Dodgers Trade Deadline 2019 Didn't Need Big Felipe Vázquez Splash in Order to Be a Success

The MLB trade deadline has officially come and gone. The first-place Los Angeles Dodgers entered the week in search of bullpen help, and they found some – it just wasn't what many fans hoped.

While the Dodgers showed heavy interest in Pirates left-hander Felipe Vázquez, perhaps the best reliever on the market, they were unable to come to an agreement with Pittsburgh. Just because they missed out on the big name, though, doesn't mean they had a bad deadline. Far from it, in fact.

The Dodgers added LHP Adam Kolarek and infielder Jedd Gyorko at the deadline. Left-handed opponents are slashing .187/.238/.293 against Kolarek this year. https://t.co/jLj45C1cgN
— Dodger Insider (@DodgerInsider) July 31, 2019

While on the surface Los Angeles could have used a dominant reliever like Vázquez, he was not a feasible option given what the Pirates were reportedly demanding. It would be imprudent for the Dodger front office to deal one of the team's top prospects for a one-inning reliever when they're currently have the MLB's best record as it is.

The reliever they did add, Adam Kolarek, adds a fantastic dimension to their bullpen, as he's a desperately-needed specialist who will be able to get crucial late outs against left-handed hitters. While his 3.95 overall ERA pales in comparison to Vázquez stellar 1.87, the Dodgers snatched Kolarek from the Rays for mere pennies as compared to what the Pirates were insisting on for their lockdown reliever.

The Dodgers also added a potential quality bat in Jedd Gyorko for a seriously low price.

Source confirms Jedd Gyorko is going to the Dodgers. The Cardinals' return is unknown, but I'm told it could involve cash and a mid-tier minor leaguer. First: @Ken_Rosenthal
— J.P. Hoornstra (@jphoornstra) July 31, 2019

Yes, Gyorko is having his worst season as a pro, slashing .196/.274/.304. However, much of that can be attributed to the Cardinals' strange handling of the utility infielder and inability to get him in the lineup with any consistency. Historically, Gyorko has been an all-around solid player at the dish, and there's reason to believe that skillset will flourish in Los Angeles given a chance at a new start.

The Dodgers managed to improve their league-best roster without mortgaging any of their top prospects. That's what every contending team hopes to do entering the deadline, but it's harder than it seems. For that, fans should be feeling bullish.