5 Players Los Angeles Dodgers Should Target Before 2015 MLB Trade Deadline

5 Players Los Angeles Dodgers Should Target Before 2015 MLB Trade Deadline

By Bryan Zarpentine

July 12, 2015

5 Players Los Angeles Dodgers Should Target Before 2015 MLB Trade Deadline

Los Angeles Dodgers — The Los Angeles Dodgers are in great shape heading into the second half of the MLB season. But ultimately their season will be judged by what they do in the postseason. Hitting-wise, the Dodgers are fine, but they’re going to need to add some help in the pitching department before the trade deadline. Here are five players the Dodgers should be targeting in potential trades.

The Los Angeles Dodgers are in great shape heading into the second half of the MLB season. But ultimately their season will be judged by what they do in the postseason. Hitting-wise, the Dodgers are fine, but they’re going to need to add some help in the pitching department before the trade deadline. Here are five players the Dodgers should be targeting in potential trades.

5. Jon Niese

Jon Niese

5. Jon Niese

Jon Niese — The Dodgers see Niese as a fallback option, but trading for him wouldn't be a terrible idea or terribly expensive. Despite some concerns over the health of his shoulder, Niese has come on strong over the past month and has started to pitch well. He's also under contract beyond this season at a fairly reasonable price, so not only would he help solidify the Dodger rotation right now, he could also anchor it in future years as well.

The Dodgers see Niese as a fallback option, but trading for him wouldn't be a terrible idea or terribly expensive. Despite some concerns over the health of his shoulder, Niese has come on strong over the past month and has started to pitch well. He's also under contract beyond this season at a fairly reasonable price, so not only would he help solidify the Dodger rotation right now, he could also anchor it in future years as well.

4. Aroldis Chapman

Cincinnati Reds

Advertisement

4. Aroldis Chapman

Cincinnati Reds — If Los Angeles can't find help for their rotation, adding a late-inning reliever is another option, as it'll help them shorten games and take some pressure off their starters. Chapman appears to be available and he's definitely worth the Dodgers looking into, even if he won't be their closer.

If Los Angeles can't find help for their rotation, adding a late-inning reliever is another option, as it'll help them shorten games and take some pressure off their starters. Chapman appears to be available and he's definitely worth the Dodgers looking into, even if he won't be their closer.

3. James Shields

Los Angeles Dodgers v San Diego Padres

3. James Shields

Los Angeles Dodgers v San Diego Padres — The Padres appear willing to trade Shields, who could be a short-term and long-term solution for the Dodgers. Los Angeles could use a veteran starter with playoff experience, as Clayton Kershaw is not quite himself this season. Also, Shields has three years left on his contract, and with Zack Greinke potentially leaving after this season, he could team up with Kershaw to form a 1-2 punch atop the Los Angeles rotation.

The Padres appear willing to trade Shields, who could be a short-term and long-term solution for the Dodgers. Los Angeles could use a veteran starter with playoff experience, as Clayton Kershaw is not quite himself this season. Also, Shields has three years left on his contract, and with Zack Greinke potentially leaving after this season, he could team up with Kershaw to form a 1-2 punch atop the Los Angeles rotation.

2. Johnny Cueto

Johnny Cueto

2. Johnny Cueto

Johnny Cueto — Cueto is another starter that should be on the Dodger's wish list. He would only be a rental for the remainder of the season, but it's not like Los Angeles doesn't have the money to re-sign him after the season, especially if Greinke decides to opt out. Cueto is in the midst of an outstanding season, and he could help take the pressure of Kershaw and Greinke, especially when the Dodgers reach the postseason.

Cueto is another starter that should be on the Dodger's wish list. He would only be a rental for the remainder of the season, but it's not like Los Angeles doesn't have the money to re-sign him after the season, especially if Greinke decides to opt out. Cueto is in the midst of an outstanding season, and he could help take the pressure of Kershaw and Greinke, especially when the Dodgers reach the postseason.

1. Cole Hamels

Cole Hamels

1. Cole Hamels

Cole Hamels — The Dodgers aren't the only team that would like to trade for Hamels, but they may be Philadelphia's best trade partner. Los Angeles has the prospects to acquire a front-line pitcher like Hamels, as well as the payroll to take on his contract. Most importantly, Hamels has a proven track record of success in the playoffs, something that could help the Dodgers avoid another disappointing postseason.

The Dodgers aren't the only team that would like to trade for Hamels, but they may be Philadelphia's best trade partner. Los Angeles has the prospects to acquire a front-line pitcher like Hamels, as well as the payroll to take on his contract. Most importantly, Hamels has a proven track record of success in the playoffs, something that could help the Dodgers avoid another disappointing postseason.

Teams in this article »

Los Angeles Dodgers

Share On Facebook

Share