Dodgers Rumors: Possible Phillies trade could help LA gain roster flexibility

One thing that's clear about the Los Angeles Dodgers' trade deadline plans is that they are very interested in trading from the fringes of their MLB roster in order to add to their already impressive farm system. We've seen this in the form of the trade rumors surrounding Eric Lauer, and now there's another name to add to the list: Alex Call.

Dodgers insiders Katie Woo and Fabian Ardaya reported that Los Angeles is dangling Call on the trade market, and they've already gotten some bites, specifically from the Philadelphia Phillies and Texas Rangers.

The Rangers have also been connected to other outfielders like Lane Thomas and Taylor Ward. While that doesn't take them out of the running for Call, the Phillies might be the more likely suitor.

Philadelphia was connected to Call at last year's trade deadline before he was wrestled away by the Dodgers. They're also more desperate for a right-handed outfield bat, so they could be the more motivated party to get a deal done for a player they've liked in the past.

The Dodgers trading Alex Call could be the precursor to a blockbuster deal

Call won't fetch a ton, given his status as a fourth outfielder and platoon bat as well as his relatively underwhelming .246/.355/.314 line. That's almost besides the point, though.

For one thing, LA has Kiké Hernández on the verge of returning, and he can fill that role in the outfield (plus a lot more) thanks to his versatility.

On top of that, just because a prospect isn't highly-touted right now doesn't mean things can't change once the Dodgers' development system gets a hold of him. Don't forget that Los Angeles traded Gavin Lux for Mike Sirota and the competitive balance draft pick that became Charles Davalan, both of whom are top-100 prospects now.

More importantly, trading Call opens up a 40-man roster spot for additional deadline maneuvering, including a potential blockbuster. The Dodgers have been coy about what their true intentions are, with the beat writers preaching that the deadline will be a quiet one that's mostly focused on rebalancing assets and diversifying the positional talent in the farm system.

Despite that, LA has been connected to some of the biggest stars thought to be available, such as Tarik Skubal and Los Angeles Angels shortstop Zach Neto. If the latter were to happen, Call would be even less necessary, as that likely means Mookie Betts moves back to the outfield.

Sometimes minor moves are just that, but sometimes they're a whole lot more. This feels like a situation where the Dodgers are using a minor piece to put something in motion that lands them a huge star. Stay tuned.

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