The Dodgers are uncomfortably holding on to first place in the NL West Division with a four game lead over the upstart Arizona Diamondbacks, and the surprisingly persistent San Francisco Giants.

 “Uncomfortably?” 

Yes, that isn’t a typographical error. 

Notwithstanding the Dodgers success after returning to action from the 2023 All Star break, their starting rotation has suffered through assorted injuries and underwhelming performances. Dodgers fans do not need statistics to know the Dodgers top two roster needs are starting pitching and starting pitching. Where the bullpen was the team’s Achilles’ heel earlier in the season, many of the relievers have rediscovered their mojo, pitching to a MLB leading 2.10 ERA over the last thirty days.

With the vast majority of contending MLB teams working the phones and/or messaging in search for additional pitching talent, the selling teams are in the Harry Caray catbird seat, patiently waiting for the very best offers for their rental pitchers who will be free agents after the 2023 World Series. Many of the names are well known amongst MLB fans: Shohei Ohtani (LA Angels), Lucas Giolito (Chicago White Sox), Jack Flaherty and Jordan Montgomery (St. Louis Cardinals), Eduardo Rodriguez (Detroit Tigers), et al.

Dodgers fans have learned to expect the unexpected at the trade deadline from Andrew Friedman, Dodgers’ president of baseball operations for almost nine seasons (has it really been that long?). He was recently quoted regarding this year’s in-season trade deadline:

“The market is still developing, as there are a number of teams still on the fence, but we expect that to crystallize more in the next week. We will be aggressive in our efforts to add to this roster, and there are different obvious and potentially creative ways to do so.”

Perhaps reading too much into a couple of phrases, but did you notice “we will be aggressive” and “potentially creative ways…” to add to the roster?

Looking ahead, there is a fair amount of uncertainty with the Dodgers starting rotation in 2024. Clayton Kershaw, Noah Syndergaard, and Julio Urías will be free agents, Walker Buehler will attempt to come back from his second Tommy John surgery, and the team cannot count on the return of Dustin May from his second TJ surgery until late next season, or more likely 2025. Rather than pursue all rental pitchers, the Dodgers could also pursue pitchers with lease arrangements — pitchers who have one or more years of team control beyond the 2023 season.

For example, the Pittsburgh Pirates are reportedly listening to offers for their top starting pitcher, Mitch Keller and All-Star closer, David Bednar. Keller has two more arbitration eligible years before free agency, and Bednar has three; both will be expensive through the arbitration process for the frugal spending Pirates.

The cost to obtain both Keller and Bednar will be exorbitant, but the Dodgers have the necessary depth to make that trade. Who would the Dodgers have to give up to acquire those two pitchers? A guess: pitchers Michael Grove, Emmett Sheehan, Nick Robertson, and infielder Michael Busch who would move to first base, his best defensive position.

Another option for a lease rather than a rental, is starter Louis Castillo of the Seattle Mariners. Castillo is signed through the 2027 season (his age 34 season), but the Mariners need some help offensively. Perhaps Busch, Grove, pitcher River Ryan, and infielder Devin Mann would put Castillo in the Dodgers starting rotation. 

Miami Marlins have a deep, and talented pitching staff with more young arms in their minor league pipeline. But, the Marlins offense is currently 24th in scoring runs. Perhaps a trade package of infielder Michael Busch, outfielder Andy Pages, catcher Diego Cartaya, and reliever Victor González would be sufficient to acquire 2022 NL Cy Young winner Sandy Alcantara (who is having a very pedestrian 2023 season – 4.70 ERA, 4.00 FIP) and lefty reliever/starter Trevor Rogers (finished second in 2021 NL ROY voting) who is currently on the IL with an injury to his non-throwing shoulder.

Just a few lease deals to kick around in the next few days. Perhaps you have other pitchers/players the Dodgers should lease by August 1. Wonder if the Dodgers could lease Washington Nationals outfielder Lane Thomas?

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