The next gamers are amongst these on account of return from the injured checklist for the Dodgers sooner or later within the second half: nearer Edwin Díaz; beginning pitchers Blake Snell and Tyler Glasnow; catcher Will Smith; and utility man Kiké Hernández.
That’s fairly the haul of reinforcements. Given all these returning stars, how a lot do the Dodgers actually need so as to add forward of the Aug. 3 Commerce Deadline?
That query will dictate how the following a number of weeks go for the Dodgers, who’ve been a couple of large names away from full energy for your complete first half of their three-peat bid — and who’ve dominated anyway.
Document on the break: 61-36 (1st in NL West, 11 1/2-game lead)Document on the break final yr: 58-39 (1st in NL West, 5 1/2-game lead)Playoff odds: 100% (through FanGraphs)Remaining energy of schedule: .495 (nineteenth in MLB)
As a basic rule, the Dodgers favor to make their greatest offers in the course of the offseasons and enhance on the margins throughout Deadline season. Their roster wants in the end dictate their plan of action, which led to them taking totally different approaches in every of their back-to-back championship seasons.
In 2024, the Dodgers swung large on the Deadline. They addressed their sore want for beginning pitching by buying Jack Flaherty from the Tigers. Additionally they made a three-team take care of the Cardinals and White Sox that noticed them purchase Tommy Edman and Michael Kopech, each of whom performed large roles within the title run.
This yr, the strategy feels prefer it could possibly be extra much like final yr. The Dodgers might once more purchase and promote in the event that they be ok with the place their roster stands, bettering the present-day product whereas freshening up the farm system for the longer term.
L.A. excelled within the first half — regardless of so many notable gamers lacking time — on the energy of its depth. The roster ought to solely get higher so long as the group continues to get more healthy. There isn’t any assure of that on this sport, but when the Dodgers realized something within the first half, it is that the diminished model of their membership can greater than maintain its personal with the most effective within the Majors.
This is a rundown of what to control heading into the second half:
Greatest want: Rotation reinforcements
Greatest chip: Virtually any of the highest outfield prospects
Prime Dodgers prospect Josue De Paula (No. 4 total, per MLB Pipeline) is as near untouchable as they arrive. L.A. has 5 different outfielders ranked within the Prime 100: Mike Sirota (No. 11), Zyhir Hope (No. 19), Eduardo Quintero (No. 31), Charles Davalan (No. 84) and James Tibbs III (No. 93). Whether or not the Dodgers are assembling a commerce package deal or trying to diversify their organizational depth, it is a clear space of energy from which to deal.
Key participant for second half: RF Kyle Tucker
Tucker has fallen wanting the expectations that got here along with his four-year, $240 million contract, though he gave the impression to be gaining some momentum heading into the All-Star break. The Dodgers have been one of many highest-scoring groups in baseball within the first half, besides, the offensive manufacturing has been inconsistent for a lot of the season. Having Tucker carry out nearer to his capabilities within the coronary heart of the order would significantly lengthen the lineup.
Figuring out issue: How a lot can Dodgers rely upon IL reinforcements?
The Dodgers might have a dream Commerce Deadline with out making a deal if all of their key gamers on the IL come again wholesome. However is {that a} reasonable expectation? L.A.’s course because the Deadline approaches will probably be vastly influenced by the standing of its rehabbing gamers. The Dodgers should not anticipating each injured participant again by Aug. 3, however by then, they need to have a good suggestion of what exterior additions — if any — they’re going to want.
