3 starting pitchers Dodgers might have to trade for before deadline frenzy

2. Brad Keller, Kansas City Royals

Here’s an option for the Dodgers if they want to look at likely cheaper, not as impactful options if they trust their big trio can be healthy for the stretch run.

Brad Keller might be 1-3 on the season, but he’s averaging over six innings per start (43.2 inning across seven outings) and owns a 2.89 ERA and 1.01 WHIP. He’s only struck out 25 batters, but he’s in the 81st percentile for walk percentage and limiting baserunners at the best clip of his career.

Are the Royals on to something or is this just luck? Not sure! But with the help of the Dodgers coaching staff, which routinely turns struggling arms into capable contributors, it’s possible Keller. could further elevate his stuff and be an asset in 2023, too.

His fastball, slider and changeup mix has kept hitters off balance, and it could be due to an uptick in his slider/changeup usage (3% and 1.7% up from 2021 so far). The Dodgers love utilizing their pitchers’ secondary offerings, which might make Keller a desirable target.

Plus, if he can eat innings, that’ll take pressure off the bullpen, which will keep the entirety of the pitching staff ready for action when the games really matter.

As for the cost in a trade? We’re not sure, but he’d definitely be the cheapest out of everyone on this list and the Royals might pounce at the opportunity to get their hands on any Dodgers prospect, since their rebuild hasn’t exactly gone according to plan this far.