The Los Angeles Dodgers removed top outfield prospects Zyhir Hope and Kendall George from their Double-A Tulsa lineup on Saturday night, a move that typically signals impending trade activity. However, sources familiar with the situation indicated that no trade had been finalized for either player at the time.
The Dodgers were reportedly taking a precautionary measure as rival clubs have expressed interest in the prospects ahead of Monday's trade deadline. This comes as the Dodgers are expected to be active in the market, with the team reportedly a contender for Detroit Tigers ace Tarik Skubal. The team is also anticipated to engage in broad discussions with other clubs regarding their top young talent.
Hope, 21, was acquired from the Chicago Cubs as part of the Michael Busch trade. He has become a highly regarded prospect, boasting a .281 batting average, 48 home runs, and an .862 OPS over his minor league career. Baseball America ranks him as the Dodgers' No. 4 prospect and a potential trade chip for acquiring Skubal.
George, also 21, is a homegrown Dodgers draft pick, selected 36th overall in 2023. He is described as a speed-first center fielder who has shown significant offensive development, with a career .304 minor league average. Earlier in the season, George missed time after an injury sustained while evading the team's bat dog during a game in May. He avoided surgery and returned to play last month. He is ranked as the No. 11 prospect in the Dodgers' farm system.
Both players are expected to remain with the Dodgers organization for now, though their status could change before the trade deadline.