If you have been a follower of the Dodgers for more than the 2023 season, you are well aware of the annual MLB trade deadline and the associated implications for teams classified as buyers and sellers.

Historically, the Dodgers have been buyers, seldom sellers. They have acquired talent to refine and energize their rosters in pursuit of World Championships, trading from their deep minor league talent pool for veteran difference makers.

Dodgers fans responding to The Dodgers Should… article (June 7, 2023) were in accord that the team’s top priority before the 2023 MLB trade deadline is the bullpen. There is no way to sugarcoat the ugly truth that the collective performance of the Dodgers relievers has been frustratingly inconsistent this season, turning apparent wins into late inning losses.

However, the approaching trade deadline may become the most roster-churning period the Dodgers have faced in decades. 

Beyond the bullpen, the team may also pursue additional starting pitching to offset the underperforming Noah Syndergaard, and/or injuries to Dustin May, Ryan Pepiot, and Julio Urías.

While Jonny DeLuca is auditioning for a roster spot as a platoon outfielder, the team may prefer to acquire a veteran right-handed hitter rather than rely on a rookie in that role. And, the Dodgers will likely be open to acquiring a legit starting shortstop if the opportunity is there and the price is right.

In order to advance their position as contenders, while controlling their Competitive Balance Tax (CBT) position, the Dodgers may become buyers and sellers in the next six weeks — a strategy to improve the roster that has in some cases disappointed this season.

Rebuilding teams like the Cincinnati Reds, Detroit Tigers, Colorado Rockies, Oakland A’s, Kansas City Royals, and Washington Nationals will value Dodgers prospects in return for veteran player(s) who will soon become free agents. Players of interest from these teams may include relievers like the Royals Scott Barlow (RH) and Aroldis Chapman (LH), and the Rockies Brad Hand (LH) and Brent Suter (RH). Or, platoon type hitters similar to the Nationals outfielder Lane Thomas with a 1.081 OPS when hitting against LH pitching.

The Dodgers may see an opportunity to acquire players from underperforming teams. A prime example is the St. Louis Cardinals who are currently 15 games below .500 in the NL Central Division. Starting pitchers Jack Flaherty (RH) and Jordan Montgomery (LH) will be free agents after this season. Trading either, or both, to the Dodgers for young, controllable pitchers may be a good deal for both teams.

Finally, the Dodgers may find an American League contender (Baltimore Orioles, Chicago White Sox, Cleveland Guardians, Los Angeles Angels, Minnesota Twins, New York Yankees, Tampa Bay Rays, Toronto Blue Jays) that match up well for a trade that helps both teams. The Dodgers will not make that type of trade with National League teams for obvious reasons. But, imagine a trade between the Dodgers and Yankees that helps both teams reach the 2023 World Series.

Which players would you like to see the Dodgers add to the roster, and at what cost? Which prospects would you consider untouchable in any deals? Which Dodgers veterans should the team be willing to trade?

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