3) Phillies trade destination for Aaron Nola: Los Angeles Dodgers
The Los Angeles Dodgers never seem to care much about trading away prospects for a needed MLB addition. They, too, still have one of the better farm systems despite constantly trading and promoting players. How do they do it? Should the Phillies feel guilty about feeding the beast?
In part because of the failures of Noah Syndergaard, the Dodgers should be in the market for a starting pitcher upgrade. Nola can fall back and be a fourth or fifth starter on their ball club. The worst thing they can do is expect Clayton Kershaw, Julio Urias, and others to be healthy for the postseason. Dustin May has already been placed on the 60-day IL. Walker Buehler is recovering from Tommy John Surgery and no guarantee to return this season.
The Dodgers need to be in the market for a true innings eater with the stuff to carry them far. If nothing else, Nola has proven during his career he’s a guy you can count on to go six or seven innings on a regular basis. Purely a rental for them upon the finalization of the transaction, he’s a guy they should have in mind to extend or re-sign considering the status of Kershaw and Urias who hit the open market. Starting the relationship now could go a long way toward continuing it. At the very least, Nola can help them win in 2023.
Phillies fans can remain optimistic about Nola sticking around for another magical season with a happier ending. It was on June 3, 2022, when Joe Girardi was fired and the team took off. They haven’t lost a game since the anniversary passed this weekend. So while teams may be putting together their best trade offers for Nola, the Phillies don’t have to swipe right on any of them.