The Los Angeles Dodgers have faced numerous injuries throughout the 2024 MLB season, yet they have managed to maintain strong performance, staying at the top of the N.L. West since Opening Day. Up until July 6, the Dodgers had only experienced two losing streaks of more than two games. However, the past week has been challenging, with the team losing four consecutive games and six of their last eight, which has slightly dented their air of invincibility. With the MLB trade deadline approaching on July 30, the Dodgers need to address their health issues and other weaknesses.
One significant area of concern is the performance of their outfield. As the trade market heats up, it seems likely that the Dodgers will look to bolster their outfield. Bleacher Report suggests that a realistic trade target is Randy Arozarena of the Rays, a former All-Star who is struggling this season and might benefit from a change of scenery.
Dodgers Could Ship Out 3 Prospects to Rays
To acquire Arozarena, B/R’s Kerry Miller predicts the Dodgers will offer a trio of prospects to Tampa Bay, highlighted by Triple A catcher Diego Cartaya, who is ranked No. 7 in the organization by MLB.com.
In his article titled “8 Realistic MLB Trades to Boost AL and NL’s Top Teams,” Miller writes:
“Realistic Trade: Los Angeles sends LHP Ronan Kopp, OF Jose Ramos, and C Diego Cartaya to Tampa Bay for LF Randy Arozarena
“Among Luis Robert Jr., Jazz Chisholm Jr., Randy Arozarena, and Brent Rooker, the Tampa Bay Rays leftfielder might be the Dodgers’ top choice. Robert and Chisholm have durability issues, and Rooker has primarily been a DH this season, which wouldn’t fit with Shohei Ohtani.
“Tampa Bay might be the most motivated to trade, with Arozarena’s salary expected to reach around $12M in 2025 and $15M in 2026 due to his two remaining years of arbitration eligibility.”
Arozarena has posed a challenge for the Rays in terms of trading him, as he is currently batting .203 with a .311 on-base percentage and a .368 slugging percentage. Last season, however, he had a breakout performance with 23 homers and 83 RBIs.
Randy Arozarena Could Add to Outfield Mix
The Dodgers currently have two of the least productive outfield positions in baseball. Their centerfielders have a .212 batting average, seventh-worst in the league, and an OPS of .608, also seventh-worst. Left field isn’t much better, with a .217 average, eighth-worst, and an OPS of .647, fifth-worst.
The Dodgers are unlikely to completely give up on their current outfielders—Teoscar Hernandez, Andy Pages, and Jason Heyward. They might explore other ways to boost their outfield performance. For instance, if they acquire another middle infielder, Mookie Betts could move back to the outfield after he recovers from his hand injury.
The Dodgers have several options. Trading for Arozarena is one possibility, but there are other alternatives as well.
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