Dodgers near three-team trade, still in David Price derby
Detroit Tigers starting pitcher David Price waits on a new ball during the first inning of a game against the Baltimore Orioles on July 18.
The Dodgers were closing in late Wednesday on a three-team trade that would fill their starting rotation without depriving them of any key prospects that could be used to acquire a third ace in David Price.
The trade had not been confirmed or announced by the time the Dodgers took the field Wednesday. However, what was once thought to be a two-team deal would bring starters Mat Latos and Alex Wood, relievers Jim Johnson and Luis Avilan, first baseman-outfielder Mike Morse and infield prospect Jose Peraza to Los Angeles, according to reports.
The Dodgers would send Cuban infielder Hector Olivera -- signed this spring in a $62.5-million deal -- to the Atlanta Braves and three non-elite minor league pitchers to the thrifty Miami Marlins.
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If the deal is completed, the Dodgers would pay seven players -- Olivera, Matt Kemp, Dan Haren, Dee Gordon, Brian Wilson, Brandon League and Ryan Webb -- $80 million not to play for them. The Tampa Bay Rays had an opening-day payroll of $76 million this season.
Andrew Friedman left the Rays last fall to become the Dodgers’ president of baseball operations.
Latos and Wood could fill the final two spots in the rotation beyond Clayton Kershaw, Zack Greinke and Brett Anderson.
Latos, 27, went 4-7 with a 4.48 earned-run average for the Marlins this year, but 3-3 with a 2.96 ERA since returning from the disabled list after a bout with an inflamed knee. Wood, 24, is 7-6 with a 3.54 ERA for the Braves.
Peraza could replace Olivera in the Dodgers’ infield of the future. Peraza, a 21-year-old second baseman, is batting .295 with three home runs and 25 stolen bases for the Braves’ triple-A Gwinnett farm team.
The Detroit Tigers said Wednesday they would entertain offers for Price, whom the Dodgers long have coveted. The Dodgers do not plan to trade either of their two very best prospects -- infielder Corey Seager and pitcher Julio Urias -- but should have enough of an inventory to get Price, who is three months from free agency. It is uncertain whether the Dodgers would include Wood and/or Peraza in a package for Price.
MORE
Dodgers drop Joc Pederson from leadoff spot
Clayton Kershaw scratched from Wednesday start with hip injury
Cole Hamels? David Price? No, Dodgers trade for Marlins’ Mat Latos
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