Dodgers: 5 Under the Radar Trade Targets

Ryan Buchter – San Diego Padres

The Dodgers once had Ryan Buchter in camp during the 2015 season when they signed him to a minor league deal. All he’s done since 2015 is post a solid season and a half, evidenced by a 2.86 ERA last season and has a 3.12 ERA so far this season.

Buchter is not eligible to become a free agent until after the 2021 season so he would not be a rental. Although he would likely cost a couple of solid prospects, he will cost way less to acquire than Brad Hand. The Padres have reportedly asked for Alex Verdugo in trade talks, and that is a steep price to pay for a situational reliever.

Buchter has held opposing left-handed hitters to a .184 average this season after limiting them to a .147 average in 2016.  Right-handed hitters are also only batting .222 against him, so Buchter could stay in to face them if necessary.

The Padres tried selling high on Buchter last season but held on to him. Now that Brad Hand is the better trade commodity, the Dodgers could get a steal in trading for Buchter. Los Angeles could move players like Brock Stewart and Josh Sborz, and that should be good enough to complete the deal for a cost-controlled lefty who is under team control for several years.