MLB Trade Rumors: Dodgers and Padres Battling for Jose Berríos?
The Minnesota Twins are sitting in last place in the American League Central division. They have already traded Nelson Cruz to the Tampa Bay Rays for a decent package of players. There is one other name on the Twins that is getting a lot of attention and that is starting pitcher José Berríos. The 27-year-old right hander would be a nice addition for any contending team needing another starter for the stretch run. Berríos is 7-5 this season with a 3.48 ERA in 20 starts. The Twins will likely expect a kings ransom back for their ace. The right-hander is also signed through 2022 allowing teams to have some control over him.
Off to Hollywood
There are three things in life that are a guarantee, death, taxes and the Dodgers attached to a major name at the trade deadline.
The defending World Series champions have a need in their rotation and Berríos would be a massive upgrade.
The Dodgers are currently without Clayton Kershaw who is on the injured list and Trevor Bauer who is on administrative leave because of sexual assault allegations.
Currently the Dodgers rotation has been anchored by Walker Buehler, David Price, Julio Urías and Tony Gonsolin.
Once Kershaw returns from the IL, a trio of Buehler, José Berríos and the lefty would be lethal during the postseason. In addition, once Bauer gets his off the field issues straightened out, adding him back to their rotation will make them sure favorites for defend their championship.
The System
The Dodgers have the pieces to make a deal with the Twins. Andrew Friedman has done a tremendous job building his organization from top to bottom. The Dodgers are always in the position to be in the conversation to land an impact player.
Berriíos will definitely cost the Dodgers some legitimate prospects to make the deal happen.
Per Dan Hayes of The Athletic, the Twins are looking for two top-100 prospects back for Berríos. They are also asking for a pre-arbitration MLB player as well.
Competition
The Dodgers will be facing immense competition for Berríos. The Padres have been linked to the right-hander as well and have the prospects to make a deal happen.
San Diego has already landed Adam Frazier from the Pirates and Berríos could be general manager AJ Preller’s final piece to the puzzle.
If the Padres dangle prospect Robert Hassell III out there, game over. Berríos will be off to San Diego and the Dodgers will have to turn their attention elsewhere.
The Athletic’s Jim Bowden thinks the Dodgers will miss out on Berríos, that he will be traded to the Padres. But instead Los Angeles would trade for Nationals ace Max Scherzer.
Conclusion
There will be a ton of rumors and action leading up to Friday’s trade deadline.
The Dodgers will make an upgrade to their rotation, it’ll be interesting to see who Friedman is able to land.
José Berríos would be a great addition for the Dodgers, but Scherzer would be an even better consolation prize.
– Chris Henrique (@ChrisHenrique on Twitter)
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Feature image courtesy of Minor League Baseball