Dodgers add two key pieces in three-team trade

With the trade deadline coming up soon, teams are making one final push to enhance their rosters. While not every push pays off in the end, the Los Angeles Dodgers are banking on a couple of wild cards to cash in on playoff success.

On Monday, the Dodgers added utility player Tommy Edman and pitcher Michael Kopech in a three-team trade with the St. Louis Cardinals and the Chicago White Sox.

The deal:

Dodgers get: INF/OF Tommy Edman , RHP Michael Kopech.

Cardinals get: RHP Erick Fedde, OF Tommy Pham.

White Sox get: INFs Miguel Vargas, Jeral Perez and Alexander Albertus.

Edman has yet to play this season following surgery on his right wrist. The multi-position player struggled to overcome nagging pain and stiffness in the repaired wrist during spring training. Edman has also dealt with two ankle injuries while working his way back from the IL.

While not noted for his offensive prowess, Edman can still prove to be a useful bat on occasion with a career OPS of .726 to go along with 53 career home runs.

Edman's defensive versatility is where most of his value lies. The former sixth-round draft pick can play multiple spots in both the infield and outfield. He earned his first Gold Glove in 2021 with the Cardinals while primarily playing second base.

Despite once being envisioned to be a frontline starter early in his career, Kopech can pack a punch in the Dodgers' pen if he's able to find his control. His 4.9 BB/9 sits in the bottom 10% of all qualified relievers. However, Kopech undeniably has the stuff to be an effective piece for the NL West leaders, it'll just depend on where he's able to throw the ball.

Since giving up four earned runs against the Miami Marlins in a blown save opportunity on July 7, Kopech has pitched in five consecutive games without giving up a run while striking out eight.

To get Edman and Kopech, the Dodgers parted ways with two of their top-25 prospects. Infielder Jeral Perez was valued as the club's No. 17 prospect, according to MLB Pipeline. The 19-year-old hit 10 home runs and 15 doubles in 75 games for the Dodgers Single-A club in the California League.

The second prospect, Albertus, was the Dodgers' No. 23 prospect. He hit .342 in 32 games for the team's rookie league club in Arizona.

The Dodgers also sent utility player Vargas to the White Sox as part of the deal. Vargas had struggled in three seasons with the club in limited playing time. He has hit just .201 in 129 career games. With a change of scenery, the 24-year-old Vargas will look to reverse his fortune in Chicago, with the possibility of more consistent playing time.