The Los Angeles Dodgers have shown interest in Cleveland starting pitcher Corey Kluber, per MLB Network’s Jon Heyman.
Dodgers, Angels, Padres are believed to have shown interest in Kluber. @Ken_Rosenthal mentioned Rangers. Interesting Dodgers thought be involved since rumors with them had centered on Lindor.
— Jon Heyman (@JonHeyman) December 14, 2019
Corey Kluber’s time in Cleveland is likely coming to an end. Plus the Indians already have a bright, young rotation making Kluber expendable. In addition, he is set to make $17.5 Million in 2020, a high price tag for a small market team.
Kluber, 33, only pitched 35 innings in 2019 due to a broken forearm, followed by an oblique strain. In this small sample size he found little success, posting a 5.80 ERA.
Although, from 2013-2018 Kluber solidified himself as one of the premier starters in the league, with a 2.97 ERA and two AL Cy Young awards.
The Dodgers would be a fathomable landing spot for Kluber given three-fifths of their projected 2020 rotation have little to no experience in the majors as starters. Moreover, the long-time Indians ace is someone that MLB.com beat writer Ken Gurnick sees as an ideal fit for this young Dodgers team.
If Kluber is indeed fully healthy, there is a good chance he could return to his pre-2019 form. Although, at this point a deal is still pretty unlikely.
Dodgers said still to be more focused on Lindor. Dodger roster is so good that it may take superstar to seriously improve it.
— Jon Heyman (@JonHeyman) December 15, 2019
A Corey Kluber and Francisco Lindor package would surely cost the Dodgers at least one of Gavin Lux and Dustin May, and possibly Corey Seager, but could be a viable scenario as Andrew Friedman looks to change the makeup of this team for 2020. A blockbuster of this magnitude would certainly change the perception of the off-season for the Dodgers.