The Los Angeles Dodgers are more determined than ever to match their division rival.
It’s rare that the Dodgers are in a spot where they need to make a move to try and match one of their division rivals. The San Diego Padres went all out this offseason, adding All-Star starter Yu Darvish and former AL Cy Young winner Blake Snell to their starting rotation. Now, the defending World Series champions could be looking at an equal opponent in their own division.
With a plethora of prospects still in their system and money to spend in free agency, the Dodgers have a chance to land a big player to fight the trades of the Padres this offseason.
The Dodgers front office has a real opportunity to not only match their division rival with a major move, but repeat as World Series champions as well.
3 moves the Dodgers can make to match the Padres’ trades
1. Trade for Nolan Arenado
Inter-division deals are always difficult, but the interest has been there. Nolan Arenado wants to win. He doesn’t care where that is as long as he can try and win a World Series title. Or at the very least, make the playoffs consistently. That sure sounds like the Dodgers. And while it is likely they would have to shell out a lot more because they’re in the same division, it could be worth it to show the Padres that they are still the “kings” of the NL West.
Arenado’s price tag could be a bit cheaper after his worst season in a long time. While it was only a 60-game season, Arenado finished with a .253 batting average and only 8 home runs in 48 games. This was likely an outlier, and what he brings to the team with his glove alone makes him worth it no matter how low his batting average may be.
Arenado entering a lineup that already has former MVPs Mookie Betts and Cody Bellinger in it seems unfair. But with a package that could involve top prospect Gavin Lux, the Rockies could be willing to move on from their franchise player. And the Dodgers would be the clear-cut favorites for their division and the World Series yet again.
That’s all that matters to “The Boys in Blue.”