The Los Angeles Dodgers have been dominating the baseball world for years now, with their impressive lineup and strong pitching rotation. However, as the team looks to defend their World Series title, they are facing a potential hole in their bullpen. In order to maintain their winning streak, the Dodgers may turn to the Atlanta Braves for a solution – poaching a relief pitcher to strengthen their bullpen.
The Dodgers have been known for their strong bullpen in recent years, but with the departure of key players like Pedro Baez and Blake Treinen, they are left with a gap that needs to be filled. This is where the Braves come into the picture. The Braves have a surplus of talented relief pitchers, making them a prime target for the Dodgers.
One name that has been circulating in the rumor mill is that of Braves’ closer, Will Smith. The 31-year-old left-hander has been a reliable force in the Braves’ bullpen, with a 2.57 ERA and 34 saves in the 2020 season. Smith’s impressive performance has caught the attention of the Dodgers, who are in need of a strong left-handed reliever.
Smith’s addition to the Dodgers’ bullpen would not only fill the gap left by Baez and Treinen but also add depth and versatility to the team. With his ability to pitch in high-pressure situations and shut down left-handed batters, Smith would be a valuable asset to the Dodgers.
But why would the Braves be willing to part ways with such a talented pitcher? The answer lies in their own bullpen depth. The Braves have a surplus of talented relief pitchers, including Chris Martin, A.J. Minter, and Tyler Matzek, making Smith expendable. In addition, the Braves are also facing financial constraints, and trading Smith to the Dodgers would free up some much-needed salary space.
The Dodgers and Braves have a history of making trades, with the most recent one being the acquisition of Mookie Betts by the Dodgers in 2020. This trade proved to be a game-changer for the Dodgers, as Betts played a crucial role in their World Series win. This successful trade history could work in the Dodgers’ favor as they look to poach Smith from the Braves.
Moreover, the Dodgers have a strong farm system, which could entice the Braves to make a deal. The Braves are in need of young, talented players, and the Dodgers have plenty to offer. This could be a win-win situation for both teams, with the Dodgers getting a much-needed relief pitcher and the Braves getting promising prospects in return.
Another factor that could work in the Dodgers’ favor is Smith’s desire to play for a winning team. The Dodgers have been a dominant force in the league for years now, and Smith would undoubtedly want to be a part of that success. Playing for a team with a winning culture and a chance to compete for a World Series title could be a major selling point for Smith.
Of course, there is no guarantee that the Braves would be willing to part ways with Smith, especially to a division rival. But with the Dodgers’ strong track record and their need for a left-handed reliever, it is worth exploring the possibility of a trade.
In conclusion, the Los Angeles Dodgers could look to poach a relief pitcher from the Atlanta Braves to fill a hole in their bullpen. Will Smith’s impressive performance and the Braves’ surplus of talented relief pitchers make him a prime target for the Dodgers. With their strong farm system and a history of successful trades, the Dodgers have a good chance of acquiring Smith and strengthening their bullpen. Only time will tell if this potential trade will come to fruition, but one thing is for sure – the Dodgers will stop at nothing to defend their World Series title.
