The Los Angeles Dodgers are currently second in the National League, trailing the Philadelphia Phillies. As the trade deadline approaches, the Dodgers have a chance to strengthen their roster for a postseason push. Jim Riley of Bleacher Report suggests a trade that would send Bo Bichette from the Toronto Blue Jays to Los Angeles.
Riley’s proposed trade details are:
– **Dodgers receive**: shortstop Bo Bichette
– **Blue Jays receive**: second baseman Gavin Lux, right-handed pitcher River Ryan, right-handed pitcher Landon Knack, and third baseman Jake Gelof
MLB Insider Jon Heyman commented on his Bleacher Report podcast, saying, “I don’t think Toronto wants to trade Bichette or [Vladimir Guerrero Jr.], but at this point are they beyond fading? They’re almost disintegrating. The Jays are a non-contender. These guys have a year to go. I don’t think they’re going to be able to sign them. Negotiations have not gone well. They have not gotten close.”
### High Asking Price for Bo Bichette
“The Blue Jays’ asking price is steep; they want an offer that feels like ‘too much,'” Riley commented on the potential trade.
In Riley’s proposal, the Dodgers would part with three of their Top 30 prospects: Ryan (No. 4), Knack (No. 12), and Gelof (No. 22). Gavin Lux, the only major leaguer in the deal, would also be included.
Lux had a .276/.346/.399 slash line in 2022 but missed all of 2023 due to a knee injury. This season, he has struggled with a .207/.261/.280 slash line, but Riley suggests that a “change of scenery might do him well.” Lux could immediately join the Blue Jays’ lineup, while Ryan and Knack could significantly impact the team’s future.
Riley also mentioned that Yusei Kikuchi is likely to be traded and Alek Manoah will likely miss the rest of the season. Ryan, currently in Triple-A with a 2024 MLB ETA, and Knack, who debuted this season with a 2.86 ERA in seven starts, could help fill these gaps. “Considering the Blue Jays’ situation and their need to call up significant arms, Ryan and Knack could be crucial additions,” Riley explained.
With top prospect Ricky Tiedemann dealing with injuries, Ryan and Knack would provide the Blue Jays with two promising pitching prospects that could become future rotation staples.