San Diego: With Tuesday’s Trade Deadline drawing closer, the Dodgers have remained rather silent up to this point. However, they made their move and acquired two players they had been eyeing for a while on Monday.
The White Sox sent right-hand pitcher Michael Kopech to the Dodgers, along with utilityman Tommy Edman and Minor League right-hander Oliver Gonzalez from St. Louis, in a major three-team transaction that also included the Cardinals.
The Dodgers sent Alex Albertus and Jeral Perez, two prospects who were rated among L.A.’s Top 30 Prospects by MLB Pipeline, as well as Miguel Vargas to the White Sox in exchange for both players. Last season, Vargas was one of the Dodgers’ best position prospects despite having graduated from the prospect levels.
Trade Specifications
Tommy Pham, an offensive lineman, and financial considerations are received by the Cardinals.
Tommy Edman, Michael Kopech, and Oliver Gonzalez, relievers, are sent to the Dodgers.
A player to be named later or monetary considerations are received by the White Sox in addition to INF/OF Miguel Vargas, INF prospect Jeral Perez (LAD No. 17 prospect), and INF prospect Alexander Albertus (LAD No. 23 prospect).
Also, the Dodgers acquired Amed Rosario from the Rays in a different deal later on Monday. After being moved from the Guardians before the Trade Deadline of the previous year, Rosario is back for a second run with Los Angeles. Triple-A RHP Michael Flynn is what the Rays will get in exchange.
The Dodgers placed a high premium on signing Edman and Kopech as they both seem to be ready to start right away. A right ankle injury last week somewhat changed Edman’s rehabilitation assignment, but he is hoping to return soon since he hasn’t played this season.
Tuesday’s game for Edman’s Triple-A affiliate of the Cardinals was set to take place at second base.
On Monday, Edman said, “I feel good.” “A few weeks of inpatient treatment are behind me. After I go to Los Angeles, I’ll have my ankle checked again and we will discuss our next course of action. Ankle is feeling better.
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As Miguel Rojas and Mookie Betts recuperate from their injuries, Edman can help the Dodgers fill in at shortstop. With the versatility to play all over the diamond, Edman will get time at second base, third base, and as a corner outfielder until Betts and/or Rojas return.
The Dodgers enquired about obtaining the 2021 Gold Glove Award winner with St. Louis over the summer. For months, the Dodgers have made landing Edman a priority. On Monday, they were able to finally get the Californian.
Yet for the previous four seasons, Edman has had trouble being consistent at the bat. With the exception of his outstanding rookie season, Edman’s OPS has not exceeded.725 in any of his subsequent four seasons. Having missed the whole ’24 season due to right wrist surgery over the winter, it is also unclear how prepared he is offensively. Through the conclusion of the next season, he will be managed by the team.
Alternatively, Kopech provides the Dodgers with a another strong reliever in the pen. This season, the once-top prospect moved to the bullpen and has shown great success there, with a 4.74 ERA while striking out 59 hitters in 43 2/3 innings.
For fastball velocity, the 28-year-old is in the 99th percentile; for anticipated batting average against, he is in the 89th percentile. The Dodgers seek for pitchers who fit into these categories, and his whiff percentage is also in the 86th percentile.
The Dodgers have extensively relied on their relievers over the last several weeks as their starting pitching has failed to perform as expected. By acquiring Kopech, the Dodgers have gained a valuable alternative that may help shield them from injuries over the next two months.
Having signed Edman and Kopech, the Dodgers will now concentrate on the starting pitching market, but it’s not certain who will be available in the next four days. For weeks, teams have been after White Sox left-hander Garrett Crochet. However, given his rumoured insistence that he won’t pitch in the playoffs without a contract extension, the asking price may be too much for them to accept.
The Dodgers have been talking a lot about Tigers ace Tarik Skubal, but it would require a huge package of players and prospects to win the American League Cy Young Award, which is now being held by the club until 2026. Skubal is currently the current favourite to win the award.