The Los Angeles Dodgers are currently positioned to comfortably secure another postseason spot, but have far larger goals by the end of the season.
They have one of the best records in baseball and are in a National League West division that has been one of the weakest in baseball in 2024.
However, the way the team has been playing the last couple weeks has left a lot to be desired, culminating in an ugly series against the Philadelphia Phillies.
Some of the reasons for the Dodgers’ current struggles are out of their control as injuries have really taken their toll. For the Dodgers, it has been death by a thousand cuts as injuries have been a constant throughout Spring Training and the regular season, and now it is finally catching up with them.
Mookie Betts and Yoshinobu Yamamoto were the most significant losses, but the Dodgers have also been without Max Muncy for multiple months and his recovery has not been developing in their favor recently.
Recently, Tyler Glasnow joined the group of Dodgers on the injured list as well.
Continued reliance on players who have not been contributing at a high level this year, such as Chris Taylor, Gavin Lux and Kiké Hernández, have also been a season-long issue.
As the Dodgers await the returns of injured players, they have explored external options as well, looking to shore up their outfield and pitching staff, according to Jim Bowden of the Athletic:
The Dodgers have made inquiries with several teams about outfielders, starting pitchers and relievers.
Acquiring starting pitching might be the Dodgers’ biggest need at the MLB trade deadline, which was not a position the team figured to be in heading into the season.
Another outfield bat would be a welcome addition as Teoscar Hernández has been the only option with an above average wRC+.
Adding a bullpen piece should be the lowest priority as it remains a very strong group with the plenty of internal options to fill it out once they return from injury. The backend of the Dodgers bullpen is especially strong with Daniel Hudson, Alex Vesia, Blake Treinen and Evan Phillips.
However, a trade for the right price or reclamation project with high upside would make a lot of sense.
Max Muncy believes in the Dodgers internal options
The Dodgers currently have a ton of talent on the injured list just waiting to get healthy again. Betts and Muncy would provide the biggest boost to the roster of the offensive side. Meanwhile, Clayton Kershaw, Dustin May, Brusdar Graterol, Ryan Brasier and others could be just as good as any piece added during the trade deadline.
Muncy likened looming returns to having a ‘trade deadline in itself’.
Have you subscribed to the Dodger Blue YouTube channel? Be sure to ring the notification bell to watch player interviews, participate in shows and giveaways, and stay up to date on all Dodgers news and rumors!
