The Los Angeles Dodgers have consistently fielded one of the most talented rosters in Major League Baseball, culminating in their second World Series championship in five years. Notably, they accomplished this success without one of their key pitchers, who was sidelined for the entire season recovering from Tommy John surgery in 2023. With the team proving its ability to win without him, speculation is mounting about a potential trade.
He had a standout season in 2022 but struggled in 2023 before undergoing surgery and missing all of last year. Now fully recovered, the question remains whether he will return to the mound for the Dodgers or find himself on a new team. Drafted in the ninth round by Los Angeles in 2016, Gonsolin has spent his entire career with the franchise, compiling a 34-11 record, a 3.19 ERA, and 349 strikeouts over five seasons. While he has been a reliable starter, the Dodgers’ deep pitching staff and his injury history could make him expendable.
One team that could emerge as a potential trade partner is the New York Mets. Coming off an 89-73 season and an NLCS appearance, the Mets struggled with inconsistency and injuries on the mound, making starting pitching a key area for improvement. A fully healthy Gonsolin could be an ideal solution. Known for his command, a fastball that reaches 91-92 mph, and a deceptive changeup, he excels at limiting contact and keeping hitters off balance.
In return, the Dodgers could look to acquire young talent to maintain their long-term success. One possibility is third baseman Brett Baty, a 25-year-old who has been frequently mentioned in trade discussions. Another option is pitcher Tylor Megill. Additionally, Los Angeles could target Triple-A prospects or seek competitive balance draft picks to strengthen their farm system. Given their current championship-caliber roster, the Dodgers might see value in leveraging Gonsolin’s trade potential to secure future assets.
For the Mets, acquiring Gonsolin could significantly bolster their rotation, while the Dodgers would have the opportunity to build for the future. As of now, Gonsolin remains a Dodger, but whether he stays in Los Angeles through the postseason remains an open question.
