16 trade targets the Dodgers need to avoid at the deadline

Relievers the Dodgers need to avoid at the trade deadline

Like basically every contender, the Dodgers are going to be looking for bullpen help at the trade deadline, and unlike most positions, upgrades (especially if they are rentals) can be had at a good price if you're looking in the right places. However, there are a few relievers the Dodgers need to avoid.

Kyle Finnegan

Finnegan is on a Nationals team that's very clearly going to be willing to wheel and deal. Though Finnegan would come with multiple years of team control, those extra years would likely jack up the asking price. Moreover, Finnegan has not fooled anyone this season and has been hit hard despite his 3.50 ERA. He just isn't an upgrade and would probably cost too much.

Liam Hendriks

When he's right, Hendriks is one of the best relievers in the entire league, and his return from cancer is an inspiration to everyone. However, he didn't look particularly great upon his return to the field and he's currently on the IL with elbow inflammation. Even if he comes back from the injured list before the deadline and throws well, the Dodgers should still avoid him as he is making $14 million this season and has a club option for next season at $15 million that becomes guaranteed if he's traded.

Pierce Johnson

Pierce Johnson is fairly interesting as an arm that gets strikeouts, and his $5 million salary this season isn't too prohibitive. However, playing for the Rockies has taken its toll as evidences by his 6.49 ERA in 2023. Despite being the Rockies closer and sporting a fastball, curveball, slider mix, the Dodgers shouldn't view him as a buy-low candidate.

Reynaldo Lopez

The White Sox may be the busiest seller at the trade deadline. Reynoldo Lopez will be a free agent after the 2023 and has some pedigree as a former top pitching prospect. He's also pretty cheap this season. However, his walk rate of 4.9 BB/9 is a problem and his 4.86 ERA this season leaves something to be desired. Lopez has really good stuff, but he's still far from a finished product. Maybe a worthy offseason signing, but not a deadline acquisition.

Trevor May

May is a very well-traveled reliever who usually puts up pretty decent numbers. However, he's working on his second straight season with an ERA north of 5, his strikeout rate is way down to 6.98 K/9 this season, his walk rate has skyrocketed, and he's actually making real money this season ($7 million). May is solid when he's right, but there are too many red flags here for the Dodgers to take a chance on him.