Dodgers: The Big Problem With the Dodgers’ Bullpen

The Cost of an Elite Reliever in 2019 

While no team has dealt for an elite reliever in 2019, the past few seasons have seen top-notch relievers switch jerseys midseason or in the offseason. Here’s what they have cost based on a trio of 2016 trades for the best relievers on the market.

Aroldis Chapman Trade to the Chicago Cubs, 2016

Result: World Series Win for the Cubs

Cost: Gleyber Torres- the top-ranked Cubs prospect, #24 overall prospect in MLB at 19 years old

Billy McKinney- 2013 1st rd pick, 5th overall Cubs prospect

Adam Warren- Major League relief pitcher (7th inning type)

Rashad Crawford- minor prospect, hit .280 with 4 homers at Single-A full season in 2015

Analysis: The Cubs needed shut down closer, and this was the guy to get. They went and got him and paid the price. While they won the World Series, they gave up their top prospect, the 19-year old Gleyber Torres, who has blossomed into an All-Star caliber second baseman with 30+ homer power.

While no reliever exists on the 2019 market that is quite as valuable as Chapman, it would still be tough to see the Dodgers dealing a prospect of Torres’ caliber.

Andrew Miller Trade to Cleveland, 2016

Result: World Series Appearance for the Indians

Cost: Clint Frazier- 21st on Baseball America’s Midseason Top 100 Prospects list

Justus Sheffield- 69th on Baseball America’s Midseason Top 100 Prospects list

Two off the radar relief pitching prospects from Double-A/Triple-A

Analysis: The Indians got what they wanted, a world-class reliever built to lead the team into the World Series with enough oomph to push the Chicago Cubs to seven games. Frazier and Sheffield were highly-touted, yet neither have been able to stick at the big league level.

The Yankees turned Sheffield into James Paxton in the 2019 offseason though, and Frazier has reached the majors at various times in the three seasons since the deal, with his most success coming in 53 games in 2019 in which he has hit 11 home runs.

Mark Melancon Trade to the Nationals, 2016

Result: Nationals took the Dodgers to Game 7 in the NLDS

Cost: Felipe Vasquez (at the time Felipe Rivero)- became an All-Star caliber closer tossing near                   triple digits from the left side that same season
Taylor Hearn- pitching prospect who to date has one MLB appearance under his belt

Analysis: The Nationals got a stud in Mark Melancon, but like Chapman he was rental. And again like Chapman, he walked away from the team in the winter. Unlike Chapman, his presence was not enough to push the Nats over the Dodgers in the NLDS. He pitched well and helped solidify the Nationals bullpen that had seemed bereft of stability.