With the MLB trade deadline approaching several teams are considering getting heavily involved in hopes of beefing up their roster for a run at the playoffs. The Los Angeles Dodgers have a solid roster, but could use one more pitching arm to set them up for the postseason. With some inconsistencies outside of players like Clayton Kershawn and Zack Greinke, the dodgers are entering the Cole Hamels race with a big name up for grabs.
According to Nick Cafardo of the Boston Globe, the Dodgers could be eyeing a Hamels trade while offering up Yasiel Puig in return. The relationship between the Dodgers and Puig has certainly been an interesting one as the team has struggled to handle his immaturity at time. There is no question he is a real talent and young, but has he overstayed his welcome in Los Angeles?
The Dodgers have a need for pitching. Brett Anderson took himself out of the lineup while dealing with sore Achilles tendon. ESPNLosAngeles.com is reporting that the severity of the injury is known at the time, but there is a real concern that he could be out of the lineup at some point. Brandon Beachy's return to the mound has not gone as planned so far as he makes his way back from back-to-back Tommy John surgeries. Mike Bolsinger is struggling with inconsistencies. Getting a pitcher like Hamels would be critical to stabilizing their rotation for the back-half of the season.
The Dodgers are reportedly opening up Puig to being a part of the trade deal which could be very enticing to the Philadelphia Phillies. The team has a high asking price for Hamels and Puig would certainly meet their demands as a critical building block to a future roster. The Dodgers are getting back Carl Crawford off the disabled list. He can easily take the outfielder spot alongside Andre Ethier and Joc Pederson. Puig is technically expendable in terms of the roster if it were to mean the Dodgers get Hamels.
Los Angeles has been connected to several pitchers heading into the deadline. Johnny Cueto is an option. James Shields, Jeff Samardzija is available. David Price would be a big get for the Dodgers but potentially only a short-term rental as he will be a costly contract in free agency. The Dodgers need a pitcher if they are going to make it deep into the postseason and they hve plenty of options in front of them.