In another trade move ahead of the deadline, the Los Angeles Dodgers acquired shortstop Amed Rosario from the Cleveland Guardians. Los Angeles gave up starting pitcher Noah Syndergaard and cash considerations in the deal. Both the Dodgers and Guardians are firmly in the postseason hunt with 58-43 and 51-51 records, respectively.
After the Dodgers traded with the Red Sox to acquire Kike Hernandez Tuesday, the organization said that they were still looking for more firepower on offense with the deadline looming. Rosario has had a competent, if unremarkable, season for Cleveland thus far, but he is a dependable type with upside. Syndergaard, on the other hand, currently has a 1-4 record and 7.16 ERA in 12 appearances this season.
Since parting ways as New York Mets teammates after the 2020 season, Rosario and Syndergaard have both struggled at times. Syndergaard, a former star in the 2010s, has lost velocity on his fastball and bounced around on several teams. Rosario has stayed in Cleveland since leaving New York, but the shortstop hasn’t necessarily lived up to sky-high expectations after six full MLB seasons.
With current Dodgers shortstop Miguel Rojas struggling at the plate, batting .221 with 11 RBIs, the Dodgers have been looking for alternatives for some time. Star outfielder Mookie Betts has played several games out of position, but Rosario could be a more reliable replacement at the position. For now, he is listed second on the depth chart.
In Cleveland, Syndergaard will likely serve as a short-term replacement on a talented but severely depleted rotation. Both Shane Bieber and Cal Quantrill are currently on the IL, and while the remaining four starters have been capable this season, a pitcher like Syndergaard is still necessary to lighten the load for others.
It is unlikely that the Guardians are expecting much from Syndergaard, who did not seem to benefit at all from his relocation to Los Angeles in the offseason. He will likely fill in as the fourth or fifth starter while others recuperate from injury.
