December 13th, 2022 at 8:00 am 
by 0799291000348 The 2023 MLB Hot Stove season is driving many Dodgers fans to exasperation as they wait for the team to retool the roster for 2023. While the Braves, Mets, Padres, Phillies, Rangers, Yankees, and others have been building stronger rosters, the Dodgers have been on the periphery of free agency and trades. While fans clamor for expedient action, the team’s recent MO is methodical, thorough evaluation before taking action.
Considering the inflationary spending for free agents, the continuing saga of Trevor Bauer, and the potential payroll decision to remain below the 2023 Competitive Balance Tax (CBT) threshold of $233M, the Dodgers may look to improve the roster via the trade market.
We previously considered possible free-agent targets and trade scenarios for middle infielders. Today we consider a possible Dodgers trade for starting pitching. This will be a short list, as the vast majority of MLB teams are searching for starting pitchers.
The most likely trade partner for the Dodgers are the Miami Marlins. The Marlins are deep in pitching, but their 2022 offense ranked 28th in MLB. Only the Oakland A’s and Detroit Tigers scored fewer runs.
At the 2022 MLB trade deadline, the Dodgers were rumored to be interested in acquiring right-handed starter Pablo Lopez from Miami, but the asking price was likely too high. Reportedly, the Marlins turned down the Yankees proposal of second baseman Gleyber Torres for their 26-year-old number two starting pitcher. In today’s pitching market, there is no reason to believe that the Marlins will lower their asking price.
But Lopez may not be the Dodgers primary target. The Dodgers are loaded with high-quality, right-handed starting pitchers: Walker Buehler (2024), Tony Gonsolin, Dustin May, Bobby Miller, Ryan Pepiot, and fast-rising Emmet Sheehan and Gavin Stone. Considering that Julio Urías (represented by Scott Boras) will be a free agent after the 2023 season, and the possible retirement of future Hall of Famer Clayton Kershaw, the team may prefer to acquire one of the Marlins left-handed starters, Jesús Luzardo or Trevor Rogers, rather than Lopez.
(Ryan Casey Aguinaldo and Jim Rassol)
Either pitcher would be a welcome addition to the Dodgers rotation, but Rogers had a difficult sophomore season for the Marlins and could be the less expensive player. The Dodgers could offer a package of players centered on 23-year-old infielder/outfielder Miguel Vargas. The trade could be expanded to include the Marlins utility infielder Joey Wendle. Vargas, plus prospects Jose Ramos (outfielder), Eddys Leonard (infielder/outfielder), and Carlos Duran (pitcher).
What do you think Dodgers fans, a Marlins trade, or are there other trade options the Dodgers should consider? Let us hear from you.
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My guess is that the Dodgers (Friedman) will be active in the next couple of days. My belief is that he is planning to either bring up the kids or trade them for an experienced lower level MLB pitcher(s) rather than spending a lot of money on a big name free agent(s).
I concur. I do think it is possible that the Dodgers add two starters, one being free agent Noah Syndergaard, and freeing up another pitcher (Pepiot? Grove?) for OF or INF help. More about that possibility in a few days.
If we go cheap how bout Ross Stripling as 5th starter.
Stripling just signed with SF. But, I don’t think the Dodgers want a 4th or 5th starter — top of rotation guy
Who are you suggesting?
Thor? Lopez trade?
Either Luzardo or Rogers. My preference is Rogers in trade with Miami. I would also like to see the Dodgers sign Syndergaard, then team could use a young pitcher (Pepiot or Grove) in a trade.
And still could sign Swanson and JT and still possibly be under the luxury tax. Trevor Bauer a huge disaster. I just don’t know how the Dodgers could be held responsible for the suspension. MLB ruled on it and Dodgers had no choice.
Exactly! Get a low cost, high quality starter and there is money in the budget to fortify other roster spots