Los Angeles Dodgers Projected Rotation and Roster After High-Profile Three-Team Trade

Just before the MLB bidding deadline, the Los Angeles Dodgers, St. Louis Cardinals and Chicago White Sox agreed to a groundbreaking three-team deal.

The Dodgers are getting versatile player Tommy Edman from the Cardinals and reliever Michael Kopech via the White Sox as part of a massive trade. Los Angeles sent prospects (Miguel Vargas, Noah Miller, Jeral Perez and Alexander Albertus) to Chicago to help facilitate the deal.

Edman is a versatile player who can play multiple outfield positions (second base and shortstop) or handle outfield duties, but the 29-year-old has yet to debut in 2024 after undergoing wrist surgery last offseason.

Kopech, a 28-year-old pitcher with experience as a starter, is in his first full-time season in the bullpen. During that shift, he is 2-8 with a 4.74 ERA, 1.351 WHIP, 59 strikeouts and nine saves in 43.2 innings of work.

But where do the Dodgers’ new additions fit into the lineup? Will Edman be part of the everyday lineup? Did Los Angeles bring in Kopech to stay in his current role, or will he return to being a rotation fixture?

Below, we predict what the Dodgers will do following the departure of Edman and Kopech.

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Let’s first take a look at the team composition:

Eight-time All-Star Mookie Betts is currently on the 10-day injured list. However, he had “slight fluctuations” on July 22, indicating he is headed in the right direction to return to action. Until he returns, Edman will likely fill in at shortstop, with James Outman remaining in center field.

Veteran baseball player Freddie Freeman was recently placed on the family leave list. While it is unknown how long his absence will be, he will eventually be factored into the equation barring unforeseen circumstances.

Future Hall of Famer Clayton Kershaw made his first appearance of the campaign last week. Meanwhile, prized offseason asset Yoshinobu Yamamoto has been on the 60-day injured list since June 16. But when this rotation is at full strength, it will be one of the league’s best. Not to mention that former All-Star Walker Buehler is still on the injured list. His addition will only strengthen the Dodgers’ bullpen.

As you can see, Los Angeles’ depth will likely ensure Kopech stays in the bullpen. But the Dodgers could turn to the right-hander if needed.