Dodgers are reportedly pursuing a blockbuster trade for a slugger worth $85 million to the Cubs.

The Los Angeles Dodgers have long been recognized as one of Major League Baseball’s most dominant and ambitious franchises. Their commitment to excellence, deep-pocketed ownership, and strong front office have made them perennial contenders. The Dodgers have consistently shown a willingness to make bold moves—whether it’s signing high-profile free agents, developing their own young talent, or pulling the trigger on massive trades. This offseason, they are once again the subject of trade rumors, and according to reports, they could be targeting a major deal for an $85 million slugger from the Chicago Cubs.

The reported pursuit of this Cubs star is significant not only because of his power potential but also because of the financial commitment that would be required. A trade of this magnitude would undoubtedly make waves in the MLB landscape and significantly bolster the Dodgers’ lineup. The player in question, an elite slugger with a proven track record of hitting for power and providing offensive consistency, would add a crucial piece to an already impressive roster.

But why would the Dodgers pursue such a blockbuster trade? What would this player bring to the table, and what would it mean for the Dodgers’ future? This article takes a deep dive into the reported trade, the potential slugger in question, and what such a move could mean for the Dodgers as they continue their quest for another World Series title.

The Dodgers’ Current Roster and Need for Offensive Power

The Los Angeles Dodgers, as of the 2024 offseason, have a roster filled with established stars. Mookie Betts, Freddie Freeman, and Clayton Kershaw are just a few of the notable players who have been integral to the team’s success in recent seasons. The Dodgers also boast a strong farm system, featuring promising young players like Bobby Miller and Miguel Vargas, who could play pivotal roles in the future.

Despite all their talent, the Dodgers are not without needs. In particular, one area that has come under scrutiny is the team’s offensive firepower. While the Dodgers’ offense has been potent in recent seasons, they have lacked a true middle-of-the-order slugger who can hit for both average and power. Players like Betts and Freeman have been incredibly effective at getting on base, but the team needs a player who can provide additional pop, especially in the power department.

The departure of players like Teoscar Hernández, who was a significant part of the Dodgers’ offense, only adds to this need. Hernández brought a powerful bat to the lineup, and his absence has left the Dodgers searching for someone who can replicate—or even exceed—his contributions. This is where the rumored trade for the Cubs’ slugger comes into play. The addition of an $85 million slugger would give the Dodgers the right-handed power bat they need to complement the left-handed bats of Freeman and others.

Who Is the $85 Million Cubs Slugger?

The identity of the $85 million Cubs slugger has been the subject of much speculation, but the most likely candidate is Player X, a right-handed hitter known for his tremendous power and ability to change the game with a single swing of the bat. This player, who has been one of the most consistent power hitters in the National League in recent years, would provide the Dodgers with the type of offensive threat they need.

At the heart of his appeal is his ability to hit for power—specifically his home run total and slugging percentage. He has consistently been one of the top sluggers in the league, with multiple seasons of 30+ home runs and an ability to drive in runs at a high clip. What makes this player especially valuable to the Dodgers is his ability to hit in the middle of the order and take some of the pressure off their other star hitters, such as Betts and Freeman.

Beyond his raw power, Player X has also shown the ability to get on base, providing a balanced offensive skill set. His ability to work counts and get on base consistently means he can both drive in runs and create opportunities for others to drive him in. This dual threat is exactly what the Dodgers need in a lineup that sometimes struggles to generate offense in key moments.

Defensively, Player X is a capable outfielder, although not necessarily a Gold Glove-caliber player. However, his bat more than makes up for any potential shortcomings in the field. The Dodgers’ outfield is already filled with solid defensive players, so the team would likely be comfortable with Player X focusing primarily on providing power at the plate rather than being a defensive standout.

The Cubs’ Situation and Why They Might Trade Their Slugger

The Cubs, despite showing signs of improvement in recent seasons, are still in a rebuilding phase. While they have a solid core of players, including emerging stars, they have not been able to consistently contend in the NL Central or in the broader National League playoff picture. With the Cubs in this phase of team-building, they may look to trade high-priced, veteran assets like Player X to further accelerate their rebuild.

One of the main reasons the Cubs might consider trading Player X is his $85 million contract. While this is not a massive financial commitment for a player of his caliber, the Cubs could view his trade as an opportunity to shed salary and gain valuable assets for the future. The Cubs have a promising group of young players coming up through their system, and adding more prospects and draft capital could be a wise strategy to build for long-term success.

Additionally, Player X may not fit into the Cubs’ long-term plans. If the team is prioritizing developing younger players and maximizing flexibility, trading away a veteran slugger could help create space for other players in the outfield or in the lineup. Moving Player X would likely help the Cubs open up roster spots and allow them to focus on developing their young talent rather than locking into a long-term commitment to a player who might not be part of their next great team.

What Would the Dodgers Have to Give Up?

For a trade of this magnitude to happen, the Dodgers would need to part with several assets in exchange for the Cubs’ slugger. Given the player’s value and the financial commitment attached to his contract, the Dodgers would likely have to include a combination of major league-ready players, prospects, and possibly even cash considerations.

A potential trade package could include a combination of young, controllable players and top-tier prospects. The Dodgers’ farm system is one of the deepest in the league, meaning they have the ammunition to acquire a player of Player X’s caliber without mortgaging the future entirely. Players like outfielder Player Y or pitcher Player Z could be enticing to the Cubs, especially if the Dodgers are willing to part with several top-tier prospects in a deal.

However, given the financial aspect of the trade, the Dodgers may need to balance their offer to ensure that the Cubs are willing to take on the slugger’s contract. This could include the Dodgers covering part of the salary or sweetening the deal with additional prospects. The trade would require a careful balancing act between immediate impact and long-term planning, something the Dodgers front office is known for executing well.

The Impact on the Dodgers’ Roster and Championship Aspirations

The addition of an $85 million slugger would have a significant impact on the Dodgers’ lineup. While Mookie Betts and Freddie Freeman are already among the most potent hitters in the game, adding another established power bat would make the Dodgers even more formidable. The lineup would be balanced, with multiple players capable of hitting for power and getting on base, and the team’s already dangerous offense would become that much more difficult for opposing pitchers to navigate.

Additionally, the addition of this slugger would provide the Dodgers with additional depth in the lineup. In key moments, when the Dodgers have struggled to generate offense in the postseason, having a player like Player X in the middle of the lineup could make a huge difference. His ability to hit for power and drive in runs could be the difference between winning a close game and coming up short.

Defensively, while Player X may not be a Gold Glove-caliber outfielder, his bat would more than make up for any shortcomings in the field. The Dodgers have a solid defensive core, and the addition of a powerful hitter would allow them to focus on offensive production while maintaining their defensive strength.