The LA Dodgers are likely to strengthen their starting rotation as the trade deadline approaches.

The American sports media outlet Sports Illustrated reported on the 30th (Korean time) that "the Dodgers are considered strong contenders for the World Series championship. However, there are still concerns. In particular, the pitching staff is identified as the only weakness the Dodgers must address."

The media outlet added, "Local media are reporting that the Dodgers are likely to seek reinforcement in starting pitchers. In particular, veteran pitcher Nick Martinez of the Cincinnati Reds is being highlighted as a strong candidate for acquisition."

Born in 1990, Martinez made his Major League debut with the Texas Rangers in 2014. He has appeared in a total of 258 games (868⅓ innings), recording 42 wins, 53 losses, and an earned run average of 4.09. Last year, he achieved double-digit wins (10 wins, 7 losses) for the first time in his career, enjoying a career-high season.

Kali McDaniel, a reporter from ESPN, projected the likelihood of a Martinez trade at 65%. He has recorded 4 wins and 6 losses with an earned run average of 4.12 in 18 games (16 starts) this season. While he has shown stability in innings pitched with 69 strikeouts and 21 walks over 94 innings, he hasn’t been exceptional.

Additionally, "Martinez is a workhorse who has thrown 868⅓ innings in Major League Baseball, along with 430⅓ innings in Japan and the Dominican League," the analysis noted, adding that "the cumulative total of about 1,300 innings could be an advantage or a burden, depending on the team."

Variables include age, salary, and the price of the trade. The media stated, "The Dodgers have experienced disappointing results in choices made close to the trade deadline in recent years. If Cincinnati offers Martinez but demands a significant price, it will be difficult for the Dodgers to make a decision easily."

Moreover, the Dodgers are expecting the return of starting pitchers currently on the injured list. Therefore, some opinions suggest that a conservative approach of relying on internal returnees might be a better choice than external acquisitions.

However, there are also arguments that "if action isn’t taken now, it will be too late." Although Martinez isn't a major free agent, he is seen as a realistic option to stabilize the mound amid the intense ranking battle from July to September.

Andrew Friedman, the president of baseball operations, said, "We are always ready to pull the trigger if the conditions are right." The question remains whether the Dodgers will make a bold move in the trade market or wait for the return of existing resources. The time for decision is approaching.

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