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MLB Trade Deadline: 5 moves Orioles should make

By Joshua Sadlock

BOSTON, MA - MAY 3: Manny Machado #13 of the Baltimore Orioles looks on during the first inning against the Boston Red Sox at Fenway Park on May 3, 2017 in Boston, Massachusetts. (Photo by Maddie Meyer/Getty Images)
BOSTON, MA - MAY 3: Manny Machado #13 of the Baltimore Orioles looks on during the first inning against the Boston Red Sox at Fenway Park on May 3, 2017 in Boston, Massachusetts. (Photo by Maddie Meyer/Getty Images) /
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MINNEAPOLIS, MN – JULY 07: Zach Britton #53 of the Baltimore Orioles delivers a pitch against the Minnesota Twins during the game on July 7, 2017 at Target Field in Minneapolis, Minnesota. The Twins defeated the Orioles 9-6. (Photo by Hannah Foslien/Getty Images)
MINNEAPOLIS, MN – JULY 07: Zach Britton #53 of the Baltimore Orioles delivers a pitch against the Minnesota Twins during the game on July 7, 2017 at Target Field in Minneapolis, Minnesota. The Twins defeated the Orioles 9-6. (Photo by Hannah Foslien/Getty Images) /

1. Trade Zach Britton to the Dodgers

The Los Angeles Dodgers already have the best closer in the National League in Kenley Jansen, but they could be looking to add another dominant reliever to make their bullpen even stronger.

The Dodgers have not been to the World Series since 1988, and this has to be the year they go for it with every possible asset being used to make this team the best it can be. Andrew Friedman has passed on giving up elite prospects since he came to LA, but his MLB roster is complete. Many of his top remaining prospects in the minor leagues have their paths blocked.

With Clayton Kershaw and Alex Wood topping the rotation and a lineup that includes Corey Seager, Justin Turner and Cody Bellinger, the Dodgers have few real weaknesses. Anything can happen in the postseason, however, and the bullpen has been the biggest problem for the Dodgers in recent years. Most of Clayton Kershaw’s runs have come when he has been pushed too deep in games or as inherited runners scored because the bullpen has lacked depth in front of Jansen.

Of all the teams that would have interest in Britton, the Dodgers have the most to offer the Orioles in a potential return package. Top pitching prospect Walker Buehler may be untouchable, but outfield prospect Alex Verdugo and infielder Willie Calhoun are both ready to step into an MLB starting lineup immediately. Verdugo would become the corner outfielder the Orioles need, while Calhoun could play second and allow Manny Machado or Jonathan Schoop to transition to shortstop.

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