The Felipe Vazquez market continues to heat up.
Per MLB.com's John Morosi, the Dodgers are interested in Vazquez, who currently ranks fourth in the National League with 19 saves on 20 opportunities. Last season, Vazquez converted 88 percent of his save opportunities for a career-best 37 total. He was also selected to the 2018 All-Star Game.
At 55-26, the Dodgers don't just lead the NL West — they have the best record in MLB. Led by MVP candidate Cody Bellinger's 25 home runs, 62 RBIs and .353/.450/.702 slash, the Dodgers are yet again strong World Series contenders in 2019.
Adding Vazquez, a 27-year-old left-hander seemingly entering the prime of his career, could potentially put them over the edge.
This aligns with our own John Perrotto's recent report that kicked off June 21's Friday Insider. There, Perrotto asserted that Vazquez would receive the best return of any Pirates player — including Josh Bell.
“He [Vazquez] can be a difference maker in a pennant race and the postseason, and you’d have him for multiple seasons,” an executive from a National League team told Perrotto. “There’s a lot to like there.”
Vazquez has two years and approximately $15 million remaining on his four-year, $22 million contract after this season.
Perrotto reported the Braves, Red Sox and Twins have expressed preliminary interest in Vazquez. With the Dodgers added, that makes four teams confirmed to be testing the waters.
Of these, however, the Dodgers are particularly interesting for the Pirates because of their strong farm system. They have the depth and development that could sway the Pirates. And while they'd likely give up a significant return, the payoff could be worth it to them, as pairing Vazquez with Kenley Jansen, a right-hander who has 23 saves in 26 tries this year, would represent a devastating duo for opponents.
If the Dodgers aren't already the perfect team, this move could take them there.
To continue reading, log into your account:
