Dodgers close to acquiring Blue Jays All-Star; deal is 'very likely'

The Los Angeles Dodgers are on the verge of adding another quality starter.

General manager Brandon Gomes has been hunting on the market for starting pitching, and he could be close to a deal with the Toronto Blue Jays for left-handed All-Star hurler Yusei Kikuchi.

MLB Network's Jon Morosi reported on Monday that Los Angeles is talking with Toronto about a deal for Kikuchi.

"The Dodgers are among the teams discussing Yusei Kikuchi trade proposals with the Blue Jays," Morosi said. "The Twins, Padres and Astros also are involved. A Kikuchi deal is seen as very likely before 6 pm ET tomorrow."

Kikuchi has also been linked to the Cleveland Guardians in recent days.

Kikuchi was an All-Star in 2021 as a member of the Seattle Mariners. He's 4-9 this season with a 4.75 ERA and 130 strikeouts in 115 2/3 innings pitched.

Los Angeles entered Monday with a six and a half game lead over the San Diego Padres in the National League West.

Kikuchi is a reliable lefty starter who would immediately improve the Dodgers' rotation as they look to chase the franchise's eighth World Series championship.

Will Gomes be able to present the Blue Jays with an offer they can't refuse?

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