Dodgers: The Best Waiver Trade Deadline Targets

The July 31^st  non-waiver deadline has already passed, but that doesn’t mean the Dodgers can’t make upgrades via trade. They have up until August 31^st to make a deal via the waivered trade deadline.

The Dodgers are no strangers to the August 31^st deadline. Acquiring Curtis Granderson last season, Carlos Ruiz the season before and of course pulled off a blockbuster in 2012 acquiring Adrian Gonzalez, Carl Crawford, Josh Beckett and Nick Punto.

After July 31^st trades are not impossible but they do face more obstacles. For a better understanding of the rules of the August 31^st deadline give this article by Andrew Simon of mlb.com a read.

It is no secret that the Dodgers could use upgrades in certain spots. They have been treading water as of late and the most recent loss of Kenley Jansen due to another heart issue. That is something the Dodgers and Jansen do not want to rush. They’ve already added some reinforcements in the form Kenta Maeda Ross Stripling. However, the Dodgers could still look to add to the bullpen among other positions.

Money is still a problem if the Dodgers want to get under the luxury tax, but money can be moved in deals, which makes this a much more realistic possibility. Also not be overlooked is Kenta’s move to the bullpen helps that situation out a bit. He is less likely to reach all of his contract incentives if he remains in the bullpen, which is bad for him but is helpful for the Dodger front office.