With the MLB trade deadline on the horizon at 1 p.m. PT on Wednesday afternoon, the Los Angeles Dodgers are one of the teams that have not yet made a significant move, but remain widely expected to.
It is no secret the Dodgers are searching for bullpen help after watching the unit struggle for most of the season, and there are still plenty of options still available. Among the top options are Felipe Vazquez of the Pittsburgh Pirates and Shane Greene of the Detroit Tigers.
While the Dodgers do want to make a significant addition as they search for their first World Series championship since 1988, it appears that not all of their prospects are on the table.
According to Jon Morosi of MLB.com, indications are the Dodgers will not trade Gavin Lux under any circumstances:
I’m told #Dodgers prospect Gavin Lux is virtually untouchable, even in the Felipe Vázquez talks. @MLB @MLBNetwork
— Jon Morosi (@jonmorosi) July 31, 2019
This does not come as a surprise considering Lux is in the midst of an absolute monster season between Double-A Tulsa and Triple-A Oklahoma City and is considered by many to be a future All-Star and potential Rookie of the Year candidate in 2020.
In 88 total games between the two levels this season, the 21-year-old is hitting .356/.423/.628 with 21 home runs, 79 runs scored, 64 RBI and seven stolen bases. In 24 games since being called up to Oklahoma City, Lux has hit an incredible .465/.542/.901 with eight home runs, 34 runs scored and 27 RBI.
The Pirates reportedly asked for Lux in talks for Vazquez, who is one of the best closers in baseball and could potentially be under team control until 2024, but talks may have stalled due to the Dodgers’ unwillingness to include their young shortstop.
If the Dodgers do acquire one of the elite relievers available then a potential package could be headlined by Keibert Ruiz due to the organization having a number of top catching prospects, most notably Will Smith.
As the deadline inches closer, Dodgers president of baseball operations Andrew Friedman could start feeling the pressure to make a big move with so many other contenders also making upgrades that could pay dividends in October.