The Los Angeles Dodgers are expected to add to the bullpen next month ahead of the trade deadline. They do it every year, as contenders can never have too many elite relievers.
With the National League West race as tight as it is this season and the San Francisco Giants right on their tails, the Dodgers will likely be a little more aggressive. Now, Kiley McDaniel and Jeff Passan of ESPN have named them a logical contender for Orioles All-Star closer Felix Bautista.
“The Mountain is back from Tommy John surgery and looking like his former self,” wrote McDaniel and Passan. “A dominant June — eight innings, one hit, three walks, 12 strikeouts, 0.00 ERA — has seen him induce more popups than line drives allowed. He has another two years before free agency, and with the Orioles planning on contending between now and then, landing him will take more than most teams are willing to give.”
Let’s be honest here: The Dodgers are one of about three teams that won’t care about giving up too many prospects. If the untouchables remain untouched, Andrew Friedman will gladly do what it takes to build the best roster. He has his eyes set on back-to-back titles.
Overall this season, Bautista has a 2.70 ERA and 16 saves for the Orioles. Baltimore has been a major disappointment, and it has prevented the 30-year-old closer from racking up more saves.
Pairing Bautista with Tanner Scott would give the Dodgers the best of both worlds as they would have a high-leverage reliever to deliver from both sides. This would give Dave Roberts some freedom and allow him to be flexible with his bullpen usage.
“Best fits: Los Angeles Dodgers, Philadelphia, Detroit, Atlanta, Arizona, Texas,” wrote McDaniel and Passan.
The Dodgers would have a lot of teams to outbid potentially if a trade were to happen. However, teams like the Braves and Diamondbacks may quickly drop out of the race depending upon how the next month of games go for each of them.
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