgers are trying to acquire Isaac Paredes from the Tampa Bay Rays, but face competition from the New York Yankees, according to Bob Nightengale of USA Today:
The Tampa Bay Rays have a nice bidding war going between the Dodgers and Yankees for Paredes.
Paredes has been having a strong season, representing the Rays in the All-Star Game while hitting .247/.355/.438 with 16 home runs, 55 RBI, 41 runs scored and a 130 wRC+.
Last year, Paredes had a breakout season, batting .250/.352/.488 with 31 home runs, 98 RBI, 71 runs scored and a 137 wRC+, totaling 4.3 WAR.
At just 25-years-old, he is under team control through the 2027 season, but becomes arbitration eligible this upcoming offseason.
Primarily a third baseman, Paredes has experience at all four infield spots, adding 456.2 innings at second base, 395.2 innings at first base and 49.2 innings at shortstop.
However, he has only played the corner infield spots this season, and most of his time at shortstop came in 2021.
The cost to acquire Paredes would be significant due to his talent, versatility and team control, but he would be a nice acquisition for a Dodgers team that is badly in need of infield help.
Isaac Paredes interest signals concern about Max Muncy?
With the Dodgers’ interest in Paredes, it could possibly show their true level of concern with Muncy, who continues to be limited in his rehab process due to an oblique injury.
While Paredes has experience at other positions, he is best suited for the hot corner, and first base is of course blocked by Freddie Freeman.
The Dodgers have not ruled out Muncy from returning and publicly insist he will return, but that could also be a negotiating tactic to not give other teams leverage. However, that is speculation, but one gaining sentiment.
In the base case scenario where Muncy does return, that would likely slide Paredes to second base, where Gavin Lux has drastically improved in the recent weeks.
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