MLB Trade Rumors: 5 players the Dodgers should target

3. Tony Watson

There are no discernible weaknesses on the Dodgers roster, and the front office may only be compelled to make a big trade at the deadline by an unforeseen injury that materializes between now and July 31. As the roster is currently constructed, the only glaring omission is a left-handed relief specialist. Julio Urias is the only solid lefty currently working out of the Dodgers bullpen, and he has been used in a swing role and won’t necessarily be available for specific matchups in late innings.

Lefty relievers always move at the trade deadline and don’t require contenders to give up any of their top prospects. A mid-grade prospect is more than enough to acquire a lefty specialist. The Dodgers, with their deep pool of trade assets, have what it takes to blow any competing offer away once they lock their sights on a specific pitcher.

San Francisco Giants lefty Tony Watson should be on the move at the deadline. The Giants may elect to keep top trade chips Madison Bumgarner and Will Smith in light of their recent rocket-powered move up the standings. Watson, whose contract expires at the end of this season, should not be untouchable if management decides they really want to try and make a run at a Wild Card.

The 34-year-old lefty has been steady as they come throughout his entire nine-year career. Watson has a career 2.69 ERA in just under 600 games and is 2-0 this year with a 2.95 ERA and has held opposing lefties to a .588 OPS during his time in the big leagues. He also spent the second half of 2016 with the Dodgers and pitched well in 24 games, so there is a level of familiarity for the club with the pitcher.