Royals Rumors: Jake Diekman potential piece to help Dodgers bullpen
Royals rumors season is upon us and a name that is getting attention from a wide variety of teams, including the Los Angeles Dodgers, is relief pitcher Jake Diekman.
Jeffrey Flanagan of MLB.com first broke the news, posting an article on Tuesday about the various trade assets the Kansas City Royals have remaining on their roster.
In that article, Flanagan mentioned how Jake Diekman is a popular name amongst the contenders, especially the Dodgers. Flanagan wrote,
"The Dodgers, who have a scout here at Kauffman Stadium, and the Nationals are known to be interested. Scouts from the Braves and the Phillies were on hand to watch Diekman power out of a jam against the White Sox on Monday night in a 5-2 win. Other teams that could get in the derby include the Rangers (a nice reunion, perhaps), Rays and Pirates."
Diekman is an obvious trade candidate due to only being on a one-year deal. He hasn’t been great this season, currently posting an ERA of 4.97 with a 1.36 WHIP in 38 innings pitched. Diekman is 0-6 on the mound.
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The numbers aren’t great, but there are plenty of reasons why a contending team might be interested in acquiring Jake Diekman. It’d be a smart move for the Dodgers to go “all in” on Diekman, as their bullpen has been their weakest area during their dominant 2019 so far.
Connor Byrne of MLB Trade Rumors wrote about Diekman and the Dodgers being a potential fit and mentioned some positives when it comes to the lefty’s season,
"Diekman has struck out just over 13 hitters per nine and posted a career-high swinging-strike rate (16.4). He has also logged a 3.71 FIP, induced grounders at a 46.5 percent clip and generated infield pop-ups at a 20.0 percent rate. Diekman has been useful against lefty hitters (.289 weighted on-base average) and righties (.313 wOBA) in the process."
The Dodgers have a strong farm system, but the good news for them regarding this potential trade is they likely wouldn’t have to give up much for Diekman. He’s a rental player with an ERA barely below five, so one prospect is probably all they’d have to shell out to add Diekman to their bullpen.
Los Angeles had a really good bullpen during their last two seasons, both of which saw them land in the World Series and ultimately lose, but their relievers have taken steps back this year. Jake Diekman won’t light the world on fire, but as Byrne mentioned in the blurb above, he does provide some positives to whichever team trades for him.
Next. Five Trade Scenarios for 2019 Deadline. dark
Don’t expect the Royals rumors to let up any time soon!