The Los Angeles Dodgers could be in the market for pitching near the deadline. Some injuries and struggles have made it clear that if the Dodgers want to win the World Series again, they will need some arms.
The Dodgers’ starting rotation is decimated by injuries, but one of their biggest problems has been Tanner Scott. The Dodgers signed him to a four-year, $72 million deal in free agency, but he is struggling. He has 10 saves on the season, but is carrying a 4.62 ERA and has given up 13 earned runs.
FanSided’s Zach Pressnell suggested the Dodgers swap some of their young players for Ryan Helsley of the St. Louis Cardinals. Helsley will be a free agent after the season, and Spotrac projects him to earn a six-year, $81 million deal.
“Last season, relievers were the most sought after position at the trade deadline and it led to a lot of teams overpaying for big name relievers,” wrote Pressnell. “This season, the Cardinals could capitalize on that by trading Helsley to a contender like the Los Angeles Dodgers or Atlanta Braves. In doing so, the Cardinals could land a loaded prospect haul, but they could also bring in a guy like Bobby Miller, James Outman or Bryce Elder. Players like this could help the Cardinals right now while also being a very important and controllable piece of the future.”
Outman and Miller are seemingly out of chances with the Dodgers. However, they are both young, controllable players who once showed great promise. The Cardinals are likely going to let Helsley walk as a free agent.
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Right now, the Cardinals look like a team that can make a postseason push. Trading Helsely would certainly hurt them, but it would not end their chances of making the postseason. Helsley led baseball in saves last season and won the Trevor Hoffman National League Reliever of the Year Award. This year, he has 12 saves and a 3.15 ERA in 20 games.
Meanwhile, the Dodgers would be getting a steady closer, making Scott a setup man. Scott has blown three saves in his last five games and has allowed nine earned runs.
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