Proposed blockbuster Dodgers trade sees Los Angeles deal Roki Sasaki to complete super rotation with $53 million All-Star ace

The Los Angeles Dodgers have proven this offseason they will never be satisfied with their current roster, and will always look for upgrades. One upgrade is getting another stud starting pitcher.

Fansided’s Christopher Kline proposes the Dodgers try to make a deal with the Cincinnati Reds for All-Star ace Hunter Greene. The Dodgers would use their top-tier farm depth and send a Roki Sasaki-based package to get the 26-year-old flamethrower.

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"The Cincinnati Reds' pitching depth and subsequent offensive shortcomings put Hunter Greene in the rumor mill earlier this offseason. There was no real chance of the Reds actually trading him, of course, as Greene is 26 years old and locked up through 2029 at an extremely affordable price…That said, if the Reds were to see Sasaki's name come across their desk, with the right package of young bats from L.A.'s farm system, it at least becomes a conversation. Sasaki's rookie season was a mixed bag, but in terms of pure stuff, there aren't many better arms in MLB. Once he locks in command-wise, Sasaki ought to take off into the stratosphere. Cincy develops their pitchers well and would no doubt love to get a pitcher whose ceiling may even eclipse Greene's, if all breaks right. The Japanese market is a factor, too. The Reds won't get a marquee international free agent to sign in Cincinnati of their own volition. That's just a fact. Trading for Sasaki at least gets their foot in the door,” Kline wrote.

This past season, Greene posted a 7-4 record, a 2.76 ERA, 132 Ks, and a WHIP of 0.938 over 107 innings pitched. While he is a little injury-prone, when he’s healthy, he’s a top pitcher in baseball. 

MORE: Proposed blockbuster Dodgers trade sees Los Angeles break baseball by dealing Roki Sasaki to land $5.7 million All-Star, Cy Young candidate ace

Another plus is his affordability. He’s currently in year four of a six-year, $53 million deal, which for a Dodgers team that loves to spend, would be incredibly cost-effective. He also has a $21 million club option for 2029, which is still chump change for Los Angeles if they want to keep him.

If the Dodgers want to make this deal, they better do it soon, as Spring Training is just around the corner.

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