MLB Rumors: Dodgers urgent targets, Red Sox alarm bells, Yankees blunder

MLB Rumors: Dodgers trade deadline push focused on 2 targets

The Los Angeles Dodgers have a clear need for MLB-ready and postseason-ready starting pitching. Not only do they have a huge hole here, but they have two very clear targets in mind.

Justin Verlander has been on their radar ever since he was made available. Trade talks have begun to heat up surrounding the former Cy Young winner after his teammate Max Scherzer was traded to the Rangers. The Mets have shown they would eat some of the money in a trade for Scherzer, which could be the case with Verlander as well. The price tag on Verlander will likely be similar to Scherzer, where it would take one higher level prospect to acquire him.

Their other top target resides in a bit of a smaller market in Eduardo Rodriguez from the Tigers. Bob Nightengale reported that the Tigers are “definitely trading starters Eduardo Rodriguez and Michael Lorenzen” and the Dodgers appear to be deep in the race to get him. Rodriguez has an opt-out option at the conclusion of this season, but if he’s traded to Los Angeles, they could very well extend him for years to come. The Dodgers definitely have the assets to comfortably acquire him.