The Los Angeles Dodgers may be in first place in the National League West, but even they have issues to work out.

Starting pitcher Hyun-jin Ryu is expected to have shoulder surgery, and he could miss the entire 2015 MLB season. Ryu hasn't pitched at all this season for the Dodgers, and not having him for the rest of the season would be a big blow. Ryu has won 14 games in each of the last two seasons with a 3.17 earned runs against average.

Thankfully for the Dodgers, Zack Greinke has been pitching fantastic this season with a 5-1 record on the mound, and an outstanding 1.52 ERA. On the flipside, Cy Young winner Clayton Kershaw hasn't exactly been himself with a 4.24 ERA and just two wins. With Ryu possibly undergoing season-ending shoulder surgery, the Dodgers could definitely use some insurance.

Rumors have been swirling around that the Dodgers could trade with the Cincinnati Reds for ace pitcher Johnny Cueto. Cueto is still just 29 years old, and always ranks near the top in innings pitched. In his eight seasons in MLB, the Dominican right-hander has a 3.26 ERA and is a strikeout machine. We all know Cueto is one of the best pitchers in the game today, so why? Why would the Reds trade away their best player this season?

As usual, it comes down to money.

Elite players get paid, and that's what Cueto is going to do. Cueto and his agent are seeking a contract in the $200 million range, which doesn't look like a smaller market team such as the Reds can afford. On top of that, this is the final year of Cueto's contract before he becomes an unrestricted free agent. If the Reds don't make a move now and get value, they could end up with nothing in return this offseason for one of the best pitching assets in all of baseball.

The Reds are just 18-21 this season. Despite Cueto pitching great, the team is just 3-4 when he pitches because they have provided such little run support for him. The Reds need to rebuild and trading away Cueto could be the answer.

The Dodgers are 2-4 against the San Francisco Giants this season, and having another ace on the roster would easily make them the favorites in the National League. Although Kershaw is a three time CY Young winner, he hasn't performed up to expectations in the postseason, especially against the St. Louis Cardinals.

If the Dodgers can't land Cueto, there are other options.

Philadelphia Phillies have been rumored to be shopping Cole Hamels. Hamels is playing well this season, but the Phillies are just 17-24. The Phillies are expected to be one of the busiest teams at the trade deadline. If the Dodgers want to save money, but still add pitching depth, they also have options via free agency. Both Daisuke Matsuzaka and Rafael Soriano are currently free agents. Soriano is one of the most underrated pitchers in baseball having accumulated 117 saves over the last three seasons. This signing would make sense considering Dodgers closer Joel Peralta is on the disabled list.

The MLB trade deadline is Friday, July 31.

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