Dodgers: 3 trade targets LA needs to beat Giants to

1. Jose Berrios

Though we never would’ve guessed it in spring training, the Dodgers’ have a glaring need for starting pitching as we approach the trade deadline.

Of course, Clayton Kershaw’s elbow inflammation will sideline him longer than the club anticipated, while Trevor Bauer’s administrative leave keeps getting extended (and it would be shocking if he pitched again in 2021). The Dodgers also haven’t found a replacement for Dustin May, who was lost for the year after undergoing Tommy John surgery.

With the Twins in free-fall mode, Jose Berrios, whose effectiveness continues to fly under the radar from a national recognition standpoint, would be a perfect addition for Los Angeles. He might not be a high-end rotation guy, but his 3.69 ERA, 1.081 WHIP, 9.6 strikeouts per nine innings and 2.5 walks per nine innings would be a sight for sore eyes for the Dodgers.

While the Giants’ starting rotation has been immaculate this season, it has some burning questions behind Kevin Gausman, Anthony DeSclafani and Alex Wood. In other words, Berrios could be a target for them, too, as they look to maintain their spot atop the NL West.

According to Dan Hayes of The Athletic, the Twins’s reported asking price for Berrios — one pre-arbitration player and two top-100 prospects — is extremely reasonable. In other words, they’re practically begging the Dodgers to take the two-time All-Star off the their hands.

Dodgers: Division-rival pitcher surprisingly emerges as trade candidate

Both Jeff Passan and Bob Nightengale stated that by the time the deadline dust has settled, Jon Gray will be on the Los Angeles Dodgers.