MLB insider says Dodgers are eying a trade for star AL Central closer

While the Minnesota Twins have done absolutely nothing this offseason, the Los Angeles Dodgers couldn't be further on the other end of the spectrum.

Minnesota reduced its payroll amid uncertainty over television revenue, with the only move the team has made thus far being a minor league deal for Niko Goodrum. Los Angeles has spent over a billion dollars on exactly two free agents, handing Shoehi Ohtani a $700 million deal and inking Yoshinoby Yamamoto to a $325 million this week.

Sandwiched in between those two deals was a trade for Tampa Bay Rays ace Tyler Glasnow, which was a marquee deal that has been lost in the shuffle of everything else the Dodgers have going on.

It doesn't sound like they're are done wheeling and dealing, either.

According to MLB insider Jim Bowden, the Dodgers are setting their sights on the AL Central with eyes on making a trade for an All-Star closer.

MLB insider says Dodgers are eying a trade for All-Star AL Central closer

Jhoan Duran has been a revelation for the Twins, if not also a major source of anxiety. He's a flamethrowing fan-favorite who is by far the most impressive part of a bullpen that has looked less than spectacular at times over the last few seasons.

Among the trade chips the Twins have, it seems like he's one of the guys who is as close to off-limits as it gets, as moving him actively makes the team worse. He's a big part of Minnesota's plan for success in 2024, and he might be the best closer int he division if the Dodgers get their way.

Bowden went on MLB Network radio this week and soft-launched the idea of Emmanuel Clase ending up in Los Angeles.

"Don't be surprised if the Dodgers make a trade for Emmanuel Clase," Bowden said on MLB Network Radio.

Not only does this make Duran the best closer in the AL Central, but it makes Cleveland worse. Clase is an All-Star and one of the Guardian's best players, which at least means the return package would be decent in terms of pieces for the future.

It would also seemingly signal that the Cleveland is unserious about truly competing in 2024. Minnesota is already favored to win the AL Central, and the Kansas City Royals are reading the tea leaves and making moves to try and take advantage of a power vacuum.

Cleveland is also rumored to be trading Josh Naylor this offseason, and pairing that with parting ways with Clase is at least raising their arm to waive the white flag if not outright hedging on the season before it even starts.

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