One would imagine the Los Angeles Dodgers are still in the market for a relief pitcher after rumors from earlier in the offseason found their trade for Aroldis Chapman fell through due to his alleged involvement in a domestic abuse incident.
On that note, will president of baseball operations Andrew Friedman look to his former team, the Tampa Bay Rays, to address the Dodgers' need in the bullpen?
Earlier in the offseason rumors indicated Los Angeles was interested in Rays' relievers Brad Boxberger and Jake McGee. Such a scenario never really gained any traction, even though it was reported on multiple occasions that the Rays were open to trading both of them. ESPN's Jim Bowden hopes it's still a possibility.
Over the weekend Bowden suggested the Rays trade Boxberger to the Dodgers in exchange for catcher Austin Barnes and pitcher Zach Lee. While the return Tampa Bay would get is arguably questionable, there is reason to believe Los Angeles has pondered trading for Boxberger.
"Los Angeles would still like to improve its bullpen in front of closer Kenley Jansen and Boxberger would do that," he wrote.
"Boxberger's ability to get out both right-handed and left-handed hitters, and to close games when Jansen needs a day off, would fit in nicely in the Dodgers' bullpen."
Rick Weiner of Bleacher Report followed that up today and instead suggested the Dodgers go after McGee.
Last week, Daniel Russell of SB Nation pondered why the Rays haven't traded either reliever yet. After all, it's a classic move for the Rays to trade from one of their strengths in order to address one of their weaknesses. McGee, 29, is owed $4.8 million in 2016, which means Tampa Bay would certainly be open to moving him since that's a high salary for a reliever in a small market. On the other hand, they might be more inclined to move Boxberger because the 27-year-old would probably get them a better return.
Here's why Russell thinks the Rays haven't traded either reliever yet:
"The Rays are asking too much from other teams."
"There aren't enough buyers out there at market prices."
"The Rays saw the rest of the division upgrade and chose to keep their guys."
"The market has been slow to develop, but is in fact overpriced."
All are scenarios are certainly possible, which is why it's all still worth keeping an eye on. It's noteworthy that Bowden proposed that trade between the Rays and Dodgers. Perhaps there's some traction between the two clubs regarding a deal considering the two seem to match up in terms of their needs.
The trade market has been relatively quiet as of late, but there's still plenty of time before spring training. It's safe to say the Dodgers and Rays will be looking to improve their roster until then.
