Dodgers: The Big Problem With the Dodgers’ Bullpen

Who To Target

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For me, the only reliever worth the asking price in this market is Felipe Vasquez. Vasquez, the centerpiece of the Melancon trade, is now a two-time All-Star in his own right and is also signed to a very team-friendly contract with club options for 2022 and 2023. This alone makes him worth the prospect cost for me. He, if acquired, would be around long enough to see the likely end of Kenley Jansen’s career.

As for his role, I envision Vasquez as an Andrew Miller-type reliever, dominating any lefty he comes across with his top of the heap stuff coming from the left side. He would not be asked to be the closer since Jansen has remained very effective this season, but he could close games on nights when Jansen pitched the day before for example.

Vazquez could also come in and neutralize, say, Christian Yelich or Anthony Rizzo if they come up in the 6th, 7th or 8th of a close game with ducks on the pond. Having that type of reliever, a type the Dodgers do not currently have under contract could be the difference between a World Series championship and an early exit in October.