Dodgers Rumors: Two prospects ‘increasingly likely’ to be traded this offseason

The Los Angeles Dodgers are not messing around this offseason. After another early playoff exit in 2023, the Dodgers have gone VERY big this offseason in signing the top two free agents on the market in Shohei Ohtani and Yoshinobu Yamamoto, as well as trading for and extending Tyler Glasnow. Say what you want to about the wisdom of committing so much to just a few guys, but there is no denying that LA is playing for keeps going into 2024 and beyond.

Despite committing well over $1 billion since the middle of December, the crazy thing is that the Dodgers do not appear to be done. Their rotation certainly got better after signing Yamamoto, and will continue to get better if Ohtani bounces back from elbow surgery in 2025, but their starting pitching depth is still a problem. Clayton Kershaw's future is in doubt, Julio Urías will be leaving, and Walker Buehler is theoretically coming back from his second Tommy John surgery. They also could entertain upgrading at shortstop or in the outfield as well. Somehow, after all of their activity, they still have work to do before next season.

Fortunately, they still have trade chips that they can use to get the job done. Recently, it was reported that LA could be looking to move one or both of Michael Busch and Miguel Vargas in order to remain aggressive on the trade market. Given their potential, making them available gives the Dodgers even more options the rest of the way.

Michael Busch and Miguel Vargas could be on the move this offseason

With Mookie Betts' move back to the infield looking like it will be a permanent change, both Vargas and Busch have become very expendable. While both players have a ton of potential at the plate, LA's infield is looking rather crowded at this point, especially once Gavin Lux returns from his knee injury. It hasn't helped their cases that both players have struggled in limited playing time in the big leagues, but there still will not be any shortage of interest in the two infielders if the Dodgers actually make them available.

The White Sox are almost certainly going to move Dylan Cease and would love to get some higher end position player talent in return. Given that the Dodgers have already been involved in the Cease talks, one can expect that LA will remain involved there. Shane Bieber could be an option as well, and lord knows the Guardians could use some guys that actually have offensive upside. If one of those guys can man the outfield, all the better.

In short, while the Dodgers have been hyper-aggressive this offseason, don't expect them to take their foot off the gas now. Given how much they have invested this offseason, it would be counterintuitive to stop now and leave their roster incomplete going into next season.

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