Dodgers: 4 relievers who could improve the 2020 roster

Keone Kela, Pittsburgh Pirates. (Photo by Dustin Bradford/Getty Images)
Keone Kela, Pittsburgh Pirates. (Photo by Dustin Bradford/Getty Images) /
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Keone Kela, Pittsburgh Pirates (Photo by Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images) /

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.