The Dodgers already have an embarrassment of riches on the mound in starters Zack Greinke and Clayton Kershaw, but they also have enough left in the bank to employ another ace.
Whether you're talking actual cash or prospective talent to trade, the Dodgers are well-positioned to land one of the two elite starters expected to be available before the July 31 non-waiver trade deadline, Cole Hamels and Johnny Cueto.
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CBS Sports suggests there might be some movement on a potential match between Los Angeles and Philadelphia for a Hamels deal, as the Phillies might finally be lowering the asking price on their ace. Top-level prospects Corey Seager and Julio Urias aren't likely to move in any deal, but CBS says rival executives believe the Dodgers should still have enough talent in their system to complete a trade for Hamels.
One reason Hamels might appeal to the Dodgers is cost certainty — albeit at a high cost. The left-hander is under contract through 2018 at $22.5 million per year with a club option for 2019 that could become guaranteed if the pitcher meets certain stipulations. The Dodgers are not one of the teams that Hamels, who is from California, has on his no-trade list.
Considering Greinke is expected to opt out of the remaining three years on his deal after this season and isn't a lock to re-sign with Los Angeles — he will command a huge price on the open market — adding Hamels for at least the next three years would give the Dodgers some peace of mind.
Trading for Cueto, on the other hand, would guarantee only a rental for the final months of the season. The idea of Cueto teaming up with Greinke and Kershaw atop a playoff rotation, though, would be very appealing to the Dodgers and their fans.
