Report: Dodgers eyeing relievers Diaz, Givens
The Los Angeles Dodgers are looking to shore up their bullpen ahead of the July 31 trade deadline and have their sights set on two closers from struggling teams.
Los Angeles is looking at New York Mets finisher Edwin Diaz and Baltimore Orioles sidearmer Mychal Givens, according to MLB Network's Jon Heyman.
Diaz has been one of the most talked-about relievers ahead of the trade deadline following a report that the Mets are interested in dealing the 25-year-old.
Whether he'll be traded or not is still an uncertainty, even to him.
"I haven't spoken to anyone," Diaz explained when asked if he's discussed the trade speculation with the Mets' front office, according to Matt Ehalt of Yahoo Sports. "I'm focused on just playing the games, and whatever happens, happens."
Diaz owns a career-high 4.81 ERA and 1.45 WHIP in 43 appearances during his first season in the Big Apple after a trade from the Seattle Mariners.
Despite those disappointing numbers, he's still striking out hitters at a high rate (13.96 per nine) and saving games (22 in 26 chances). He's also under team control until the end of 2022, earning a modest $607,425 this season. He's arbitration-eligible for the first time in 2020.
Givens, meanwhile, leads the Orioles with eight saves this year, but his ERA has soared to a career-worst 4.28 and he's already allowed nine home runs in 40 innings. His previous high was 10 in 2017.
The 29-year-old is earning $2.15 million this year and isn't scheduled to become a free agent until 2022.
Los Angeles' bullpen, one of the National League's most formidable last season (3.72 ERA), sits 15th in MLB in WAR this year, according to FanGraphs.
Kenley Jansen owns the highest ERA of his career, while offseason addition Joe Kelly has struggled during his first year with the Dodgers.
Dodgers' 2019 Bullpen - Stats
| PITCHER | G | IP | ERA | WHIP | SO |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Kenley Jansen | 40 | 40.2 | 3.54 | 1.01 | 56 |
| Pedro Baez | 47 | 46 | 3.33 | 0.91 | 40 |
| Joe Kelly | 34 | 34 | 5.29 | 1.56 | 42 |
| Yimi Garcia | 40 | 39.2 | 4.08 | 0.86 | 35 |
| JT Chargois | 14 | 15 | 4.20 | 1.07 | 22 |
| Caleb Ferguson | 25 | 24 | 6.38 | 1.83 | 30 |
| Casey Sadler | 5 | 6 | 1.50 | 0.67 | 5 |
| Julio Urias | 23 | 57.2 | 2.34 | 0.97 | 59 |
In addition to their reported interest in Diaz and Givens, the Dodgers have also been linked to Pirates closer Felipe Vazquez and Kansas City Royals southpaw Jake Diekman.