Adds Michael Kopech and Edman to Dodgers’ three-team trade
As part of a three-team trade on Monday, the Dodgers acquired relief pitcher Michael Kopech from the White Sox and infielder Tommy Edman from the Cardinals.
The Dodgers had been mostly silent as Tuesday’s Trade Deadline drew closer. However, they made a move on Monday and acquired two players they had long desired.
The Dodgers acquired right-hand pitcher Michael Kopech from the White Sox, utilityman Tommy Edman, and Minor League right-hander Oliver Gonzalez from St. Louis as part of a huge three-team trade with the White Sox and Cardinals.
The Dodgers sent prospects Jeral Perez and Alexander Albertus, who were both listed in L.A.’s Top 30 Prospects by MLB Pipeline, as well as Miguel Vargas to the White Sox in exchange for both players. Vargas was one of the Dodgers’ best position prospects last season, but he had graduated from the prospect lists.
TRADES PRICING INFORMATION
RHP Erick Fedde, OF Tommy Pham, and financial considerations are received by the Cardinals.
Dodgers are sent RHP Oliver Gonzalez, RHP Michael Kopech, and INF/OF Tommy Edman.
INF/OF Miguel Vargas, INF prospect Alexander Albertus (LAD No. 23 prospect), INF prospect Jeral Perez (LAD No. 17 prospect), and a player to be named later or monetary considerations are received by the White Sox.
Amed Rosario was also acquired by the Dodgers from the Rays in a different transaction later on Monday. Returning for a second stint, Rosario was dealt by Los Angeles from the Guardians during the previous year’s Trade Deadline. Triple-A RHP Michael Flynn will be sent to the Rays in exchange.
The Dodgers made acquiring Edman and Kopech a top priority because both players are anticipated to start right away. Edman, who has missed the entire season due to a sprained right ankle, is hoping to return soon as his rehabilitation assignment was somewhat disrupted last week.
According to Edman, the Cardinals’ Triple-A club had him playing second base on Tuesday.
“I feel good,” Edman declared on Monday. Ankle is feeling better, so when I travel to Los Angeles, I’ll get reevaluated and we can discuss our options.
When healthy, Edman can help the Dodgers make up ground at shortstop as Miguel Rojas and Mookie Betts heal from their respective injuries. Edman can play all over the diamond and will see time at second base, third base, and as a corner outfielder until Betts and/or Rojas return.
The Dodgers inquired with St. Louis about a possible trade for the 2021 Gold Glove Award winner during the summer. The Dodgers have spent months trying to land Edman. On Monday, they finally got the native Californian.
Over the past four seasons, though, Edman has found it difficult to stay consistent at the plate. Edman has not finished with an OPS above.725 in any of his last four seasons, following an impressive debut campaign. His offensive readiness is also unknown following surgery on his right wrist during the offseason, which has kept him out of the starting lineup for the entire ’24 campaign. Until the end of the following season, he is under team control.
Conversely, Kopech provides the Dodgers with an additional strong arm in the bullpen. With a 4.74 ERA this season and 59 strikeouts in 43 2/3 innings, the former top prospect has profited from his shift to the bullpen at the beginning of the season.
The 28-year-old’s predicted batting average against is in the 89th percentile and his fastball velocity is in the 99th percentile. The Dodgers search for pitchers that fall into the 86th percentile in all three categories, including whiff percentage.
The Dodgers have relied a lot on their relievers over the past few weeks as their starting pitching hasn’t performed as the team had hoped. The Dodgers now have a much-needed option in Kopech, who might help guard against injuries over the next two months.
The Dodgers will now concentrate on the starting pitching market after acquiring Edman and Kopech, though it’s uncertain who will be available over the next 24 hours. Garrett Crochet, the left-hander for the White Sox, has been a target for weeks, but a team may not be able to meet his asking price, given that Crochet has reportedly stated that he will not pitch in the postseason without a contract extension.
The Dodgers have also been talking a lot about Tigers ace Tarik Skubal. However, the current favorite to win the American League Cy Young Award, who is under team control through the 2026 season, would need to be defeated by an overpowering package of players and prospects.
