The Los Angeles Dodgers had been dubbed the deepest team in baseball at the beginning of the season. President of Baseball Operations Andrew Friedman has said that the team was built so the Dodgers wouldn’t have to depend on the trade deadline to fill a need. However, thanks to injuries and subpar performances, it is reported that the Dodgers are in the market for a high-leverage reliever at the deadline. Here is why the need is legitimate, and some names that could possibly fit the bill.
Potential Reliever Targets for the Dodgers at the Trade Deadline
Unexpected Snafus
The Dodgers’ recent history is littered with pitching injuries. Their relief corps is not immune. One-time closer Evan Phillips is out for the year. Blake Treinen and Brusdar Graterol are expected to return this season, but have also missed significant time due to injury. In addition, closer Tanner Scott has the most blown saves in baseball and a predilection to give up home runs. Kirby Yates has also struggled to avoid hard contact in high-leverage situations. If the Dodgers hope to make a long postseason run in October, it looks like some new blood may be needed.
Another Tanner Scott blown save pic.twitter.com/JPEFl1EYUr
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Right-Handed Reliever Needed?
The Minnesota Twins seem to be stuck in the doldrums of .500 purgatory and seven games back of the nearest playoff spot. As a result, multiple relievers may be available. Griffin Jax may be an option for the Dodgers. The right-hander has swing and miss stuff as evidenced by 161 strikeouts in 41 1/3 innings, while only walking 10. He features a 95 mph fastball and an unhittable slider that works well in high-leverage situations. His ERA is 3.92 in 44 appearances in 2025. Jax would be a bridge to the ninth inning, as he is used to being a set-up man. He has two years of team control left on his contract, so the asking price will not be cheap.
Another Killer Twin?
Another name that seems to be on the market from Minnesota is Jhoan Duran. His fastball and splitter are both over 95 miles per hour. If that isn’t enough, the closer features a curveball as well. The right-hander has a 5-4 mark so far this season. However, his ERA is 1.66. Additionally, he has struck out 49 batters over 43 1/3 innings. He has walked 16. However, he hasn’t given up any home runs thus far this season, which may be just what the doctor ordered for the Dodgers. The question is, would they be willing to pay the price in prospects?
Closer by Way of Cleveland?
Another name in the American League Central that seems to be up for auction is Emmanuel Clase. The Cleveland Guardians right-hander has been one of the premier closers in baseball in recent years. His ERA is currently at 2.91, which is up from the last two years. However, in the last 30 games, it has dropped closer to 1.65. Clase averages one strikeout per inning pitched and has only given up one home run this year as a featured closer. Would the Dodgers dare make that big of a splash at the deadline?
Los Angeles is known for going bargain hunting for their bullpen. However, if they want to capitalize on the winning window, it seems they will have to make a move. After all, it’s parades over prospects, right?
Main Photo Credit: © Jayne Kamin-Oncea-Imagn Images
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