Dodgers Rumors: LA Linked to All-Star Infielder as Early Trade Deadline Prediction
The Dodgers are playing great baseball as of late. Since starting the year 13-13, the team has won 10 of their last 12 games, and have outscored their opponents by 39 runs in that timespan.
Great baseball is definitely progress, but the Dodgers still have some places they could improve. Noah Syndergaard's spot in the rotation is a question mark, especially with his latest injury. And the middle infield — mainly the shortstop position — is far from an everyday sure thing.
Chris Taylor is playing much better as of late, which is helping things out a little bit. Also, since coming back from the injured list, Miguel Rojas is showing signs of life at the plate.
But still, the Dodgers could be in the market for a middle infielder come trade deadline time, and Kerry Miller of Bleacher Report has just the guy in mind. Miller thinks the Dodgers are one of the "two most obvious" landing spots for Yankees All-Star infielder Gleyber Torres.
"Los Angeles is still flailing in its attempt to replace the injured Gavin Lux (knee) at shortstop, and Torres could finally give the team some stability in the infield. If Torres, Tim Anderson and Amed Rosario are all available ahead of the deadline, the Yankee might be third in the pecking order on the Dodgers’ wish list. But he’d figure to be a good fit there."
Miller has the Seattle Mariners as the other obvious fit, but clearly, there are more than enough shortstops to go around.
Torres got off to a hot start this season, but has since cooled down a bit.
Entering Thursday's game, Torres is slashing .258/.346/.470 with six home runs, eight doubles and 17 RBIs. He's played primarily at second base this season, but has plenty of experience at shortstop.
If the Dodgers wanted to add an impact bat to their middle infield at the deadline, Torres would be the guy. At his best, in 2018 and 2019, Torres hit 24 and 38 home runs, respectively. He's had three seasons with at least 24 home runs in his career, and is on pace to do it again in 2023.
While the Dodgers do seem more likely to stand pat at this point, if the shortstop position really becomes an issue come June or July, Torres could end up being a really great option. He's also under team control through 2025.
