Dodgers Rumors: LA attempted trades for 2 big-name pitchers but fell short

Could the Los Angeles Dodgers' offseason get much better? Apparently, it almost did. The Dodgers have already shelled out over $1 billion to sign Shohei Ohtani and Yoshinobu Yamamoto, and also swung a blockbuster trade for right-hander Tyler Glasnow, but apparently had ~10 additional plans simmering below the surface.

According to Juan Toribio of MLB.com, the Dodgers also checked in on the availability of Jesús Luzardo and Shane Bieber. The Dodgers had already been rumored to have interest in both Corbin Burnes and Dylan Cease. Burnes has since been dealt to the Baltimore Orioles in exchange for a relatively light trade package, and Cease may well begin the 2024 season in Chicago.

LA eventually decided to fill the hole in their rotation by agreeing to terms with left-handed starter James Paxton. However, with this latest bit of information, don't be shocked if the Dodgers look to bolster their pitching staff ahead of the July 30th trade deadline, especially if a reunion with Clayton Kershaw does not materialize.

Dodgers Rumors: LA attempted trades for Jesús Luzardo and Shane Bieber

Luzardo's name has begun to find traction this winter. The Miami Marlins have done little to improve their roster this offseason, which would seem to signify that perhaps the Fish are looking to sell some of the prized assets.

Luzardo went 10-10 last season in South Beach while posting a 3.58 ERA with 208 strikeouts over 178.2 innings of work. Luzardo is currently in the first year of his arbitration window and is under team control through the 2026 season. It's no wonder that LA failed to acquire the southpaw, as the Marlins' asking price is likely sky-high.

Bieber has been rumored to be on move multiple times this offseason, with teams like the Cincinnati Reds and Chicago Cubs also showing interest. But, to date, the Cleveland Guardians have stood pat. The AL Central looks to be wide open, so unless the Guardians are blown away by an offer, they may prefer to hang on to the former Cy Young Award winner at this point.

Bieber is an accomplished major league pitcher, but elbow concerns -- coupled with one year remaining on his contract -- have likely lowered his trade value. Bieber, however, will be a pitcher to keep an eye on as the 2024 season unfolds.

For now, however, it seems as though both Jesús Luzardo and Shane Bieber are not on the Dodgers' radar. But with Walker Buehler returning from Tommy John surgery and the latest injury news surrounding Nick Frasso, these trade conversations could be revisited later this season.