The Dodgers must make space on their 40-man roster for two-way star Shohei Ohtani and pitcher Joe Kelly. Both have been confirmed as free agent signings for the Dodgers, but they currently have no room to officially add either.
It appears the Dodgers will make space for Ohtani and Kelly by trading players off their 40-man roster to an American League East rival:
The trade is, in effect, a formality. The Dodgers had no intention of blocking Ohtani and Kelly’s path to a major league roster spot. The same cannot be said for players on the back of their 40-man roster, and the Dodgers’ 40-man roster presents several intriguing trade candidates.
The Dodgers recently promoted pitchers Nick Frasso and Landon Knack, and catcher Hunter Feduccia, to their 40-man roster to protect them from the Rule 5 draft. While it’s possible any one of the three could be traded, it’s more likely the Dodgers intend to bring the three players to spring training to see what they have.
Infielder Jorbit Vivas and outfielder Andy Pages have yet to make their major league debuts, and it’s possible the Dodgers would free them to get their chance in New York.
Infielders Michael Busch and Miguel Vargas have been the subject of trade speculation all winter. While it’s possible the Dodgers could trade one or both in exchange for a highly-ranked prospect, rumors have focused on using Busch and/or Vargas to acquire a major-league starter.
Since the Dodgers can’t officially add Ohtani and Kelly to their 40-man roster without making a corresponding move, expect resolution on this trade rumor soon.
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