Dodgers backup plan after missing out on Max Scherzer

The San Diego Padres have traded for former Nationals ace Max Scherzer. So, what should the Dodgers do to respond?

The Dodgers had been connected to Scherzer as a possible trade destination by Friday’s deadline, especially after a report emerged stating that the 37-year-old preferred to play for a contender on the West coast. The reigning World Series champs obvious would’ve fulfilled that need.

San Diego Padres general manager AJ Preller jumped the gun, however, acquiring Scherzer for a package of prospects. The Padres hope to usurp both the Dodgers and San Francisco Giants in baseball’s best division — the National League West — down the stretch. Both LA (two games) and San Diego (5.5 games) trail the Giants as of Thursday.

Los Angeles Dodgers rumors: Backup plan after missing out on Max Scherzer

The Dodgers would prefer to make a move before the deadline to respond to the Scherzer trade. Doing so won’t be easy, but they surely have some options.

Jose Berrios of the Minnesota Twins, whose trade interest is increasing by the minute, is an obvious choice. He’ll likely cost an arm and a leg, however, especially with Scherzer now off the market.

Should the Dodgers wish not to pay the asking price on Berrios, two other, perhaps cheaper options would be Jon Gray of the Colorado Rockies and Kyle Gibson of the Texas Rangers. Neither screams ace potential, and with Trevor Bauer out longer-term on administrative leave, the Dodgers could’ve used a pitcher the caliber of Scherzer.

Clayton Kershaw remains on the injured list at the moment, leaving Walker Buehler, Julio Urias, Tony Gonsolin and David Price to carry the rotation.

Berrios is easily the second-best quality pitcher available. If the Dodgers are serious about winning back-to-back World Series, they will pony up to the Twins’ demands, even if it means impacting their farm system ranking in the process.

It helps that Berrios is signed beyond this season, as well. It’s an investment beyond just 2021, and it’s well worth it with Scherzer going to the worst possible landing spot.