Dodgers Rumors: Pitching injuries to pave way for blockbuster trade with White Sox?

Right now, technically, the Los Angeles Dodgers don't have a starting shortstop, as they platoon the position with Miguel Rojas, Chris Taylor and Mookie Betts. That's why many suggested LA could make a blockbuster trade at the deadline.

But who would be available? Might the Milwaukee Brewers move Willy Adames if they fall out of contention? Could the Chicago White Sox be convinced to trade Tim Anderson despite his team-friendly deal? That's pretty much all that's out there if we're talking "upgrades."

The Brewers currently lead the NL Central, so the Adames chase could end up being a waste of time. But the White Sox? They're ... bad. At 21-30, though, they remain in contention because the AL Central isn't very good at all. So that creates another issue. But would the White Sox really entertain trying to fight for a division crownd if they're under .500 at the deadline and are objectively worse than the Twins and Guardians?

What if the Dodgers, who have run into serious pitching problems with Dustin May going on the 60-day IL and Julio Urías underperforming, entice Chicago to make a package deal involving multiple top prospects?

When esteemed MLB insiders breathe life into that assumption, you simply have to consider it, especially now that the Dodgers have the best record in the NL and continue to survive without key players.

Dodgers Rumors: Tim Anderson plus pitching coming to Los Angeles?

Here's what Ken Rosenthal of The Athletic (subscription required) wrote in his column on Wednesday:

"...the slew of injuries to the Dodgers’ starting rotation might make them more inclined to focus their trade discussions on a starting pitcher. In addition, Anderson isn’t necessarily an ideal fit. His defensive metrics the past two seasons have been poor, with injuries perhaps contributing to his decline, and he rarely walks.

Of course, Anderson still could tick upward; he was out from April 11 to May 2 with a sprained left knee.

And ultimately, the Dodgers might want him as part of a package from the White Sox. Anderson and Cease, perhaps? Anderson and Liam Hendriks?"

- Ken Rosenthal, The Athletic

That sounds like the Dodgers might not be keen on a singular deal for Anderson ... but if he's packaged with someone like Hendriks, Cease or even Lucas Giolito, it'd make sense for them to fill two voids with one transaction, à la the Max Scherzer-Trea Turner trade from 2021.

The White Sox will more than likely be parting with Hendriks, Giolito, Lance Lynn, Yasmani Grandal and Joe Kelly once 2023 concludes, and could be looking at a ton of financial flexibility entering the offseason. If they can parlay a couple of their assets and acquire future building blocks from one of the best farm systems in the league, general manager Rick Hahn might be able to begin undoing the mess he's created.

The Dodgers will be waiting with their surplus of talent ready to make a deal come Aug. 1, whether it's with the White Sox or somebody else.