The Los Angeles Dodgers could add some much-needed help to their lineup before the July 30 trade deadline. While the Dodgers have been among the best teams in the league to this point in the season, they have been riddled with injuries to some of their best players, most recently Tyler Glasnow, Mookie Betts and Yoshinobu Yamamoto.
The list extends beyond them, but losing a guy like Betts for a significant amount of time is a big blow for the team. Betts can and has done it all for the Dodges in his tenure, and with it being his first year transitioning to the infield, his presence is missed beyond measure.
Because of this, the Dodgers could look to upgrade their roster — more specifically, their infield. Betts’ return to the majors might not be best served at shortstop. If the Dodgers’ front office agrees, one player who could provide help is Colorado Rockies infielder Brendan Rodgers.
According to Mark Feinsand of MLB.com, Rodgers is viewed as a potential fit for the Dodgers by this trade deadline.
“Rodgers missed half of June with a hamstring injury, but the 27-year-old has played well of late, slashing .333/.365/.625 with three homers and 10 RBIs in 14 games last month, said Feinsand. “With the club’s No. 2 prospect Adael Amador knocking on the door, the Rockies could look to move Rodgers, who is earning $3.2 million this season and is arbitration-eligible for one more year.
Potential fits: Dodgers, Red Sox
— Mark Feinsand, via MLB.com
Feinsand also listed the Boston Red Sox as a potential fit for the 27-year-old. Rodgers is a second baseman, and his potential addition would immediately boost the infield and lineup. He is a former Gold Glove Award winner and Fielding Bible Award winner, both of which he won in 2022.
The 27-year-old could also take an immense load out of Betts when he returns since Rodgers is a more experienced infielder. Rodgers can also play shortstop if the Dodgers choose to go that route. However, he hasn’t played shortstop since 2021.
Although Betts had been getting the hang of things prior to his injury, the Dodgers might move him to second base and allow Miguel Rojas (or an outside acquisition, like Rodgers) handle the more taxing shortstop position.
Rodgers could be a fine addition to the Dodgers if they decide to pursue him. Depending on how the Rockies feel about doing business with a division rival, he might not be too costly. In his first 263 at-bats of 2024, Rodgers is slashing .285/.327/.407 with five home runs and 75 hits.
