Dodgers News: Trade Deadline Picture Cloudier Than Ever Says Friedman

With the trade deadline quickly approaching, the Los Angeles Dodgers have some big decisions to make. They need to upgrade their pitching staff as it has caused them issues all season long. Every team in baseball knows what the Dodgers need at the deadline and with a slower market than normal, it could be slim pickings for LA.

They have relied on more rookies than they probably ever envisioned at the start of the season due to injuries and regression from players. So this could be the chance to upgrade the roster and get it ready for the push to October.

Despite everything against them, LA still is very competitive and sits in first place within the NL West as the second half of the season opens up. But with the August 1 deadline coming up, President of Baseball Operations Andrew Friedman has some choices to make. He spoke a little bit about the upcoming deadline, and said even he doesn't know how it will all shake out.

“The clouded playoff situations around the league have made it challenging to get into much substance on the trade front at this point. Most are taking a wait-and-see approach after the All-Star break and see where they’re at,” Friedman said.

Per The OC Register

Taking the wait-and-see approach is likely what the Dodgers will do. They want to make sure that they can get the best possible deal and the best possible players, as well.

Friedman is known for making strong deadline trades and this summer may not be any different. It just may come together much slower than usual.

With the new expanded playoffs, more teams than ever could be bidding as buyers. This complicates things and makes it harder to upgrade rosters. We could be in for a slower deadline with less sellers than normal due teams wanting to try and go for it, just to get into the dance.

“I think the new (postseason) rules definitely enhance that. But I think this year even within those new rules is especially harder. Just because of the way it’s played out (in various divisions).”

Per The OC Register

But one thing is for sure, the Dodgers won't force a trade just to make one. They would rather just stand pat than complete a bad move.

“But, again, so much of it is going to be who’s available. … It’s great to want something, but if it’s not available or it doesn’t line up, that doesn’t do us much good,” Friedman said.

Per The OC Register