Dodgers linked to trading for $15 million utility player

The Los Angeles Dodgers are expected to be buyers at the trade deadline as the team will look to improve its roster in hopes of winning its second straight World Series.

The Dodgers have minimal needs, but would look to make some small upgrades. Dodgers insider Jason Fray of DodgersNation links the team to Pittsburgh Pirates utility player Isiah Kiner-Falefa in a trade.

“Kiner-Falefa has immense positional versatility — seemingly a prerequisite for any L.A. position player. He’s currently the Pirates’ starting shortstop, though the 2020 Gold Glove winner can also play third base, second base, and the outfield,” Fray wrote. “Traditionally, Kiner-Falefa is also a guy who rarely strikes out…

“It likely wouldn’t cost all that much to procure the 30-year-old. At the very least, he’d provide cover for Mookie Betts, Hyeseong Kim, Max Muncy, Tommy Edman — and would be an upgrade over Chris Taylor,” Fray added.

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Kiner-Falefa is in the second year of his two-year, $15 million deal with the Pirates. The utility player could play all over the field for the Dodgers and, as Fray mentioned, be an upgrade over Chris Taylor, who was recently DFA’d.

With the Pirates also out of contention, Pittsburgh will look to get any asset possible for the utility player. With that, Los Angeles likely won’t have to give up much to acquire Kiner-Falefa, who adds some depth to their bench and gives Dodgers manager Dave Roberts a late-game defensive option who can play multiple positions.

Kiner-Falefa is hitting .282 with 1 home run and 8 RBIs this season with the Pirates. He’s a one-time Gold Glove Award winner.

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