The MLB Trade Deadline is just around the corner and as always, pitchers are the hottest commodity on the market. You win in the postseason because of pitching and that's why we are seeing teams like the Los Angeles Dodgers search the market to upgrade their rotation.
Now the Dodgers have taken one step towards improving their rotation, trading prospects for pitcher Mat Latos and first baseman Michael Morse, Chicago Sun-Times Cubs' reporter Gordon Wittenmyer was first to break the news.
The 27-year-old Latos, who will be a free agent this offseason, had a 4.48 ERA, 1.25 WHIP and 79/25 K/BB ratio in 16 starts with the Marlins, but his numbers are significantly better when he returned from the disabled list on June 13. Over his next seven starts, Latos has registered a 2.94 ERA, 0.92 WHIP and 43/9 K/BB rate.
It was a needed upgrade for a Dodgers rotation that has had to throw out the likes of Ian Thomas and Zach Lee after losing Hyun-Jin Ryu and Brandon McCarthy to season-ending injuries. The Dodgers lead N.L. West by only a 1/2 game and while Zack Greinke and Clayton Kershaw are two of the best pitchers in baseball; two pitchers can't carry a rotation for the entire season.
As part of this deal, the Dodgers agreed to take Morse's two-year, $16 million contract, which has a little over $2 million remaining this year and $8 million next year. The 33-year-old was a postseason hero for the San Francisco Giants during last year's World Series run, providing nice power but also hurting them with his defense. He has dealt with a back injury this year, which cost him time on the disabled list, but he is now healthy and should provide some pop as a right-handed bench bat. It's also possible that the cash-loaded Dodgers just cut bait with Morse and designate him for assignment.
While Miami will gladly take the added cap freedom and getting out of Morse's contract, they did receive prospects in return for Latos. Though it is still unknown at this time which prospects they will receive. We will further update you when those details become available.
Fantasy Impact
Obviously the only player who has fantasy relevance in the deal is Latos. While Latos is moving to a more hitter-friendly park, his 37.8 career fly ball percentage and 9.2 HR/FB percentage show there is no real risking of him becoming a major threat for an uptick in home runs allowed. He has pitched very well since his return from the disabled list, though expecting those numbers to hold up given his career line seems far-fetched. Latos should remain a solid fantasy starter who can hold an ERA between 3.2-3.7 as a member of the Dodgers.