The 2020 Trade Deadline is just two weeks away, though it will be occurring later than usual, but that doesn’t mean trade ideas and rumors can’t be discussed. It’s possible the Dodgers might not even make a trade. Andrew Friedman has constructed a roster that is nearly flawless, but he may add insurance just in case to help secure that World Series trophy. Here are 5 potential deadline options. Some you may like, and some you may hate, but please comment on our social media pages with your desires and thoughts!
1. Trevor Bauer, SP, Cincinnati Reds
Arguably the most popular name on this list. Bauer has been outspoken, and he continues to make waves in the headlines with his no filter thoughts on various topics. He’s gone after Scott Boras, absolutely hates the Houston Astros, and has a feuding rivalry with Gerrit Cole. Though unlikely that the Reds deal Bauer, it’s still not out of the realm of possibilities. The Reds are off to a slow start, but that may not even be the deciding factor. Bauer is an impending free agent in the upcoming offseason, and he’s actually expressed interest in becoming a Dodger as well. Born in North Hollywood, as well as being a UCLA alum, Bauer is familiar with the Los Angeles-area and grew up a Dodger fan. He’s is off to an electrifying start to the season with a 2-0 record, 0.93 ERA, and 32 strike outs over 19.1 innings. Bauer has accumulated plenty of postseason experience and was apart of the 2016 Cleveland rotation that took the Cubs to a game 7 of the World Series. The Dodgers don’t necessarily need a starting pitcher, but adding Bauer guarantees a nearly un-hittable rotation that could consist of Clayton Kershaw, Walker Buehler, Bauer, Julio Urías, and Dustin May. The Reds might also be searching for some prospects to make up for when Friedman absolutely fleeced them in the Yasiel Puig & Matt Kemp salary dump deal that landed the Dodgers Josiah Gray and Jeter Downs.
2. Ryan Braun, OF/DH, Milwaukee Brewers
It’s extremely likely that many Dodger fans still hold a grudge against the 2011 MVP due to his unethical win over Matt Kemp for that very award. It didn’t help that Braun also initially lied about his PED use, but it’s time to bury the hatchet because the Dodgers have experienced far worse by other teams and players since then. For those concerned about Braun’s contract, you don’t need to worry. He has a 2021 mutual option that would allow the club to buy him out for $4 million. Braun also has a no-trade clause with the exception of 5 teams, one of those being the Dodgers, so clearly he would love to put on Dodger Blue. Braun is also from Mission Hills, Los Angeles, and owns a home in LA. He’s also given back to the community through charitable contributions. Braun is off to a slow start in 2020, but he just drove in a go-ahead run against the Cubs on Sunday. His .321 career average at Wrigley Field is just one of the many factors that would make Braun a nice addition. Throughout his career, Braun has crushed left-handed pitching with a slash line .320/.391/.604. Braun has also been remarkably clutch as well throughout his 14-year career by hitting .305 with RISP. He might be 36, but even in 2019 Braun hit .287 vs LHP and still had 22 total home runs that season. Despite a potent lineup, the Dodgers still don’t excel against left-handed pitching. They have a team slash line of .207/.301/.364, which is just too low. He’s the perfect platoon option to add to the lineup that could fill in at DH, and provide pinch hits. Braun has appeared in the postseason numerous times and could add a spark that veterans like David Freese and Chase Utley have provided in the past. It doesn’t appear like the Brewers are going far, and they owe Braun the opportunity to win a World Series.
3. Brandon Workman, RP, Boston Red Sox
The Red Sox stink, and they’re not going anywhere. It appears their fans are finally beginning to appreciate Alex Verdugo, but that won’t save their 2020 season. Despite the near nightmare it was when the Red Sox nearly backed out of the Mookie Betts trade, the Dodgers gave Boston some great pieces, and it might be time to go back to that well. Brandon Workman is an expiring contract who will be a free agent at the end of the season. Workman is a right-handed reliever who recorded 10 wins with Boston last season, and he didn’t start a single game! He finished 2019 with a 1.88 ERA. Thus far in 2020, Workman hasn’t been great with a 4.76 ERA and WHIP over 2, but with a FIP of 2.78, it appears Workman has just been unlucky. Workman is a tricky situation because he was so elite in 2019 but has been hit hard in 2020. An xERA of 6.78 is not good and XWOBA of .397 means he’s giving up hard contact, but his fastball velocity remains about the same at an average of 92.5 MPH. Adding an extra arm couldn’t hurt, especially if they are able to acquire him at a low bargaining price. The Dodgers have the best bullpen in baseball, but Workman provides Dave Roberts one more option just in case.
4. Todd Frazier, 3B/1B/DH, Texas Rangers
Another lefty-crusher, Frazier has been bounced around recently, but he appears to have found himself at the plate again. A 10-year veteran who is now 34, Frazier is another platoon option that wants to win. The Rangers are in the mix, but if things head south, they might be willing to part with Frazier who will be a free agent when the season expires. Versus left-handed pitching, Frazier is slashing a monstrous .476/.542/.762 with an OPS of 1.300. Same argument goes for the Dodgers overall slash line versus LHP (refer to Braun section above). He’s seeing lefties so well early on in 2020, considering he’s only been a career .250 hitter against lefties. Frazier has the ability to play third and first base, but he could slide in as the DH no problem. The “ToddFather” is a 2-time All-Star with some postseason experience with the Reds and Yankees.
5. Mychal Givens, RP, Baltimore Orioles
Despite being trapped in Baltimore, Givens has established himself as a quality right-handed reliever. He’s appeared in 8 games and has yet to allow a run over 8 innings, while striking out 11. Givens has a career ERA of 3.32, and has one year left on his contract after the 2020 season. Givens grades out well on all the metrics you could ask for from a reliever and has minimized hard contact thus far. He’s a four pitch pitcher and has a fastball that averages around 94 MPH. His slider has nearly been un-hittable with an impressive 43% WHIFF rate. The only concern about acquiring Givens might be the Orioles asking price. He won’t come cheap, so it’ll be interesting to see what type of deal the Dodgers could work out with the O’s. Regardless Givens has been elite, and he can handle just about any type of leverage situation.
author: Kevin Klein, Follow me on Twitter @Klein25
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