5 potential trade targets that could seriously alter Dodgers' 2023 season

Garrett Cooper

There was speculation last season that the Dodgers were trying to trade for Miami's Garrett Cooper, and perhaps it can come full circle this season with a deal at the deadline. The 2022 All-Star is enjoying another nice season at the plate, and would certainly add a much-needed presence in the middle of the Dodgers' order.

The 32-year-old infielder is slashing .310/.342//479 this season with three home runs and 11 RBI in 76 plate appearances. Cooper is not someone who is going to mash 25 home runs in a season, but he could comfortably slug 15-20 homers with a solid average and gap-to-gap power.

Cooper is in his last season of arbitration, and with him being on the wrong side of 30, it seems highly unlikely that a team like the Marlins would be willing to pay him after the season. Thus, Miami trading him and getting something out of him is the most logical move for the franchise.

Finding a spot for Cooper might be a bit tougher than it would have been last season, as he mostly has played either third base or DH at this stage in his career. This might mean shifting Max Muncy over to second base in some instances, as well as giving Miguel Vargas more nights off.

However, Cooper can also play left field, if the Dodgers really need him to. While it would not bring the best fielding presence out in left field, the Dodgers would make up for it by placing great defenders like James Outman and Mookie Betts alongside him. Having Cooper's bat over Chris Taylor or Miguel Rojas would make up for any defensive woes.

Most importantly, Cooper is solid against left-handed pitching. Cooper is hitting .292 with a .822 OPS against southpaws in his career. The Dodgers are 21st in MLB in OPS against left-handed pitchers this season.