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MLB Rumors: Dodgers connected to Lucas Giolito trade

It’s no secret that the top MLB Trade Deadline priority for the Los Angeles Dodgers figures to be pitching. Whether it’s a starter, a reliever, or both, the Dodgers desperately need to combat a series of unfortunate injuries in addition to some underperformance if they are going to have any chance of catching the Diamondbacks in the NL West.

The problem with that plight, however, is that LA is going to have hefty competition for starting pitchers. Not only is it a top need for a number of contenders throughout baseball, but the number of starting pitchers on the market is a bit thin.

Having said that, the Dodgers might have a guy who fits exactly what they need, specifically a high-end rental who could stabilize the rotation, a player who they could bring back home to Los Angeles: Lucas Giolito.

It’s been one of the worst-kept secrets in MLB that the White Sox are going to have a fire sale at the trade deadline, which was recently furthered once more by insider Jon Heyman for the New York Post. In that report, Heyman connected Giolito to his “hometown Dodgers” as a possible trade fit, while also noting the potential involvement of the Cincinnati Reds and Texas Rangers.

That hometown connection could be enticing, but even without that, the Dodgers should be interested in the veteran righty in the final year of club control with the White Sox. Giolito has been resurgent and dominant this season, posting a 3.45 ERA and 1.14 WHIP on the year for Chicago over 19 starts, 11 of which have resulted in Quality Starts.

With notable contenders vying for Giolito too, the Dodgers would likely have to pay a premium in a trade, even in a rental. For a club that feels like solidifying its pitching can put them in true World Series contention, though, it could well be worth it.