In Los Angeles The Dodgers have frequently stated that they don’t hesitate to wager on players and their track records when making judgments.
The Dodgers made a significant wager on Friday when they acquired starter Lance Lynn and reliever Joe Kelly from the White Sox. Both pitchers have had success in the past, but 2023 has been a very difficult year for both.
For the 2024 season, Kelly has a $9.5 million club option, and Lynn has a $18 million club option. Given the likelihood that they won’t be used, this will effectively be a two-month rental for both pitchers.
“Lance’s history of logging innings and a lot of the under-the-hood stuff is really strong — high strikeouts, low walks, and the batted-ball stuff is, as we know, noisy,” said Dodgers general manager Brandon Gomes. “As for Joe, we are well familiar with Joe. The material has arguably never been better. Therefore, it was crucial for us to continue developing the pitching staff’s talent.
TRADE DETAILS
- Dodgers get: RHPs Lance Lynn, Joe Kelly
- White Sox get: OF Trayce Thompson, RHPs Nick Nastrini (L.A.’s No. 9 prospect) and Jordan Leasure
The Dodgers finally made a splash on the pitching side after making two trades to strengthen their bench in Kiké Hernández and Amed Rosario. Their rotation has been unsteady, particularly since Clayton Kershaw had a left shoulder injury last month.
Tony Gonsolin and Julio Uras have not performed as well as they did last season. Bobby Miller, Emmet Sheehan, and Michael Grove, all rookies, have shown flashes, but early-season losses to the starting rotation caused their learning curve to accelerate.
The Dodgers made the decision to take a chance on Lynn because of his ability to at least record innings in starts as a result of those troubles. However, Lynn has not been nearly as productive this season as she has been over the course of a strong career. With a 6.47 ERA entering the season, Lynn actually had a better mark than Noah Syndergaard, who is currently with the Guardians and has a 7.16 ERA in the first third of the season.
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Dave Roberts, manager of the Dodgers, stated, “I’ve heard nothing but good things about him as far as the compete, the preparedness.” He is a man who catches baseballs. He becomes engrossed in games and, well, becomes a victim of sorts. Simply being in this setting and engaging in meaningful games will, in my opinion, bring out the best in him.
Keeping the ball in the park has been Lynn’s biggest challenge this season. His 130 hits allowed were the highest in the American League, and he has given up the most home runs in the MLB with 28. To turn the veteran right-hander around, the Dodgers, though, are counting on “under-the-hood” statistics and a strong strikeout rate.
If nothing else, Lynn gives the Dodgers another starting pitcher in the Major League who can toss more innings than their current group has been able to.
“You play the game for that reason. Lynn said when asked about playing for a contender: “To have that opportunity. “I’m grateful for the time I spent [in Chicago]. However, since it is a business, mishaps occasionally occur. Simply put, I want to push for the playoffs.
Kelly will soon begin his second season with the Dodgers. Kelly does provide them with another excellent option in a bullpen that has recently been much better. Kelly will likely serve as a high-leverage reliever in the middle innings in the same capacity.
Roberts added, “I also think he’s the type of man that thrives in a winning environment. I am aware that Joe is pleased to be back in Los Angeles.
The expectation is that the Dodgers will continue to be aggressive in trade negotiations with four days left until Tuesday’s Trade Deadline. Whether a deal is finalized is still up in the air. However, Friedman and his associates have made it clear that they won’t be hesitant to execute a swap if it ultimately makes sense.
Gomes added, “I think we feel pretty pleased about our team and the decisions we’ve made. “We’re constantly trying to get better. This won’t end. In the upcoming days, we’ll evaluate the situation.