Dodgers Rumors: Andrew Friedman Alludes to Missing Out on Justin Verlander

The Los Angeles Dodgers failed to make a splash at this year's trade deadline. They thought they had one in the form of LHP Eduardo Rodriguez, but he invoked his no-trade clause to remain in Detroit, and the Dodgers were forced to pivot to LHP Ryan Yarbrough as the deadline came to a close.

Rodriguez was from from the only "high-end" guy the Dodgers were looking at, though, as the team was heavily linked to Justin Verlander in the days leading up to the deadline.

However, when the time came, Verlander seemed to prefer going back to Houston, which is exactly what Dodgers president of baseball operations Andrew Friedman told reporters on Tuesday after the deadline when he was asked about the potential splash.

"One we lined up on," Friedman said regarding Rodriguez. "One we didn’t, because his (Verlander) preference was to go to one team where he did go."

This doesn't only confirm the Dodgers' interest in adding Verlander, but it also confirms that he didn't want to come to LA once he knew Houston was a possibility.

The Dodgers were hoping to add a big starter to help fortify the rotation, especially come postseason time, but instead they were only able to add Lance Lynn.

While Lynn had a solid Dodgers debut on Tuesday minus the home run problem, this deadline will always feel like the "what could have been" deadline, especially if Verlander pitches well in Houston and Rodriguez continues his dominant season in Detroit.

The Dodgers weren't able to land their splashy starting pitcher at the deadline, but to Friedman's credit, it wasn't for a lack of trying.