3 Shortstops Dodgers Could Target in Blockbuster Deal Before Trade Deadline
With MVP candidate shortstop Mookie Betts out for the foreseeable future with a fractured hand, the Dodgers could look to trade for a shortstop before the trade deadline. In a recent video on the Dodgers Nation YouTube Channel, Doug McKain discussed three potential options for Los Angeles.
Bo Bichette has been a top shortstop for the majority of his MLB career. In five seasons, he’s led the American League in hits twice. He is a two-time All-Star and has finished in the top 16 in MVP voting. But, this season has been a bit of a down yar for him.
He would not be the ideal trade target for the Dodgers, especially because he is not a rental player. The Dodgers would have Bichette for the remainder of this season and the next season. Considering the Dodgers’ history of trading for rental players at the deadline, Bichette does not seem like a probable target this season.
Bichette is also posting several career lows. His slash line is .234/.285/.337, all of which are the lowest in his career. Additionally, metrics like his BABIP, barrel rate, and wOBA are also at career-low levels.
However, his underwhelming performance this season might offer a silver lining for potential teams at the deadline.
Finally, his situation with the Blue Jays suggests he may not re-sign, making him a possible target for the Dodgers in the future.
2. Willy Adames, Milwaukee Brewers
In a perfect world, Willy Adames would be a top shortstop for the Dodgers to target at the trade deadline. However, with the Milwaukee Brewers sitting in first place in their division, it is unlikely that Adames will be up for grabs.
Through 80 games, Adames is batting .241/.333/.429 with 13 home runs and 54 RBIs. He has a career-low strikeout rate and a career-high walk rate this season.
Although it is unlikely that Adames will be available, he is on an expiring contract and is expected to command a more lucrative deal next season. Additionally, sacrificing Adames may benefit the Brewers in the long run.
Rosenthal is suggesting that even though the Brewers are at the top of their division currently, they may not have a solid starting pitching rotation by the offseason. This means it is possible that the Brewers could sacrifice Adames for top prospects who will contribute to the team in future seasons.
While the chances of the Dodgers acquiring Adames at the deadline are slim, his pending free agency means the Dodgers could pursue him in the offseason.
3. Paul DeJong, Chicago White Sox
Finding the right blend of talent and favorable conditions is important when looking for a player to get at the deadline. Paul DeJong fits that profile.
