The Los Angeles Dodgers are searching for ways to separate themselves from the Padres and claim sole possession of the NL West. As the defending World Series champions, they’re determined to return to the same stage this postseason. With October approaching, there have been talks about a potential change to Shohei Ohtani’s role — but it comes with a caveat.
“The Dodgers are toying with the idea of using Shohei Ohtani in relief during the postseason, but if they do, he would vacate his spot in the lineup when his turn came up to hit. If he’s a starter, he’s permitted to stay in the game as a DH after he’s done pitching,” USA Today’s Bob Nightengale wrote.
While that shift could have a major impact on their playoff strategy, the Dodgers are also rumored to be targeting a blockbuster move for perhaps the best second baseman in the NL West — Ketel Marte.
“As their farm system is ranked No. 1 by MLB Pipeline, the Dodgers do have the high-end talent to swing a deal for Marte. They also have cause to upgrade offensively at second base, where they have gotten a .643 OPS. But would the D-backs really trade their best player to the de facto kings of the NL West? It’s doubtful,” Bleacher Report’s Zachary D. Rhymer wrote.
The Dodgers have struggled to get consistent offensive production from second base this season. Meanwhile, some recent tension in Arizona might make Marte more available than expected. Reports suggest some of his teammates were frustrated by his extended absence following a burglary at his home.
“The All-Star second baseman apologized through an interpreter Monday for missing three games following the All-Star break after flying back to his home in the Dominican Republic — a situation that has apparently been festering in the clubhouse over the past month,” ESPN wrote.
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The Dodgers have seen firsthand just how valuable Marte can be. With the best farm system in baseball and a win-now mentality, they have more than enough assets to pull off a deal. Acquiring Marte would be yet another example of the Dodgers making the rich even richer — something they’ve done year after year. And with their aggressive offseason approach, Marte in a Dodgers uniform feels like a natural fit.
