Texas Rangers Rumors: LA Dodgers interested in Ian Kennedy?

Wait, a Texas Rangers trade rumor that doesn’t involve Joey Gallo? Is this real life?

If it is, we’re happy to oblige, as we’ve finally found our first potential suitor for closer Ian Kennedy at the trade deadline. According to The Athletic’s Ken Rosenthal, the LA Dodgers are interested in the veteran righty to bolster their bullpen.

Could the Texas Rangers trade reliever Ian Kennedy to the LA Dodgers?

Theoretically, it should only be a matter of time before interest picks up in earnest for the Rangers’ closer, as his 2.59 ERA and 15 saves could upgrade many bullpens across baseball.

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It’s not as if the Dodgers are struggling with their bullpen, especially since they possess a 3.73 ERA, but they’ve got some injuries and lately, the fans have become restless with Kenley Jansen blowing saves in a critical series vs. the surprising first place SF Giants. A trade for Kennedy is perfectly logical.

Before we get too excited, keep in mind the 36-year-old is only inked to a minor-league deal this season, so he’d be the definition of a pure trade deadline rental. Therefore, don’t expect a king’s ransom in return for Kennedy should he go to the Dodgers or any team, for that matter.

However, Kennedy is a great, underrated alternative for contending teams who will likely balk at the asking price the Cubs will set on closer Craig Kimbrel, who is widely considered to be the best reliever available at the deadline.

The Texas Rangers can expect to get a decent prospect for Kennedy, or maybe a player on the Dodgers’ roster who could be deemed expendable, but not much more than that.

Unless, of course, they can find a way to package Kyle Gibson and Kennedy together.

In any event, trade deadline activity has begun to pick up across baseball, and surely the Rangers’ trade pieces will continue popping up in rumors as we get closer to the elusive July 30 deadline.