Dodgers Labeled ‘Best Fit’ for 2024 AL Cy Young Finalist

The reigning World Series champions should certainly want to upgrade at the trade deadline.

Injuries have once again shaken up both the starting rotation and bullpen for the Los Angeles Dodgers.

Those injuries are a big reason why the Dodgers have been listed as the “best fit” for a 2024 American League Cy Young Award finalist.

Bleacher Report’s Zachary D. Rymer has listed Los Angeles as the best landing spot for Kansas City Royals right-handed pitcher Seth Lugo.

“The Dodgers are not the best fit for Lugo because a starter is the No. 1 item on their to-do list for the trade deadline. What they really need is relief pitching,” Rymer wrote. “This said, part of the reason their bullpen is such a big concern is because of the sheer amount of work it’s had to take on. It has pitched a league-high (by far) 452 2/3 innings, whereas the rotation has logged a league-low 467 2/3 innings.

“Even at 35, Lugo is among the top innings eaters in the league. He logged 206 2/3 innings last year, and he’s averaged just about six innings per start through 19 outings this year.”

Lugo finished runner-up to the Tigers’ Tarik Skubal in Cy Young voting last season in the AL.

He is putting together a solid campaign this season, as he is 7-5 with a 2.95 ERA and 99 strikeouts across 19 starts and 113 innings pitched.

Recent reports have indicated that Kansas City is looking for “controllable outfielders” in a potential trade and Los Angeles has plenty of that to trade away.

Any combination of James Outman, Mike Sirota, Kendall George and Brendan Tunnik would be an ideal package for the Dodgers to send to the Royals.

Lugo certainly wouldn’t be a bona fide ace in the Los Angeles rotation, but he would be an arm that can consistently eat innings and be a productive member of a postseason run.

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