Dodgers include Kopech, Edman in 3-team deal
San Diego -To this time in time, the Dodgers were relatively still as Tuesday’s Trade Deadline neared.
By Juan Toribio
July 30, 2024, 01:07 07:07 AM
SAN DIEGO — Up to this point, the Dodgers had been relatively quiet as Tuesday’s Trade Deadline neared. But on Monday, they struck and landed two players they have long coveted.
In a huge three-team deal together with White Sox and Cardinals, the Dodgers acquired utility player Tommy Edman and Minor League right-hander Oliver Gonzalez from St. Louis and right-handed pitcher Michael Kopech from the White Sox.
In the exchange of both players, the Dodgers exchanged Miguel Vargas and prospects Jeral Perez and Alexander Albertus Alexander Albertus, both of whom were in L.A.’s Top 30 prospects according to MLB Pipeline, to the White Sox. Vargas had been a part of the ranks of prospects but was still one of the Dodgers most promising position players last season.
TRADING DETAILS
Cardinals are rewarded with: RHP Erick Fedde of Tommy Pham, cash considerations
Dodgers receive: INF/OF Tommy Edman, RHP Michael Kopech, RHP Oliver Gonzalez
White Sox receive: INF/OF Miguel Vargas, INF prospect Jeral Perez (LAD No. 17 prospect), INF prospect Alexander Albertus (LAD No. 23 prospect) the player who will be named in the future or cash considerations
In a different trade later on Monday in a separate trade, the Dodgers also purchased Amed Rosario off the Rays. Rosario is back for a second time at Los Angeles, who dealt to him to the Guardians during last year’s Trade Deadline. The Rays will be receiving triple-A RHP Michael Flynn in return.
The signing of Edman as well as Kopech was a top goal for the Dodgers because both players are expected to fulfill the immediate needs. Edman hasn’t been active throughout the season hopes to return soon following an ankle injury that somewhat altered his rehabilitation plan the week before.
Edman confirmed that his scheduled game was at second base with the Cardinals Triple-A affiliate Tuesday.
“I’m doing well,” Edman said Monday. “I’ve had a few weeks of rehabilitation in my back. Ankle is getting better and I’ll be evaluated upon my arrival in L.A. and then determine what we can do next.”
If he is fit, Edman can help the Dodgers get things back in order at shortstop as Mookie Betts as well as Miguel Rojas recover from injuries. When Betts or Rojas come back, Edman has the ability to play across the field and could be able to play third base, second base, and as an outfielder in the corner.
In the offseason, Dodgers have reached out to St. Louis regarding the possibility of buying Edman, the 2021 Gold Glove Award winner. Finding Edman was a top priority to the Dodgers for a number of months. They finally were able to land Edman California resident on the field last Monday.
Edman however has had a difficult time finding consistency at the plate in the past four seasons. After a strong rookie season, Edman has not had an OPS that was higher than .725 during the past 4 seasons in his professional career. It is also to be seen if he is ready for offensively after having an wrist surgery offseason, which has kept Edman out of the lineup for all of the season. He’s under the control of the team until the end of the next season.
Kopech however, who is the opposite provides the Dodgers another strength arm within the bullpen. He was the top player in his previous position. move to the bullpen at beginning of the season. Kopech has been rewarded for the move with an impressive 4.74 ERA this season but striking out 59 batters in 43 1/3 innings.
The 28-year old is at the 99th percentile of speed of his fastball and is within the 89th percentile for expected batting percentage against. His whiff rate is at the 86th percentile, all of the areas that Dodgers seek out when they evaluate an pitcher.
In the past few weeks, as the starting pitching not delivering the results the Dodgers were hoping, the team relied on their relievers extensively. The addition of Kopech will give the Dodgers an option that is needed and will be able to shield them from injuries that may occur over the next two months.
After acquiring Edman and Kopech after acquiring Kopech and Edman, the Dodgers will now shift their attention to the pitching market, although it’s not known who’s available in during the coming 24 hours. White Sox left-hander Garrett Crochet has been in the spotlight for a while however the asking price could be too high for teams to take due to the reported claim that he won’t pitch in the postseason unless he is given an extension on his contract.
Tigers star Tarik Skubal is also the subject of much debate for the Dodgers however it will require a massive group of prospects and players to secure the current favourite to be awarded the American League Cy Young Award The player is currently in the team’s control until in 2026’s season.