Dodgers: Questions that will be answered on trade deadline day

Will there be any big surprises before the trade deadline?

Unlike the last two seasons where it became clear the Dodgers were the favorites to land Yu Darvish and Manny Machado, the 2019 deadline leaves open plenty of possibilities for the Dodgers.  Even if they acquire a reliever as expected, who they will acquire remains a mystery.  Will it be Vazquez or a less flashy acquisition like Shane Greene?

More from LA Dodgers News

• Kevin Kiermaier being ‘top target’ to replace Cody Bellinger is bad sign for Dodgers
• Giants laughably sign pitcher that Dodgers absolutely own
• Dave Roberts’ quote about Padres in NLDS should motivate Dodgers
• Former Astro seemingly takes uncalled for shot at Cody Bellinger after Cubs deal
• Dodgers’ 2023 lineup without Trea Turner isn’t as impressive as it should be

There is even the possibility that the club could acquire a starting pitcher with Rich Hill still working his way back.  The Mets have made Noah Syndergaard available and the Reds could look to flip Trevor Bauer again before the deadline.  Other starters known to be available are Matthew Boyd and Mike Minor, two AL starters.

Speaking of injuries, with Chris Taylor and Enrique Hernandez both on the IL, there is a chance the Dodgers could look to bring in another second baseman or utility-type player. Kristopher Negrón was acquired and hit a home run last night, but he could just be a temporary fill-in until a better utility player is acquired.

As Dodgers Way writer Jacob Rudner wrote about a few days ago, the club could look to acquire a better backup catcher.  With Russell Martin on his last legs, Austin Barnes struggling to find his swing, and Keibert Ruiz still not ready for the show, LA might look into bringing in a better backup for Will Smith.

The Dodgers usually make several smaller moves at the trade deadline and this year they could make a few under the radar acquisitions.  It’ll be interesting to see how the single deadline affects the team’s trades.  Regardless of what happens, we will get all our answers by 1 PM today.