Texas Rangers: Three Trade Destinations for Lance Lynn

NL Juggernaut: Los Angeles Dodgers

Like the Yankees, the Los Angeles Dodgers are fully engaged in win-now mode. The club just committed to a long-term deal with superstar Mookie Betts and features one of the most talented farm systems in the league with a gluttony of MLB-ready prospects. LA has come painstakingly close to their first World Series since 1988 dropping back-to-back appearances in 2017 and 2018. Now, the club looks like the odds-on favorite to win it all and could be looking for the needed piece to put them over the top.

The Dodgers rotation is in better shape than the Yankees but two close calls will have them wanting to tie up any loose ends before the postseason begins. Clayton Kershaw seems to have returned to vintage form and Walker Buehler is one of the better young starters in the game. However, as impressive as Julio Urias and Dustin May have been, the Dodgers might be in search of a more proven starter to hold on to one of their postseason rotation roles.

Similarly to New York, the Dodgers have a bit of a bloated payroll. That means the value of Lynn’s contract and his controllability for the 2021 campaign makes him a tempting addition during this trade deadline period. Like Lynn’s pairing with Cole, a Lance Lynn/Clayton Kershaw one-two punch would be an intimidating challenge for opponents and would make LA clear and away favorites to win the World Series this season.

In terms of assets for the Texas Rangers to peruse in a potential return, there are few suitors who can offer what the Dodgers can. Despite having arguably the most impressive big league roster out there, Los Angeles still has a stable of elite prospects nearing the Majors soon. Fans can put thoughts of Gavin Lux out of their mind. The Dodgers weren’t willing to include him in a deal for Francisco Lindor, it’s a foregone conclusion that they won’t in any deal for Lynn.

However, there’s still plenty of talented players who would make a big impact for the Rangers to look at. Starter Josiah Gray would no doubt be coveted by Texas but that’s probably still too rich for Lance Lynn. Perhaps top catching prospect Keibert Ruiz could be pried away from the Dodgers though especially with LA already having 25-year old Will Smith in the big leagues. Infielder Kody Hoese would also no doubt draw interest from Texas as would 26-year old first baseman Edwin Rios who is already at the big league level with Los Angeles.