San Diego — The Dodgers have remained mostly silent up until this moment as Tuesday’s Trade Deadline drew closer. But they made a move on Monday and acquired two players they had been eyeing for a while.
The Dodgers acquired Minor League right-hander Oliver Gonzalez from St. Louis, right-handed pitcher Michael Kopech from the White Sox, and utilityman Tommy Edman from the Cardinals as part of a huge three-team transaction.
The Dodgers sent Miguel Vargas and two prospects, Alexander Albertus and Jeral Perez, who were both rated among L.A.’s Top 30 Prospects by MLB Pipeline, to the White Sox in exchange for both players. Vargas was a top position prospect for the Dodgers last season, but he had graduated from the prospect lists.
DETAILS OF THE TRADE
OF Tommy Pham, RHP Erick Fedde, and financial considerations are received by the Cardinals.
Oliver Gonzalez, Michael Kopech, and INF/OF Tommy Edman are sent to the Dodgers.
The following players are acquired by the White Sox: INF/OF Miguel Vargas, INF prospect Alexander Albertus (LAD No. 23 prospect), INF prospect Jeral Perez (LAD No. 17 prospect), and a player to be named later or monetary considerations.
Later on Monday, the Dodgers also acquired Amed Rosario from the Rays in a different transaction. After being traded by the Guardians at the previous year’s Trade Deadline, Rosario is back for a second run with Los Angeles. Triple-A RHP Michael Flynn will be sent back to the Rays.
The Dodgers made it a top priority to sign Edman and Kopech because they both figure to step in right away. After a right ankle injury last week somewhat changed his rehabilitation assignment, Edman, who has not played this season, is hoping to return soon.
According to Edman, he will be playing Tuesday at second base for the Triple-A affiliate of the Cardinals.
Edman said on Monday, “I’m feeling good.” “I’ve finished a few weeks of rehabilitation. My ankle is feeling better, and once I go to Los Angeles, I’ll be reassessed to see where we go from there.
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While Mookie Betts and Miguel Rojas recuperate from their injuries, Edman can help the Dodgers fill in at shortstop. Upon the return of Betts and/or Rojas, Edman, who is a versatile player, will be used at corner outfield, third base, and second base.
The Dodgers spoke with St. Louis throughout the summer about a possible trade for the 2021 Gold Glove Award winner. For months, the Dodgers have prioritised landing Edman. On Monday, they were able to get the native Californian.
Nonetheless, for the previous four seasons, Edman has had difficulty maintaining consistency at the plate. Following an outstanding rookie season, Edman’s OPS has not exceeded.725 in any of his previous four professional seasons. After having right wrist surgery in the summer, which has kept him out of the lineup for the whole ’24 campaign, it is also unclear how prepared he is offensively. He will remain under team management until the completion of the next campaign.
Kopech, on the other hand, adds further strength to the Dodgers’ bullpen. The season began with the former top prospect moving to the bullpen, and he has profited from the change, earning a 4.74 ERA while striking out 59 hitters in 43 2/3 innings.
The 28-year-old is ranked in the 89th percentile for anticipated batting average against and in the 99th percentile for fastball velocity. The Dodgers search for pitchers who have a whiff rate in the 86th percentile or below.
Due to the starting pitching not performing as the Dodgers had hoped, the team has placed a lot of reliance on its relievers during the last several weeks. By adding Kopech now, the Dodgers have a much-needed alternative that may help them avoid injuries for the next two months.
Though it’s unknown who might be available over the next 24 hours, the Dodgers will now concentrate on the starting pitching market after acquiring Edman and Kopech. Left-hander Garrett Crochet of the White Sox has been a target for weeks, but a club may not be able to meet his asking price, particularly in light of the left-hander’s alleged declaration that he won’t participate in the playoffs without a contract extension.
Although the Dodgers have been talking a lot about Tigers ace Tarik Skubal, winning the American League Cy Young Award right now is a team possession until the 2026 season, so winning it would need a massive combination of players and prospects.
