The Los Angeles Dodgers are, without question, one of the more intriguing teams to watch as the MLB trade deadline draws closer. After learning that Clayton Kershaw would miss a chunk of time due to the back injury that has been plaguing his season, the pressure is on the Dodgers to figure out how to replace him.
Looking ahead at the MLB trade market, there is one pitcher in particular that the Dodgers could target. Tampa Bay is expected to seriously consider moving starting pitcher Chris Archer, and it sounds like the Dodgers are going to do what they can to bring him on board.
According to a report from Jayson Stark of ESPN , the Dodgers were given 70 percent odds of acquiring Archer ahead of the trade deadline .
Archer would certainly be a nice addition for the Dodgers’ rotation to help replace Kershaw. He would also help replace Alex Wood, who will miss some time due to an elbow injury. If Los Angeles wants any chance of making a postseason run, they will need to acquire a pitcher like Archer.
Throughout the 2016 MLB season thus far with the Rays, Archer has had a bit of a down season. He has a 5-13 record to go along with a 4.60 ERA. Despite the poor numbers, Archer is still a very talented pitcher that can make a major difference for the Dodgers.
At just 27-years-old, the Dodgers would be acquiring a player that they would have control over for some time. He is signed to a contract through the 2019 season and has two options after that.
Los Angeles is currently sitting with a 53-43 record, which is good enough for second in the NL West standings and has them first in the NL Wild card race. That being said, the Miami Marlins are right behind the Dodgers in the second Wild Card slot and three teams are within three games of the Dodgers.
Obviously the Wild Card race will come down to the end of the season and the Dodgers need to reload as much as possible.
It is unknown at this point what the Rays will be asking for in return for Archer. They aren’t going to move him just to make a trade at the deadline. Los Angeles would likely have to give up some good value in order to bring him on board.
There are going to be plenty of other teams with interest in acquiring a pitcher like Archer as well. If the Dodgers want to bring him on board, there is no question that they will have to be aggressive.
Tampa Bay is in a perfect position with Archer. They do not have to deal him this year, as they have a deal with him long-term. It also gives them the ability to squeeze a team like the Dodgers in desperate need of starting rotation help at the trade deadline and they wouldn’t mind pulling the trigger.
Expect to hear plenty of rumors swirling around both the Dodgers and Rays as the deadline closes in. Archer is going to be a very popular name, and it won’t be surprising at all if he ends up getting moved.
More than likely, the Dodgers will make some kind of move to bolster their rotation. There is no telling what that move will be, but it certainly sounds like Archer is one of their main targets.
Do you think the Los Angeles Dodgers should make an aggressive move to acquire Chris Archer? What would it take for them to get a deal done with Tampa Bay? Let us know your thoughts in the comment box below!
[Photo by AP Photo/Julie Jacobson]