After the series of injuries that have affected the Dodgers, the Los Angeles team is reportedly seriously considering bolstering its bullpen and infield before the MLB trade deadline.
A hypothetical scenario proposed by former general manager Jim Bowden suggests a significant trade with the Minnesota Twins that would include pitchers Jhoan Duran, Griffin Jax and versatile infielder Willi Castro heading to California.
In return, the Dodgers would deliver a combination of promising prospects and a Major League arm: outfielder Josue De Paula, their No. 1 prospect, left-hander Jackson Ferris, No. 6 prospect, right-hander Bobby Miller and outfielder Jaron Elkins, No. 23.
Who will be the Dodgers’ reinforcements in October?
If this move materializes, the Dodgers would reinforce their bullpen with two quality arms:
- Jhoan Duran, who has 15 saves and a 1.94 ERA in 46 appearances this season, would immediately assume the closer’s role thanks to his triple-digit fastball
- Griffin Jax has had a more inconsistent year (4.09 ERA), but he has 68 strikeouts in just 44 innings and proved his worth in 2023 with a 2.03 ERA.
- Willi Castro would come in as a valuable utility player, able to cover multiple infield and outfield positions.
His offensive line with an OPS+ of 112 positions him as a solid option to complement players like Kike Hernandez and Max Muncy, who have been inconsistent this season. Castro would become a free agent at the end of the season.
Twins bet on the future
From the Twins’ perspective, this potential trade would represent a restructuring opportunity with an eye toward 2026.
The main attraction would be Josue De Paula, a power hitter with high offensive potential, ranked 17th in MLB‘s best prospects ranking according to Keith Law, who although he needs to improve defensively, his projection as a hitter makes him a strong bet.
Left-hander Jackson Ferris would also be an interesting piece, profiling as a mid-rotation starter in the medium term.
Bobby Miller, 26, could benefit from a change of scenery after inconsistent performance, while 20-year-old Jaron Elkins would be included as a complement to the package.
For the Dodgers, a franchise with legitimate championship aspirations and seeking a second consecutive World Series title, this type of aggressive gambling often makes the difference between winning and not winning a trophy.
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