MLB Rumors: Los Angeles Dodgers To Trade For Either Francisco Lindor Or Mookie Betts

The Los Angeles Dodgers missed out on the biggest targets in free agency but have enough talent in their farm system to put together a very attractive offer to either the Cleveland Indians or Boston Red Sox for one of Francisco Lindor or Mookie Betts.

Anthony Rendon was of special interest to the Dodgers who made it to the NLCS in 2019 before being beaten by the eventual World Series champions, the Washington Nationals. However, the third baseman elected to take the Los Angeles Angels’ massive contract offer instead.

That leaves Blake Treinan as the Dodgers’ largest offseason acquisition. For a team that holds World Series aspirations of their own for 2020, this is a bit unusual especially when other contenders like the New York Yankees have added All-Star caliber players to their rosters.

Plus, the Dodgers do have several attractive prospects in their system plus a couple of MLB players who could garner interest on the trade market. The Athletic’s Andy McCullough reports that both Joc Pederson and Corey Seager are available at the right price, although neither would be enough to lure either Lindor or Betts to Los Angeles.

Ken Rosenthal of The Athletic reports that Los Angeles has made Lindor their new number one target of the winter but that Cleveland will ask for top prospect Lux in return. The Dodgers have, however, made Lux off-limits in the trade market this offseason, making a deal difficult.

Other top young players in their system include pitcher Dustin May who appeared in the 2019 playoffs and catcher Keibert Ruiz, both of whom are very highly rated in the world of baseball. The Dodgers are also considering a move for Betts of the Boston Red Sox.

The Sox need to cut payroll as they sit well over the $208 million luxury tax threshold and moving Betts would be an overnight solution. Boston is, however, reluctant to trade away their most popular player and would ask for a lot in return, even though Betts could walk for free after next season.

If the Dodgers want to put together a package for either Lindor or Betts, they will likely have to package one major leaguer along with at least one of their better prospects. They have the players to make such a deal, the question is would it be worthwhile for the Dodgers to do so? That’s the question they must answer in the coming weeks.