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Once again, the Los Angeles Dodgers are strong World Series contenders.
But their roster does have room for improvement, believe it or not.
Upgrades to the Dodgers' bullpen could be on the table as the trade deadline approaches. They lost Edwin Diaz in April to arthroscopic surgery to remove loose bodies in his right elbow.
For the time being, left-handers Tanner Scott and Alex Vesia have primarily shared closing duties.
MLB.com's Mark Feinsand labeled the Dodgers as one of three potential suitors for an eight-time All-Star closer from the AL East.
"The left-hander is the type of reliever contenders salivate over each July, though [Aroldis] Chapman’s strong preference to pitch the ninth means an acquiring team would have to want him in the closer’s role rather than making him a setup man alongside an established closer," Feinsand wrote.
Chapman, 38, is having another dominant year out of Boston's bullpen, as he secured all 14 of his first save opportunities while allowing just five earned runs, three of them on one play, in 21.2 innings.
Twice has Chapman been traded (2016 to the Chicago Cubs, 2023 to the Texas Rangers) and helped the acquiring club win the World Series.
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"Will another team want to roll the dice that Chapman can continue his dominance at age 39?" Feinsand added. "Given that the two teams that have acquired him at the Trade Deadline during his career (2016 Cubs, 2023 Rangers) both went on to win the World Series that season, it’s a gamble worth pursuing."
Let's be honest. As winners of consecutive championships, the Dodgers can afford to roll the dice.
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