3 trade deadline rumors Dodgers fans don’t want to hear right now

2. Mets calling Angels about Shohei Ohtani trade

The Dodgers could very well get involved here, too, but Steve Cohen and the Mets have shown a willingness to go above and beyond to get top-tier talent. If the Angels do consider selling and trading Shohei Ohtani — it seems they’re softening on the idea — the Mets have already checked in.

It’s important to note the connection here: Mets’ GM Billy Eppler was the guy who established the relationship with Ohtani and his representation before he signed him in LA. Perhaps Eppler might be able to closely work with his former organization and cut the line to get a deal expedited here. Don’t know! But there’s a lot that lines up for the Mets.

Ohtani on the Mets would undoubtedly shift the balance of power in the NL, too. New York would instantly jump to “bonafide” World Series contender, boasting a rotation of Max Scherzer, Jacob deGrom (if he returns), Ohtani, Chris Bassitt and Taijuan Walker, with guys like Carlos Carrasco and Tylor Megill (when he returns in mid-August) to soak up important bullpen duty. Three aces in that rotation, though.

New York is also in dire need of an effective lefty bat. Francisco Lindor just isn’t doing enough and Brandon Nimmo has been a bit disappointing. Ohtani’s presence changes all of that and really makes the Mets a fearsome October opponent.

Then again, they gotta make it there. We’ve seen them collapse plenty before, even with very good rosters.

1. Padres in on … Everybody?

Look, we know the Padres are still the little brother of the NL West … but when they’re in on Juan Soto, Shohei Ohtani, Luis Castillo, Frankie Montas, Ian Happ, Willson Contreras, and others, it gets a bit overwhelming. Plus, the Padres’ deep farm system will play a role in increasing the prices for various names out there, assuming they’re involved in similar talks as the Dodgers.

And they’re getting Fernando Tatis Jr. back very soon, which is essentially a blockbuster trade deadline addition.

There’s no denying San Diego is a contender. The concerning part for LA is that general manager AJ Preller knows the roster has ways to go, and he’s exercising every avenue to ensure the proper additions are made. That will take viable candidates away from the Dodgers and potentially cost them more in prospect capital should they out-bid the Pads (or if they remove themselves from certain talks amid negotiations).

Not to mention, the Dodgers and Padres will meet 12 more times this season, with every matchup coming post-deadline. That’s a lot! While LA has built a comfy 12-game lead in the NL West, the Pads won’t be making life any easier with marquee deadline acquisitions plus the return of Tatis.

Even more concerning is San Diego building an even better rotation than they currently have. They’re reportedly looking to bring in a better arm to replace Blake Snell in addition to some bullpen help, which would better prepare them for down the stretch and postseason.

Dodgers fans shouldn’t be “scared” — they’d just better hope Friedman takes care of the necessary business if the Padres go ballistic.

4 Tigers players the Dodgers could trade for at the deadline

The Los Angeles Dodgers are looking to be buyers at the trade deadline and they should call the Detroit Tigers, who will be big sellers.