Minnesota Twins Rumors: Dodgers interested in Brian Dozier?
The Minnesota Twins could play a major role before we reach the end of the non-waiver trade deadline.
Minnesota Twins second baseman Brian Dozier is sure to be a hot trade target during this month. Although he has struggled during the 2018 season, he brings enough pop with the bat for a contending team to add for the pennant race.
However, Dozier brings more than his bat to the table. He is an above-average defensive player, he did win a gold glove during the 2017 season and brings a veteran presence to any lineup.
His performance notwithstanding, Dozier is a legitimate Major Leaguer and deserves a chance to win. Unfortunately, things haven’t gone as planned in the Twin Cities this season and Dozier will almost certainly be traded.
As teams fade from the bidding war for Manny Machado, the Twins are the perfect fallback option. Dozier is capable of playing second or third base with ease and plenty of teams can use his power bat in their lineup. One team that has already expressed interest according to Mike Berardino is the Los Angeles Dodgers.
I'm told #Dodgers are indeed doing background work on Brian Dozier, among several other middle INFs. #Pirates 2B Josh Harrison is another name they've checked into, although he has 2 club options after this year.
— Mike BerardinoNDI (@MikeBerardino) July 10, 2018
Rodney, Duke seem to interest them out of #mntwins pen.
The Dodgers definitely have the pieces to swing a trade for Machado. However, the price will be high and would sap their system of their top talent. Dozier, on the other hand, would only cost Los Angeles something with some possible potential.
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Why a trade works for both teams
The Dodgers have already shown interest in Dozier during the 2016 off-season. Fortunately for the Minnesota Twins, the two teams weren’t able to come to an agreement. However, at this point, Dozier has lost virtually all of his trade value and the Twins will have to settle for what they can get.
Dozier is capable of hitting 15-20 home runs over the course of the rest of this season. The Dodgers can acquire that production for a fraction of the cost it’ll take to acquire Machado. Without question, Machado would help Los Angeles more, but Dozier is more feasible.
Although he is hitting a meager .220 with only 38 runs batted in, Dozier provides a lot of upside. He has enough range to play shortstop and the Dodgers can use his production in their lineup. Dozier hit 104 home runs from 2015-17 and is a lock for more than 20 this season.
Dozier has only this season remaining on his contract and that makes him even more appealing. The Twins aren’t in a position to hold strong and wait for top talent. They need to either trade him now or risk losing him for nothing more than draft pick compensation following this season.
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Minnesota should be motivated to not only trade Dozier but other assets as well. The time is now for the Twins to start adding to the foundation of their bright future.