While the Los Angeles Dodgers have rebuilt a farm system that resembles the strong collection of young talent that littered it decades ago, it’s come with attention and overtures from other clubs at the annual non-waiver trade deadline.
Los Angeles resisted trading former top prospects Joc Pederson, Corey Seager, Julio Urias and Cody Bellinger. Now the group of Minor Leaguers who are believed to be off-limits in trade talks include Walker Buehler and Alex Verdugo.
The Dodgers reportedly are willing to trade prospects with high ceilings but who are not yet knocking on the door to reach the Majors. Yadier Alvarez, who’s been the subject of recent trade speculation, would fit that description.
Nonetheless, Verdugo continues to be sought after by other teams. According to Mark Feinsand of MLB.com, that includes the Texas Rangers who would trade Yu Darvish to the Dodgers if Verdugo was included in the deal:
A source told MLB.com that the Rangers are enamored with outfielder Alex Verdugo, who ranks as the Dodgers’ No. 2 prospect according to MLB Pipeline, and have done their due diligence on the 21-year-old.
“If the Dodgers will trade Verdugo, then Darvish is probably going to L.A.,” the source said.
A previous report indicated the Rangers wished to receive two from Alvarez, Buehler, Willie Calhoun and Verdugo in a trade for Darvish. Verdugo reportedly was also asked to be included in a trade by the San Diego Padres for Brad Hand.
The 22-year-old outfielder was not in the lineup for Triple-A Oklahoma City on Thursday, which fueled speculation. However, it was later reported Verdugo simply sat for a scheduled day of rest.
Verdugo just had a career-best 41-game on base streak come to an end. He batted .368 with a .435 on-base percentage during that span.
The Dodgers are said to be confident in the likelihood of trading for Darvish, Sonny Gray or Justin Verlander prior to the 1 p.m. PT deadline on Monday. The bulk of their focus reportedly is on Darvish, who’s eligible to reach free agency this winter.
