Like many of the other annual contenders, the Los Angeles Dodgers always have a few irons in the fire around the MLB trade deadline. That’s no different this year, with the crew 3.5 games ahead of their NL West foes. But the August 1 deadline is approaching fast, and trade rumors aren’t slowing down just yet.
Yet, as they say, where there’s smoke, there’s also fire.
The Dodgers proved that on Wednesday by swinging a big trade with the Cleveland Guardians. According to Jeff Passan, the Dodgers are adding shortstop Amed Rosario. In exchange, the Dodgers are sending starting pitcher Noah Syndergaard back to the Guardians.
Rosario, who’s in the final year of his contract and is set to be a top free agent this offseason, gets not only a change of scenery but a much stronger chance of advancing in the postseason with the Dodgers.
Still just 27, Rosario got his start with the New York Mets, spending four seasons there before being a part of the trade package for Francisco Lindor in 2021. Rosario has been the everyday shortstop in Cleveland ever since.
Now Rosario will get that same opportunity, only in Los Angeles on a star-studded roster with plenty of teammates to offer more RBI opportunities.
- Amed Rosario’s stats this season: .265/.306/.369/.675, 3 HR, 40 RBI, 9 SB, 89 OPS+
There was a time when Rosario appeared to be on track to become one of the best-hitting shortstops in baseball. Back in 2019 when he was just 23, Rosario had a batting average of .287 with 15 home runs. He hasn’t been able to match either number since.
We’ll see if the Dodgers can help get him back on that upward trajectory before he hits free agency. Best case scenario, Rosario proves to be a great fit. Worst case scenario, they move on in free agency.
Meanwhile, Syndergaard has had a really rough go in his first season with the Dodgers, posting an ERA of 7.16. “Thor” signed a one-year, $13 million contract in LA this offseason, so perhaps a fresh start can give him a chance to bounce back in Cleveland before hitting the open market again.
Related: MLB trade tracker: MLB trades today with grades and analysis