Over the past couple weeks the Los Angeles Dodgers have most prominently been connected to Juan Soto, but the final hours leading up to the MLB trade deadline have made it apparent how wide of a net president of baseball operations Andrew Friedman casted.
First, the Dodgers traded for Chris Martin in a deal that sent Zach McKinstry to the Chicago Cubs. Since then, there’s been reported interest in Chicago Cubs utilityman Ian Happ and Miami Marlins starter Pablo López.
With the Cincinnati Reds trading Luis Castillo to the Seattle Mariners, and New York Yankees acquiring Frankie Montas from the Oakland Athletics, López has suddenly become the best starting pitcher who may be available at the trade deadline.
According Jack Harris of the L.A. Times, the Dodgers’ trade talks with the Marlins have included relief pitcher Anthony Bass as well:
Veteran Marlins reliever Anthony Bass has also been mentioned in talks between the teams.
A trade with the Marlins — whether for only López, or both he and Bass — was widely considered a secondary option for the Dodgers if they were unable to pry Soto from the Washington Nationals.
That may now become a reality as the San Diego Padres reportedly reached an agreement with the Nationals on a Soto trade and would acquire Josh Bell as well.
Meanwhile, Bass has a 1.41 ERA, 0.94 WHIP and 45 strikeouts over 44.2 innings pitched across 45 appearances this season. Bass is on track to post career-best marks in ERA, WHIP, FIP (2.07) and strikeouts per nine innings (9.1).
The 34-year-old has a $3 million team option on his contract for the 2023 season.
How Anthony Bass could fit in Dodgers bullpen
If the Dodgers were to trade for Bass, the right-hander could be utilized for late-game and high-leverage situations. While the Dodgers are counting on the returns of Brusdar Graterol and Blake Treinen, adding Bass further deepens their bullpen and provides some insurance.
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