Dodgers Rumors: Insider Proposes Blockbuster Trade Package to Get Cy Young Winner in LA
The primary goal for the Dodgers this offseason will be to explore the upper end of the free agent pitching market. After another embarrassment in the playoffs this October, the needs for the club are abundantly clear.
This team needs top pitching at the top of the rotation.
Whether that comes via free agency or Andrew Friedman's favorite path to roster improvement in the trade market remains to be seen.
One name the club has frequently been linked to over the last two winters is 2021 NL Cy Young Award winner Corbin Burnes. Again, he figures to be the top name for LA in trade rumors.
In a recent column at Bleacher Report, MLB analyst Joel Reuter predicted the Dodgers and Brewers coming together on a trade for the ace right-hander.
Here's a look at that proposal.
RHP Corbin Burnes acquire from the Milwaukee Brewers in exchange for IF Michael Busch, RHP Emmet Sheehan, C Hunter Feduccia
After the NLDS fiasco, the Dodgers need experienced starters. The Brewers and Burnes have a rocky history in their time together, including a troubled arbitration process last winter that left the team's relationship with the three-time All-Star strained at best.
Burnes won the 2021 National League Cy Young Award and the ERA title, but he hasn’t equaled his 2021 performance. He might thrive as a Dodger. As a Bakersfield native, Burnes still is one of the best major league starters. This season in 32 starts, Burnes pitched 193.2 innings and had 10 wins and 8 losses with a 3.39 ERA and 200 strikeouts.
The Dodgers don’t seem to have a spot for their Minor League Player of the Year in Michael Busch, so sending him away in a trade this offseason seems to make the most sense. He is a great offensive player who doesn’t have any regular defensive position.
If the Dodgers trade Sheehan, it will be a surprise. Next to Bobby Miller, Sheehan was the most promising rookie pitcher in 2023. But, if the team is in search of a proven arm, Burnes would fit into the plans much better than Sheehan in 2024.
Since the Dodgers have both Will Smith and Diego Cataya at catcher, they can trade Feducca for a top-notch starting pitcher.
It will be interesting to see if the Dodgers can finally acquire Burnes after years of speculation and rumors.
