Possible Dodgers trade deadline addition suffers major setback

The Los Angeles Dodgers are likely to be an active trade deadline participant once again, as this front office is always looking for the next big arm to bring to LA to chase a championship. Baltimore Orioles starter John Means could be one name that appeals if his club starts selling again.

While the Orioles have been the literal opposite of entertaining baseball over the last few seasons, Means has been one of the bright spots. The herky-jerky left-hander has been an All-Star in the past and given Baltimore some glimpse at consistency in the rotation.

Unfortunately, Dodgers might need to put their trade plans on ice after the latest development. This front office has been known to take risks in order to build a winner, but what they won’t do is trade some of their young assets for a pitcher that is entering the second half of the season with some injury concerns.

Orioles manager Brandon Hyde said that Means has a forearm muscle strain that will force him to undergo tests to check for structural damage. Hyde said that Means will be out for “a while.” It’s unclear if “a while” would mean that Means will be unable to play a substantial amount of games for the Dodgers, but his entire 2022 remains uncertain.

Will the Dodgers still trade for John Means?

Over the last four seasons, Means has pitched to a 3.72 ERA and made an All-Star team. With eight innings pitched and three runs surrendered, Means looked like he was going to be on a similar pace this season. Baltimore is still in the process of gathering assets due to their rebuild.

One of the issues that the Dodgers might have in acquiring Means is the fact that he has no postseason experience. If they can get over that flaw, he profiles as someone who should be able to come right in and eat up innings for a rotation that could use one more valuable arm.

…Except for, you know, the fact that he might not pitch again in 2022.

Giving up a pair of Top 10 prospects might be enough for someone with two more seasons of team control before unrestricted free agency. Perhaps two Triple-A players like infielder Miguel Vargas and right-hander Ryan Pepiot could be enough? After all, it would give the Orioles players who can move to the pros quickly.

Means won’t be a game-changer for the Dodgers, but he’s been one of the most underrated players in the league for some time due to his obscurity in Baltimore. He’d be a good fit that could be had at a cheaper price now that he has an injury, but he could be viewed as damaged goods.

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