The Los Angeles Dodgers’ need for starting pitching grew exponentially when Zack Greinke agreed to a landmark six-year, $206.5 million contract with the Arizona Diamondbacks.
Los Angeles responded by reportedly agreeing to terms with Hisashi Iwakuma. Since then, the Dodgers have continued to be linked to other starting pitchers.
Miami Marlins ace Jose Fernandez represents the most intriguing trade option. While Miami has publicly stated they aren’t inclined to deal the 23 year old, it’s believed they’d be moved to do so for the right haul.
According to Jon Heyman of CBS Sports, the Dodgers are considering sending Miami a trade package that’s headlined by top pitching prospect Julio Urias:
The Dodgers are thought to be adamant about keeping young shortstop Corey Seager, but someone with knowledge of the situation said they are at least having discussions about deals that would involve top young pitching prospect Julio Urias in a large package of young players.
While the Dodgers are said to be in talks with the Marlins, the Houston Astros may also be part of the equation, via ESPN’s Jayson Stark:
An unidentified fourth team is making a “very strong” bid to trade for Miami Marlins ace Jose Fernandez, sources told ESPN. Other clubs say they believe that mystery team is the Houston Astros, but neither team would confirm that Tuesday morning.
Miami previously asked the Dodgers for shortstop Corey Seager, Urias and outfielder Scott Van Slyke, among others.
Urias spent the majority of last season with Double-A Tulsa, though also received two starts with the Oklahoma City Dodgers. His year was interrupted by elective eye surgery that forced the young lefty to miss one month.
In 13 starts for the Drillers, Urias was 3-4 with a 2.77 ERA, 1.00 WHIP and had 74 strikeouts to 15 walks in 68.1 innings. He threw 87.2 innings over 25 games (20 starts) with High-A Rancho Cucamonga in 2014.
Fernandez made 11 starts last season after returning from a May 2014 Tommy John surgery. He went 6-1 with a 2.92 ERA, 2.24 FIP, 1.16 WHIP, 79 strikeouts and 14 walks over 64.2 innings.
Dating back to 2014, the Dodgers have largely considered Joc Pederson, Seager and Urias off limits in trade talks.
