A majority of MLB trade rumors in recent weeks have focused on what teams like the Baltimore Orioles, New York Yankees and New York Mets plan to do this summer.
Finally, more intel is coming in regarding the Los Angeles Dodgers approach to the MLB trade deadline.
Los Angeles enters late June near the top of the MLB standings, but recent injuries suffered by Mookie Betts and Yoshinobu Yamamoto have robbed the team of significant production.
The team’s depth is being tested right now with multiple contributors on the injured list, potentially influencing how the team approaches the MLB trade deadline.
Of the few Dodgers rumors this month, one thing that has become clear is starting pitching, shortstop and center field are among the club’s top priorities.
Unsurprisingly, though, Los Angeles is also keeping its eye on a few other trade targets.
According to Jon Heyman of the New York Post, the Dodgers are among the teams believed to be interested in Miami Marlins closer Tanner Scott.
However, Los Angeles is facing significant competition from clubs like the Yankees, Orioles and Philadelphia Phillies.
Tanner Scott stats (FanGraphs): 11 saves, 1.54 ERA, 1.17 WHIP, 36 strikeouts in 35 innings pitched, 24.8% strikeout rate, 15.9% walk rate, .148 batting average allowed
Scott, a free agent this winter, would likely function as a left-handed setup man for Los Angeles.
While he is an All-Star candidate with Miami, command (15.9 percent walk rate) is an issue for Scott and it’s highly unlikely he would regularly work the 9th inning for the Dodgers.
He’s not the only top reliever Los Angeles is interested in. Heyman also notes that the Dodgers have an interest in swinging a trade with the Boston Red Sox for All-Star closer Kenley Jansen.
Kenley Jansen stats (ESPN): 2/30 ERA, 1.06 WHIP, 32 strikeouts, 15 saves in 27.1 innings pitched
Jansen, age 36, might be a more affordable trade option than Scott. Boston is believed to be shopping him in large part to offload his $16 million salary in 2024.
If the Dodgers agreed to take on the entire contract, owing him approximately $8 million for the rest of the season, it would likely reduce the quality of the prospect required to land him.
If Jansen is back in Los Angeles, he would operate in a setup role.
