It was common knowledge among those following the MLB Trade Deadline that the Los Angeles Dodgers were in the market for starting pitching, particularly a left-hander. They had been mentioned as suitors for the Chicago White Sox’s Chris Sale, but they would ultimately decide that the young controllable hurler from the Windy City was too expensive, instead settling on a deal with the Oakland Athletics, picking up both 36-year-old southpaw Rich Hill and right fielder Josh Reddick.

Hill features a 2.25 ERA this year in Oakland and is an excellent rental for the Dodgers, who needed a stopper as they wait for the return of Clayton Kershaw from the disabled list. When Kershaw returns, the Dodgers have an excellent 1-2 punch at the head of their rotation to fuel their charge towards the NL West-leading San Francisco Giants.

Dodgers get critical additions in Hill and Reddick

Although they came at a price, the Dodgers picked up crucial pieces for their postseason run. After disappointingly early exits the last few years, the Dodgers are looking to not just catch the Giants for the division title, but for a run all the way to the World Series. Hill’s 2.25 ERA in the hitter-heavy American League should transfer well into the National League, a pitching-dominated league.

There is a certain risk in Hill, who pitched in the Independent League as recently as 2015, before reviving his career with the Boston Red Sox with four dominating starts at the tail-end of the season, earning himself a modest one-year contract with the Athletics. When it became clear that the Athletics were going to be sellers at this year’s deadline, Oakland found themselves with a much-desired starting pitcher, one of the best on the market.

Oakland waited until the final day of trades to deal Hill, earning as much of a return as they could. The injury bug has bitten Hill recently, so that will be a concern for the Dodgers. Hill was out for all of June, made two starts in July, waited ten days until a start on July 17th, but he continued to be bothered by a blister on his pitching hand and left the game before facing a batter. He hasn’t faced a batter in a game since July 7th. Hill’s injury status may have decreased his value, but the Athletics still wrestled three prospects from the Dodgers. Hill will serve as the temporary ace of this staff, until Clayton Kershaw returns from injury. After that, Hill will be one of the best #2 pitchers in the MLB. He will be followed in the rotation by Kente Maeda, Scott Kazmir, and Ross Stripling.

The Dodgers didn’t give up three prospects to acquire just Hill, as they also picked up an excellent right fielder in Josh Reddick. The acquisition of Reddick spells the end for Yasiel Puig, who was hitting just .260 this year and has been declining since his excellent rookie campaign in 2013. Despite hitting .308 since June 21st, the Dodgers could not find a trade partner for Puig, who will likely be demoted in favor of Reddick. Reddick is hitting at a .296 clip for Oakland. Reddick is an excellent addition for the Dodgers, as he is an established major league bat, averaging 21 home runs per 162 games and a career .255 average. A steady, consistent bat, Reddick brings stability to the Los Angeles order, as well as an average glove, ensuring that they won’t lose anything defensively for Reddick’s bat.

Josh Reddick was packaged with Rich Hill in a blockbuster deal with the Dodgers. Jim Rogash/Getty Images North America

Oakland picks up three prospects for Hill and Reddick

As they continue to rebuild, the Oakland Athletics picked up three more prospects to help them with that prospect, Grant Holmes, Frankie Montas, and Jharel Cotton all made their way to Oakland. Holmes, a first-round pick in 2014, is in High-A ball, while Cotton and Montas both are in AAA. Holmes is the prize of the return Oakland received. A former 22nd overall pick, Holmes has a 3.61 career ERA in the minor leagues. He could have a bright future with the Athletics.

Montas is the only player headed to Oakland with some major league experience. He had seven games in the MLB with the Chicago White Sox, before being dealt to the Dodgers. He has dominated in AA and AAA this season, with a 2.25 ERA between the two levels. Once he figures it out at the top level, Montas could be a key contributor for Oakland. Cotton still has a little time left before he will reach Oakland, as he is struggling to adjust in AAA. A dominant force in AA (2.30 ERA in 2015), Cotton’s ERA in AAA ballooned 5.42. He still needs to figure some things out at AAA, but, once he does, he will be on his way to Oakland to help with their rebuilding process.

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