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The Los Angeles Dodgers came into the season with one of the best pitching staffs in baseball. Following more than a handful of crushing injuries, the Dodgers’ pitching staff sits as one of the worst units in the league.
It’s clear the Dodgers need to turn to the trade block to upgrade their pitching staff as they’re seemingly tried out every internal option possible.
ESPN’s Jeff Passan and Kiley McDaniel recently suggested the Kansas City Royals could trade Seth Lugo ahead of the trade deadline, and they listed the Dodgers as one of the best fits for the ace.
“Lugo has posted mid-3.00s or lower ERAs for five seasons despite having below-average fastball velocity and good-not-great strikeout rates,” They wrote. “His ability to strand runners and limit hard contact comes in part due to his nine different pitches. With a Nathan Eovaldi-type contract awaiting Lugo in free agency, Kansas City could opt to move him, especially if Cole Ragans’ injured shoulder doesn’t improve.”
Lugo, 35, sits on the last year of team control, but he does have a player option worth $15 million still left on his contract.
The righty has been excellent this season, anchoring the Royals’ pitching staff during Cole Ragans’ frustrating injury.
Lugo has made 14 starts and holds a 2.1 WAR, 2.93 ERA, and 1.04 WHIP this season. He’s preventing hits and hard contact while generating a good number of swings and misses.
The Dodgers could look to land him as a rental option to take their team back to the World Series in the same way they added Jack Flaherty last season.
More MLB: MLB Insider Calls Cubs ‘Best Fit’ In Trade For $66 Million Slugger
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