Dodgers Rumors: What Players Are On LA's Radar Before The Trade Deadline?

After making a big splash in 2017 by trading for Yu Darvish and following it up in 2018 by acquiring superstar infielder Manny Machado, Los Angeles Dodgers (68-37) team president Andrew Friedman proved he wasn't shy about bolstering his roster during the season.

As the trade deadline approaches, many are wondering if the Dodgers, who have the best record in baseball, are once again going to making a serious trade in the coming days.

Friedman has options to acquire a top player that may not be of the caliber of Darvish in 2017 and Machado in 2018. The Dodgers lead the Majors in earned-run average (3.33) but there are some questions about the staff, particularly the bullpen.

It wouldn't be surprising if Friedman lands a pair of pitchers that are under-the-radar as opposed to big names with hefty contracts. The Dodgers on Friday acquired first baseman Tyler White, 28, who was recently designated for assignment by the Houston Astros.

Still, some big names have found their way into the rumor mill.

Jon Morosi of MLB.com reports that Pittsburgh Pirates closer Felipe Vazquez is the Dodgers' first choice but that the Pirates want two of the Dodgers' top four prospects. Friedman found a way to acquire Darvish and Machado without surrendering promising outfielder Alex Verdugo, so it might seem like a stretch to assume he would concede top players in the farm system for a relief pitcher, particularly one that has never thrown a postseason pitch.

But what makes Vazquez appealing is that he is under control until 2023 and the 28-year-old lefty has been excellent over the past three seasons with 79 saves and just eight blown saves.

Many believe the Dodgers' most valued prospect is Gavin Lux. The 21-year-old shortstop has posted impressive numbers in the minors and was promoted in June to the Dodgers' Triple-A affiliate. The Dodgers also appear to have high hopes for catcher Keibert Ruiz, pitcher Dustin May and Will Smith, who was recalled to Los Angeles on Friday.

Friedman could consider packaging pitchers Tony Gonsolin, Marshall Kasowski or Mitchell White. The Dodgers also have Dennis Santana and Caleb Ferguson, two pitchers with experience in the Majors, to perhaps include in a deal.

Aside from Vasquez, Friedman may also consider a package for New York Mets starter Noah Syndergaard. The tall right-hander has a 4.33 earned-run average in 126.2 innings this season. The Mets reportedly have Syndergaard on the block but may demand a team to give up all of their elite prospects for the 26-year-old, who had a 3.03 ERA in 2018.

Syndergaard is making $6 million this season and is arbitration-eligible in 2020 and 2021. The Minnesota Twins, among other teams, have expressed interest in Syndergaard.