Dodgers reportedly add utility standout, hard-throwing reliever in three-way trade

Everything about the Cubs' trade for Isaac Paredes on Sunday was confusing. First — didn't the Cubs say very loudly that they planned to be sellers? Second — didn't Bob Nightengale write just that morning that the Dodgers and Yankees (not the Cubs!) were engaged in a bidding war for Paredes? What are the Cubs doing?

The same question can probably be leveled at the Dodgers, though. LA has been conspicuously inactive for a team with so many problems to solve in the last few months of the season. A lot can (and will) still happen before and even right after the 3 PM PST deadline on Tuesday, but it hasn't been reassuring to watch LA stand still while a lot of other teams have already gotten to it.

The Dodgers' interest in Paredes did confirm that they're looking for a third baseman, though, while Max Muncy continues to make no progress from his oblique strain. Fabian Ardaya and Ken Rosenthal at The Athletic later reported that LA was interested in the Cardinals' Tommy Edman, who has yet to play a game this season due to a wrist sprain. But they're so interested that they scouted him during his rehab assignment, which began in early July (subscription required).

On Monday morning, the Dodgers reportedly helped pull the trigger on a large deal, importing Edman and facilitating White Sox righty Erick Fedde's move to St. Louis. Perhaps this will keep them in Chicago's good graces as they attempt to sort out the Garrett Crochet situation?

Per sources, Michael Kopech will be a part of LA's return, despite recent struggles. The immaculate inning-thrower has struck out 59 men in 43.2 innings pitched, and once upon a time was a starter. That's a very nice fit in Mark Prior's system.

Miguel Vargas is reportedly heading the other way after a resurgent start to 2024, as is 2024 Futures Game rep Jeral Perez.

Prior to the trade, Nightengale also connected them to infielders Nico Hoerner and Luis Rengifo, who could both hop between second base and third if the Dodgers trade Gavin Lux.

Dodgers Rumors: Tommy Edman, Nico Hoerner, Luis Rengifo, Tanner Scott, Yusei Kikuchi rumored to be LA trade deadline targets

A couple new pitching targets have also been identified. If the Dodgers can't manage to get Garrett Crochet, Jack Flaherty, or Tarik Skubal, they'll have to look a bit further down toward B-tier starters; in this case, Yusei Kikuchi, who Jon Morosi said the Dodgers were discussing with the Blue Jays. Obviously, they aren't alone in that, because these things can never be easy, but Morosi said that a Kikuchi deal "is seen as very likely before 6 pm EST" on Tuesday.

Jon Heyman also reported that Marlins closer Tanner Scott could be a possibility for the Dodgers, but they also have competition there in Orioles, Red Sox, Yankees, and Royals, among others. Adding Scott could be a solution to Evan Phillips' recent heavy struggles and an almost guaranteed long-term demotion from his role as LA's closer.

While none of these names would necessarily be as captivating as Crochet, Flaherty, or Skubal, they could do the trick while the Dodgers wait for some of their players to come off of the IL and could help them well into the postseason. At this point, LA just needs to make a move, any move. Maybe it'll be a matter of lowering their standards as the pack thins out quickly, but whatever they do, they'll need to do it quick.