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Dodgers: 3 rival trade scenarios that would be nightmares for LAD

By Jerry Trotta |
DETROIT, MI - JULY 22: Joey Gallo #13 of the Texas Rangers scores against the Detroit Tigers on single by David Dahl during the sixth inning at Comerica Park on July 22, 2021, in Detroit, Michigan. (Photo by Duane Burleson/Getty Images)
DETROIT, MI - JULY 22: Joey Gallo #13 of the Texas Rangers scores against the Detroit Tigers on single by David Dahl during the sixth inning at Comerica Park on July 22, 2021, in Detroit, Michigan. (Photo by Duane Burleson/Getty Images)
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Rangers reliever Ian Kennedy (Photo by Richard Rodriguez/Getty Images)
Rangers reliever Ian Kennedy (Photo by Richard Rodriguez/Getty Images) /

The Los Angeles Dodgers had a golden opportunity to leapfrog San Francisco in the division standings this week, and they squandered it by dropping three of four to their rivals.

In pole position to salvage a series split, the Dodgers capitulated in the ninth, as closer Kenley Jansen allowed four runs in the final frame to secure a 5-3 win for the Giants.

The series loss just further confirmed that the NL West is a crap shoot, and either one of the Dodgers, Giants or Padres could sit at the summit by season’s end.

Given that all three teams are at least 15 games above .500 and an apparent lock to make the playoffs, they’ll all be looking to make a big splash at the trade deadline. Taking that into account, let’s speculate which potential moves could send the Dodgers into panic mode.

These three rival trade scenarios would be terrible for the Dodgers.

3. Brewers acquire Ian Kennedy

Widely projected to be one of the most competitive divisions in MLB, the NL Central has been a dumpster fire that’s seen the Brewers rise from the ashes and establish a sizable 6.5-game lead with the Reds, Cardinals and Cubs all hanging around the .500 mark.

While the Brewers should be in the market for a bat to inject some life into their middle-of-the-road offense, they, like most contenders, will be on the prowl for bullpen help. A name Dodgers fans should be wary of is Ian Kennedy, who’d be a perfect complement to closer Josh Hader.

If you haven’t heard much about Kennedy this season, that’s likely because he plays for the Rangers, who own one of MLB’s worst records. However, the 36-year-old is in the midst of arguably his best season, posting a 2.59 ERA, 33 strikeouts, and 15 saves in 31 appearances.

With star reliever Devin Williams hitting the 10-day injured list with what the Brewers are  describing as right elbow discomfort, Kennedy would be a dream acquisition. For the Dodgers, who could match up with Milwaukee in October, it would be a worst-case scenario.

When healthy, the Brewers’ bullpen is one of the best in the game. Outside of Hader, JP Feyereisen, Brent Suter and Brad Boxberger have a combined 3.17 ERA. If Milwaukee added Kennedy and maybe a healthy Williams to that group, they’d be a tough out in the playoffs.

Even without Williams, no team would want to face that bullpen in October.

Pirates RHP Richard Rodriguez (Photo by Rich Schultz/Getty Images)
Pirates RHP Richard Rodriguez (Photo by Rich Schultz/Getty Images) /

2. Richard Rodriguez to the Giants

At this point in the campaign, it’s obvious the Giants are here to stay. They’re also giving off the vibes of a team of destiny and we hate every second of it.

Before the season, analysts projected San Francisco as a team that would be selling off its valuable veterans for prospects at the deadline. With the Giants proving every doubter wrong, however, you better believe they’re looking for ways to fortify their playoff push.

While they don’t have many needs in their rotation — Johnny Cueto has the highest ERA of the group at 4.11 — San Fran is likely looking to bolster its bullpen. If they were to acquire Pirates closer Richard Rodriguez, Dodgers fans would have our permission to panic.

It’s worth noting Rodriguez hasn’t looked as dominant since MLB’s crackdown of foreign substances, but he was bound to come back down to earth after not allowing a run over his first 12 outings and allowing just six earned runs total through the month of June.

We’re still talking about one of the most consistent closers in the game. While Jake McGee and Tyler Rogers, who’ve combined for 30 saves, have done an excellent job sharing the closer role, the Giants netting Rodriguez would further anchor the back end of their bullpen.

That trade would sting even worse now that they just took three of four from LA.

Rangers slugger Joey Gallo (Photo by Katelyn Mulcahy/Getty Images)
Rangers slugger Joey Gallo (Photo by Katelyn Mulcahy/Getty Images) /

1. Padres Poach Joey Gallo

The Padres can’t be feeling great about sitting in third place with a 57-42 record. Still in contention for the NL West crown — they’re only 5.5 games back with an entire second half schedule still to be played– however, they figure to be significant deadline players.

In fact, ESPN’s Jeff Passan understands San Diego is willing to splurge on impact players even if it means blowing past the $210 million luxury tax threshold. More specifically, the Padres are expected to be in the market for another big bat.

You hear that, Dodgers fans? That means the Padres have most definitely inquired about Rangers slugger Joey Gallo, who, despite striking out a whopping 120 times this season, is walking at an insane rate and currently owns a .387 OBP and an .833 OPS.

Perhaps more significant is the fact that Gallo’s power numbers have skyrocketed (even more so than before) after the league banned foreign substances. He’s smacked 11 home runs since June 25, which is tied with Angels superstar Shohei Ohtani for the most in MLB in that span.

If the Padres added Gallo to a lineup that flaunts stars like Fernando Tatis Jr., Manny Machado,  Jake Cronenworth and Eric Hosmer — and has just one starter, catcher Victor Caratini, batting under .260 — well, suffice it to say that wouldn’t be ideal for the Dodgers.

Let’s cross our fingers and hope these trades don’t come to fruition.

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