Report: Cole, Verlander among big-name starters on Dodgers' radar

The Los Angeles Dodgers are taking the "go big or go home" approach in their search for upgrades to their starting rotation.

The organization is focused on adding a pitcher over a position player, and has its sights set on Sonny Gray, Jose Quintana, Justin Verlander, and Gerrit Cole, sources told Jon Morosi of MLB.com.

The team's impetus to trade for a big-name starter is current ace Clayton Kershaw's workload in the postseason, as the Dodgers want to avoid using the stud left-hander on short rest.

Of the four starters mentioned, Gray and Quintana are widely considered the most sought after and available arms through trade. It was reported Wednesday that the Tigers appear to be considering trading Verlander as well, despite the veteran being owed $84 million until 2019.

Related: 3 potential trade destinations for Verlander

Cole, who has struggled to perform up to his career norm this year with a 4.57 FIP in 16 starts, is an intriguing fit for the Dodgers considering his age (26) and contract, as he's under team control until 2020.

The division-leading Dodgers' rotation has been a force this year in large part thanks to Alex Wood's breakout and Kershaw's dominance. Entering Thursday, the club's starters have produced 8.7 WAR, good for third-most in the majors.