Dodgers: 4 relievers who could improve the 2020 roster
While the Los Angeles Dodgers roster is loaded heading into a potential 2020 season, there are always areas where they could get better.
If the 2020 season could be played in a literal bubble, that is, beyond protecting players from the coronavirus pandemic, there could be a way to keep everyone healthy from baseball-related injuries, the Los Angeles Dodgers roster wouldn’t need much improvement from outside of their organization.
However, the opposite will probably be true: if the 2020 season is played, players will likely face higher risk of injury as they adjust to new routines and a compressed schedule after several months of being stuck at home.
This could be especially true of pitchers.
In the first of a series, we will identify players who could become available on the trade market in 2020, and evaluate who could help the Dodgers improve their roster in their quest for an elusive modern-day championship.
Our first article in the series focuses on relief pitchers. One position where you can never have enough options is in the bullpen.
If Dodgers president of baseball operations Andrew Friedman needs to add reinforcements to his staff his season, either to improve performance or replace an injured arm, there are a few key names to consider.
Dodgers trade targets: Ken Giles, RP
The Toronto Blue Jays avoided arbitration this offseason by signing closer Ken Giles for $9.6 million this season. The 29-year-old reliever is entering his final season of team-control before he becomes a free agent, which could put him on the trading block if Toronto is looking for a high-end return on a piece competitive teams would jockey to acquire.
The Dodgers currently have Kenley Jansen ready to return to the closer role this season, with Pedro Baez and Joe Kelly setting him up. But if one of those arms gets hurt, or if they would like to improve upon the bridge to get to Jansen, perhaps Giles becomes an option worth exploring.
Of course, Giles was part of the 2017 Houston Astros team that cheated their way to the World Series title, so there would be some added baggage in adding him to the Los Angeles locker room, but that hasn’t stopped the team from adding players such as Joe Kelly or David Price, who played on the 2018 Red Sox team that also stole signs on way to their World Series title over the Dodgers – although evidence was insufficient to prove the Red Sox did it in the postseason.
Giles is coming off his best season in the majors, pitching to a 1.87 ERA over 53 appearances for Toronto last season. He would be a welcome addition to the Dodgers bullpen.
Dodgers trade targets: Kirby Yates, RP
Would a division rival like the San Diego Padres be willing to help the Dodgers by trading their best relief pitcher? The economics of the game might force them to do so. If the Padres decide they are too many lengths back of the playoff race at a critical tradeoff point in the 2020 season (if there is a season), it might be time to cash in on Kirby Yates before they risk losing him for nothing as a free agent next offseason.
San Diego avoided arbitration by signing Yates to a $7.1 million salary in the winter; however, that only kicks the can down the road in deciding to sign the veteran to a long-term deal.
The 33-year-old right-hander is a late bloomer, having his best professional seasons over the past two years. He was arguably one of the best closers in baseball in 2019 for the Padres, saving 41 games with a microscopic 1.19 ERA in 60 appearances.
While the Padres are expected to be competitive this season, if they stumble, perhaps they move the 33-year-old Yates before he can leave for nothing in the offseason.
Dodgers trade targets: Keone Kela, RP
As good as the Los Angeles Dodgers have been over the past several seasons, the Pittsburgh Pirates have been the opposite, returning to the National League Central cellar after a brief competitive stretch from 2013-2015.
Beyond their struggles on the field last season, when they won only 69 games, their former closer Felipe Vazquez was arrested for a series of crimes in Florida last September.
The unfortunate events surrounding Vazquez create an opportunity for right-hander Keone Kela, who was effective for Pittsburgh in limited opportunities.
If Kela shines in his new role, and Pittsburgh, once again, falls to the bottom of the standings, he could become an intriguing trade candidate, as he is set to become a free agent after this season.
The Dodgers could take a flyer on Kela, who will be paid a reduced rate off a reasonable $3.7 million contract. It would give manager Dave Roberts another arm in the back of the bullpen to bolster the late innings bridge to closer Kenley Jansen.
Dodgers trade targets: Ian Kennedy, RP
If a 2020 season is played, it will be unlike any in baseball history, with many strange turns expected along the way. As teams try to adjust to a compressed schedule that could potentially include multiple double-headers, the value of pitchers who can throw in multiple roles is on the rise.
Kansas City Royals reliever Ian Kennedy could become an interesting trade target for this reason.
Kennedy is on the final year of a 5-year, $70 million contract that he signed before the 2016 season. The 35-year-old could find himself on the trade block if the Royals are looking to save immediate cash flow during these challenging times and gain some value before he potentially walks in free agency.
Kennedy was a starter up until last season, when he transitioned to a bullpen role, and quite effectively. In 63 relief appearances, Kennedy struck out 10.37 K/9 and walked 2.42 BB/9, while pitching to a 3.41 ERA.
His value as a reliever, who can make spot starts, could prove helpful to the Dodgers, especially if they experience any injuries to their staff early in the season.