Whether during the offseason, at the July 31 trade deadline or in August, Los Angeles Dodgers president of baseball operations Andrew Friedman hasn’t hesitated to pursue avenues for improving the team.
Over recent seasons it’s netted the Dodgers marquee players such as Rich Hill, Josh Reddick, Yu Darvish and Manny Machado. Friedman has also completed smaller trades, adding the likes of Tony Cingrani and Chris Taylor to the roster.
Which direction Friedman will head in over the next four weeks is unclear, but it can be presumed the Dodgers will be active before the July 31 deadline. Once change they and other teams are dealing with this season is the elimination of waiver trades.
While the Dodgers thus far have been linked to a slew of relief pitchers, they additionally are believed to be among the teams with interest in Detroit Tigers starter Matthew Boyd, according to Chris McCosky of the Detroit News:
Interestingly, among those tracking Boyd are the analytically savvy teams like the Dodgers, Braves, Astros and Tampa.
Detroit is believed to be seeking a modest package for Boyd, who has three years of arbitration eligibility ahead:
The Tigers’ initial ask for Boyd was a big-league ready hitter and at least one top prospect (Double-A and up).
Along with the Dodgers, Atlanta Braves, Houston Astros and Tampa Bay Rays, previous reports identified the Boston Red Sox and Chicago Cubs among the clubs with interest in Boyd.
The 28-year-old is a modest 6-6 with a 3.87 ERA, 3.56 FIP and 1.12 WHIP in 18 starts this year. Though, it’s improved since Boyd became a fixture in the Tigers’ rotation during the 2016 season.
He’s averaging 11.9 strikeouts per nine innings this season and leads the American League with a 7.10 strikeout-to-walk ratio.
Although the Dodgers face a larger need in their bullpen, Boyd would provide some insurance while Rich Hill recovers from a strained flexor tendon. Dodgers manager Dave Roberts recently said Hill was unlikely to return prior to active rosters expanding in September.
Furthermore, the 39-year-old is due to become a free agent this winter. In the event Hill is not re-signed, Boyd would be a natural candidate to slide into the Dodgers’ 2020 starting rotation.
