3 reasons why the Dodgers should trade for Matthew Boyd

The trade deadline is approaching, and one of the biggest names on the trade block is Matthew Boyd.

Last season, the Dodgers traded for Manny Machado. Two seasons ago, they traded for Yu Darvish. Three seasons ago, they traded for Rich Hill. The point being, the Dodgers are not afraid to trade prospects and some players on the active roster for big-name stars.

Matthew Boyd does have eight losses this season, and just six wins. However, some of those losses are because the Tigers offense has struggled. Boyd’s win total would increase tremendously, and his loss total will not increase much at all. Boyd has an ERA of 4.13, and that will definitely improve if the Dodgers acquire him.

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The reason why Boyd’s win total would increase is the Dodgers have an electrifying offense led by Cody Bellinger and Justin Turner. The Dodgers arguably have the best offense in the league, ranked second in batting. The Dodgers have 886 hits, 534 runs, 163 home runs, and 516 runs batted in. Compared to the Detroit Tigers who rank last in the league batting wise.

Boyd will also be a huge plus for the Dodgers come playoff time, and here are three reasons why:

3. Starting pitching is key come playoff time.

This season, the Dodgers have had ups and downs with the bullpen, but also with Kenta Maeda. Unless every game Maeda pitches in the playoffs is ensured a home-game, Dodgers will need another starting pitcher on the mound. At home, Maeda has a 5-2 record, given up 30 hits, 7 home runs, and given up 13 runs, with an ERA of 2.26. On the road, Maeda has a record of 2-4, giving up 45 hits, 9 home runs, and 30 runs, with an ERA of 5.23.

Boyd is not just another starting pitcher. If the opposition sees Clayton Kershaw, Hyun-jin Ryu, Walker Buehler, Matthew Boyd, and Rich Hill in a playoff series, the chances of Dodgers winning the series are high. The reason being is because Hyun-jin Ryu, Clayton Kershaw, and Walker Buehler were All-Stars this year. Rich Hill (forearm) is returning from injury and will be 100% come playoff time and Matthew Boyd has been pitching well to this point but should pitch at a higher level, as mentioned earlier, with arguably the best offense giving him run support.

2. Bullpen upgrade.

As mentioned earlier, Maeda performs well in Dodger Stadium, but he struggles on the road. However, Maeda does an excellent job when coming in from the bullpen. If Kenta Maeda, Julio Urias, Ross Stripling, Dylan Floro, and Joe Kelly can find their groove to help Kenley Jansen out, the bullpen will be tough to score runs on.

That is the best way for the bullpen to improve: by Maeda being moved to the bullpen, and Matthew Boyd filling in his starter position. If he moves to the bullpen, the Dodgers will not need to trade for any other relief pitcher.

1. Strikeout ability.

Matthew Boyd is ranked sixth in baseball in strikeouts with 160 on the season. The next Dodger close to him is Walker Buehler who ranks 25th with 120 strikeouts on the season. In my opinion,  if the Dodgers add Boyd to an already top-heavy starting rotation he could produce strikeouts as he has for Detroit. The Dodgers will be in the driver’s seat for a World Series Championship.

The Dodgers should trade for Matthew Boyd, move Maeda down to the bullpen, to strengthen the bullpen, and the Dodgers would have the best starting pitching rotation, and a solid bullpen, with an unstoppable looking offense, to bring home a World Series Championship.