3 high-profile trade targets Dodgers need to revisit this offseason

2. Ian Happ

Dodgers fans will still stand by the take that the team should’ve paid more to get Ian Happ instead of trying to get lucky with Joey Gallo, who will certainly not be returning after his poor stint in LA. He didn’t even get a playoff at-bat.

Meanwhile, Happ, who’s entering the final year of his arbitration eligibility, doesn’t really fit into the Cubs’ long-term plans. What’s Chicago even doing, anyway? Their marquee signing last offseason was Marcus Stroman.

There were loose mentions of the Dodgers being connected to Happ before the trade deadline solely because of their left field situation and need for a lefty power bat, as Cody Bellinger and Max Muncy continued to crater.

Now, with Happ projected to make $11 million in 2023 and the Cubs in need of more assets to further their rebuild, the Dodgers should revisit this possibility. Joey Gallo’s gone, Trayce Thompson probably isn’t a long-term answer, and Chris Taylor will be playing a good amount of his games in the infield in 2023 (if things remain as is on the position side).

Happ’s price in trade talks will be cheaper because he has less control attached now. It’s worth a shot, especially since Andrew Benintendi and Brandon Nimmo will be pricey and aren’t exactly the Dodgers’ cup of tea.