According to reports, the Cleveland Guardians will trade shortstop Amed Rosario to the Los Angeles Dodgers. It continues a busy 24-hour period for the Dodgers, as they acquired utility man Kiké Hernandez from the Boston Red Sox yesterday. The deal was first reported by Jeff Passan of ESPN and confirmed shortly thereafter by Ken Rosenthal of The Athletic.
Source confirms: Dodgers in agreement with Guardians on a trade for Amed Rosario, pending review of medicals. First: @JeffPassan and @JesseRogersESPN
— Ken Rosenthal (@Ken_Rosenthal) July 26, 2023
In return, the Dodgers will send right-hander Noah Syndergaard to Cleveland, according to Pat Ragazzo of SI.com.
Source: Los Angeles Dodgers are sending Noah Syndergaard to the Cleveland Guardians in exchange for Amed Rosario
— Pat Ragazzo (@ragazzoreport) July 26, 2023
Guardians Trade Amed Rosario to Dodgers
The Dodgers will be hoping that a change of scenery will result in a jump in production for Rosario. After two strong seasons in Cleveland, he has seen a slight dip in 2023. In 93 games this season, he is hitting .265 (18 points lower than last year) with three homers and 40 RBI. His OPS is down 40 points as well, from .715 to .675. Overall, though, Rosario had a successful tenure in Cleveland. After being traded from the New York Mets for Francisco Lindor, he upped his offensive production. In 2022, Rosario led the American League in triples with nine.
The 27-year-old will now look to establish himself in Los Angeles. The Dodgers have lost multiple star shortstops to free agency in recent years, including Manny Machado, Corey Seager, and Trea Turner. All three enjoyed big moments in LA, but due to their respective contract situations, the position has turned into a revolving door for the Dodgers. Since Rosario was only on a one-year deal with Cleveland, this trend could continue. However, if he shines the last two months of the year and beyond, he might find a long-term home at Chavez Ravine.
Thor Headed to Cleveland
As for Syndergaard, he continues his odyssey through the big leagues after his Mets tenure came to an end following the 2021 season. He split 2022 between the Los Angeles Angels and the Philadelphia Phillies, appearing in the World Series for the latter. Before this year, Syndergaard signed a one-year deal with the Dodgers. In 12 starts, he has struggled, pitching to a 1-4 record with a 7.16 ERA and 1.446 WHIP. He has averaged one home run surrendered per start. Syndergaard may only need a fresh start with a new team. Turning 31 next month, he could have a lot left in the tank if he stays healthy, which has been an issue throughout his career.
This is one of the more intriguing deadline deals so far, with two relatively well-known former Mets being swapped for each other. With both teams contending for the postseason, Rosario and Syndergaard will each get ample opportunity to prove their worth to their new clubs.
Photo Credit: David Richard-USA TODAY Sports
Players Mentioned: Amed Rosario, Noah Syndergaard, Francisco Lindor, Manny Machado, Corey Seager, Trea Turner
