It's not typical that we'll advocate for the Dodgers to overpay in a trade, especially when they have the resources to make moves in free agency without unloading tradeable assets. However, their collapse against the Tigers on Saturday brings to the fore Los Angeles' need for bullpen help. Instead of trying to add marginal pieces to their group of relievers, the Dodgers should shell out whatever the Oakland A's want for rookie closer Mason Miller.
LA on Saturday blew a five-run lead to the Tigers in the ninth inning. Detroit was averaging fewer than 4.5 runs per game entering Saturday's contest. It was the first blown lead of at least 5 runs in the ninth by the Dodgers since July 2009 according to the Dodgers television broadcast team. They led 9-4 entering the ninth and wound up losing 11-9 in extra innings on a walk-off two-run homer by Tigers first baseman Gio Urshela.
Dodgers closer Evan Phillips allowed a game-tying two-run homer in the ninth. Yohan Ramirez gave up the game-winner the following inning. All six LA relievers gave up at least one hit Saturday.
Reports on Miller's availability have fluctuated throughout the season, and the A's are probably not keen to let their lone All-Star go. Every player has a price though, and Oakland isn't in a position to hoard players they're likely to trade over the next couple of seasons anyway.
Miller this season has 15 saves and 2.27 ERA in 33 games. He's racked up a whopping 70 strikeouts in just 39.2 innings and his WHIP sits at a paltry 0.857 entering play July 13. He's also only 25-years old at the deadline.
The Dodgers have a stockpile of very good young prospects who could help the A's improve their farm system so they're something closer to competitive when they move into their new stadium they're planning to open in Las Vegas in 2028.
While those assets may be better used on the outfielder or starting pitcher the Dodgers desire, it's hard to not circle the bullpen as a significant problem at this point. LA at least has some reinforcements for their starting staff on the IL and some good young arms to potentially rely on. In the bullpen things are dicey and Miller could help solidify that group while helping LA shorten games to take the onus off of their reeling starting rotation.