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.

Welington Castillo

Of all the positional needs, backup catcher seems like the most likely upgrade. After all, they did just that in 2016 acquiring Carlos Ruiz for fan favorite AJ Ellis.

Austin Barnes looked like the truth last season, he played so well that he took the starting job from Yasmani Grandal during the playoffs. 2018 was a big year for Barnes, as he was looking to prove he could be the guy if Grandal leaves via free agency this upcoming off-season. But, Barnes has just raised question marks for the Dodgers immediate future behind the plate.

Welington Castillo could answer those questions. He would be an upgrade over Barnes and since he is under contract until 2019 with a team option in 2020, Castillo could be the stop gap while Will Smith and Keibert Ruiz are still growing as players.

Castillo is still serving an 80-game suspension for testing positive for PED’s. But, he is due to return August 24^th. Castillo could be a big bat off the bench and a great start against left-handed pitching.

In 2017 Castillo slashed .344/.367/.592 against left-handed pitching. As good as Grandal has been against RHP, he is nowhere near the same against LHP. Barnes has also clearly not been getting the job done. Grandal has been getting more starts against lefties and that is not an ideal situation for the Dodgers, because he is just not the same hitter from the right side.

Castillo would be a tight squeeze financially, but he should fit and if he doesn’t the White Sox could send some money. They already have 2 catchers on their roster and both have been playing well. When Castillo returns they won’t have many AB’s for him and would be better suited to getting prospects for him.

Sergio Romo

Yeah I know he was bad during his time as a Dodger, but he has since turned it around and become one of the Rays most reliable relievers. Heck, he has even started a game for them as a part of that bullpen revolution that the Rays started.

He has been very good since the all-star break. Boasting a 2.53 ERA/ 0.75 WHIP/ .211 BAA since the break. He has been good in a time that the Dodgers relievers have been hard to watch and you can’t overlook that.

Romo was not bad before that having an ERA around 3.50. Which is especially impressive considering the firepower in the AL East. Two of the most dangerous lineups are in that division. Both the Yankees and Red Sox have explosive lineups and play in hitter-friendly parks.

Even though he did have a bad time in Los Angeles in his first stint, it would not hurt to give him a second chance. This is especially the case because of how poorly the middle relievers have performed. Romo could replace Chargois or Baez in the bullpen. He has been better than both this season.

He also brings an awful lot of playoff experience in his time with the hated ones up north. Something that could be very helpful come October if the Dodgers find themselves there. Either way, Romo would be a big help towards getting to the playoffs. Romo has been versatile this year. He can come out and give you 2 solid innings or just get matchup out, he performs whenever he is called upon.

Raisel Iglesias

Iglesias is the closer for the Cincinnati Reds. He has electric stuff and could be that 8^th inning guy that the Dodgers have been looking for. Not just the 8^th inning he could fill the role that Morrow had which is the highest leverage situation.

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That is something that the Dodgers have been searching for all year long. Somebody would step up in that role for maybe 3-4 appearances and then fizz out. Nobody has gone out and claimed the high leverage job. Iglesias could also close if need be.

With Jansen out, for now, the Dodgers do not have a legitimate closer and it has shown with the debacles at the end of games recently. Iglesias could help ease the ship as the closer and give Kenley all of the time he needs to recover rather than rushing him back and risking an even bigger problem.

Iglesias would also be a fall back plan if Jansen is unable to return for the remainder of the season. Outside of that, Iglesias is also under control until 2021. Meaning Iglesias and Kenley could form a dynamic 1-2 punch for years to come at the end of that bullpen.