Could NL's best team be even better after Deadline?

Dodgers remain in talks for Soto, others with clock ticking

August 2nd, 2022

SAN FRANCISCO -- Hours before the Dodgers’ 8-2 win over the Giants on Monday at Oracle Park, a graphic showing a projected lineup with Juan Soto popped up on the TVs inside the visiting clubhouse.

Naturally, a few players stopped to quickly admire what would undoubtedly be, at least on paper, one of the most potent lineups in Major League history. The Dodgers have 69 wins on the season and are on pace for 110 wins, which would be a franchise record.

If the Dodgers do nothing over the next 12 hours, they’re still the favorites to come out of the National League. Everything is clicking for the Dodgers. But with the Trade Deadline looming, the big question remains: What will the Dodgers’ roster look like come Tuesday at 3 p.m. PT? Everyone is eager to find out.

“At least you know now that after tomorrow, the guys within the organization, those are the ones you’re gonna have [for the rest of the season],” Dodgers manager Dave Roberts said before the game. “So then you move forward with those guys.”

The Dodgers, who are no strangers to making a splash at the Deadline, are once again in the mix for the superstar outfielder, along with the Padres and Cardinals. Soto doesn’t fall into the “needs” category for the Dodgers. Acquiring him would be a luxury. Having the 23-year-old for at least three postseason runs might be too appealing for the Dodgers to pass up.

Soto, who has two-and-a-half years left of team control, won’t come cheap in terms of prospects. But as the Deadline gets closer, the Dodgers’ optimism of getting Soto from the Nationals continues to grow, according to sources. The longer things play out, the more Los Angeles believes it can put together the best package for the Nationals, who don’t necessarily need to trade Soto but would benefit from a larger package than if they waited until the offseason.

Such a deal would include a good chunk of the top prospects in the organization. It could also include a young Major Leaguer, such as Gavin Lux and Dustin May. The Dodgers, however, have struggled with the idea of losing either one of those two players. Team chemistry, which Roberts has said is the best in recent years, is something the Dodgers are mindful of.

The ability to acquire a generational talent like Soto doesn’t come around often, though. The Dodgers are aware of that.

Soto isn’t the only player the Dodgers are interested in. Los Angeles has had conversations with Miami for right-handed starter Pablo López, who has a 3.41 ERA over 21 starts this season. There’s growing belief that the two teams could come to an agreement before 3 p.m., according to a source. But like everything during Deadline season, those conversations remain fluid.

The Dodgers have also been in communication with the Cubs about outfielder Ian Happ.

While the Dodgers’ front office continues to sort through different possibilities, the current roster continues to dominate on the field. The Dodgers have the best winning percentage in the Majors and are 22-5 over their last 27 games. Dodgers first baseman Freddie Freeman said they’re starting to play like the team most expected out of Spring Training.

“We’re playing really good baseball right now,” Freeman said. “I think everyone wants it to be over so nobody has to talk about trade talks anymore. But it was a pretty exciting day around baseball. We’ll see what happens. But we have a really good thing right now.”

By Tuesday night, the Dodgers could be even better.