Trade Targets that Could Bolster the Dodgers Rotation

The Blue Jays are in full rebuild mode. They have a flurry of ultra-talented prospects waiting in the wings and a major league roster filled with tradable players who would ultimately turn into more prospects. Headlining the Blue Jays major leaguers worth a look is Marcus Stroman- a 27-year old former first round pick with some interesting numbers.

Stroman carries the name. He is the on-paper ace of the Blue Jays and he will remain that way until he gets moved. But, what people seem to forget is Stroman’s numbers are far from fantastic- a very Chris Archer esque situation.

Over the last three seasons, Stroman has combined to make 84 starts and pitched 507.1 innings in that span. He has owned a lack-luster 4.10 ERA and an ERA+ the barely broke the plain of being considered league average at 106. His WHIP is also an issue at 1.334 over the last three years combined.

Those numbers put a giant question mark on why I would want the Dodgers to make this trade. The answer, however, is simple: the Dodgers could buy low and hope for the best.

Stroman slots in at the third or fourth starter spot on the Dodgers. The cost to trade for that should not result in any top-100 prospects being moved. Also, when pitchers move from AL to NL via trade, their numbers seem to uptick. The Dodgers could hope for that in Stroman.

Stroman is also an attractive buy because he is young and inexpensive. Not a free agent until 2021, the 27-year old is in arbitration and projects to make something in the $7 million range should his team choose to take him to a hearing.

Stroman is not the gem the Dodgers are looking for but he could very well end up a diamond in the rough if Rick Honeycutt can help him regain form.