Those three NL West teams are definitely going to engage in an arms race in the next couple days, and it has felt for a while like Craig Kimbrel could play a significant role. He’s the most impactful player on the market, arguably, and all three NL West teams could use a shutdown closer upgrade.
It’s mostly been speculation until now, with various informed sources having various opinions. But this is definitely the firmest standalone report like this we’ve seen yet:
The #Dodgers have spoken with the #Cubs about multiple players, and closer Craig Kimbrel is among them, source says. @MLB @MLBNetwork
— Jon Morosi (@jonmorosi) July 28, 2021
Jesse Rogers and Buster Olney have both suggested in radio hits that they could see the Dodgers as the most likely suitor for Kimbrel, too. Not only do they need a better option than what Kenley Jansen has been lately, but Kimbrel is the type of guy who makes it MUCH easier to have that conversation with Jansen, and get him to buy into being a setup guy.
As for the Dodgers, you obviously want them involved. Their system remains loaded with impact talent, from a blocked stud catcher in Keibert Ruiz to a possibly-blocked second base bat in Michael Busch to lots of excellent pitching prospects (plus a rehabbing Dustin May, just sayin’). It’s not hard to come up with a trade package that would make you flip.
The question with the Dodgers has always been: will they actually part with that impact talent for an in-season trade. Andrew Friedman has really tended not to do it, despite repeatedly acquiring really useful players at the deadline.
And as for the “multiple players” part, well, it remains to be seen who else the Dodgers might target. There are obviously other bullpen pieces, but would they try to swing a Kris Bryant trade? Would they try to land Javy Báez as additional Corey Seager hand insurance?
Stay tuned.