So much for the Los Angeles Dodgers building enough depth to make their team deadline-proof. As Ken Rosenthal reported, Dodgers president of baseball operations Andrew Friedman “hates overpaying at the deadline and constructed his 2025 roster with the express purpose of avoiding such a fate.” Yet, despite that intent, “looks like he’ll be shopping again, anyway.”
This admission encapsulates the current dilemma facing the Dodgers. After investing a combined $107 million in free-agent relievers Tanner Scott, Blake Treinen, and Kirby Yates, the bullpen has struggled to hold up due to injuries and underperformance. Scott, in particular, has allowed eight home runs with a 4.09 ERA, well below expectations compared to his 1.75 ERA last season.
Injuries to key bullpen arms—including Evan Phillips’ season-ending Tommy John surgery, and the ongoing recovery timelines for Treinen, Michael Kopech, and Brusdar Graterol—have only compounded the problem. While some of these relievers are expected to return in the coming weeks, uncertainty around their effectiveness means Friedman’s front office feels compelled to pursue further help before the trade deadline.
Friedman’s goal of constructing a roster that wouldn’t require expensive midseason splurges now seems threatened by reality. The Dodgers, perennial contenders and 2024 World Series champions, remain favorites but recognize the necessity to bolster their pitching depth and perhaps even add an outfielder to compensate for offensive slumps.
Dodgers Trade Deadline Options
Among the prime trade targets are Minnesota Twins relievers Jhoan Durán and Griffin Jax, both possessing the high-velocity, swing-and-miss stuff that could stabilize Los Angeles’ late innings. Durán, in particular, is a front-runner despite a likely steep price tag. Other viable bullpen options include Cade Smith of the Cleveland Guardians and David Bednar of the Pittsburgh Pirates, who could provide reliable late-inning relief without commanding blockbuster returns.
On the starting pitching front, the Dodgers eye arms like Seth Lugo of the Kansas City Royals, a durable veteran with a solid 2.67 ERA this season but whose acquisition would come with a significant cost given his contract through 2026.
Meanwhile, premium arms such as Joe Ryan and Freddy Peralta remain possibilities but would almost certainly require the Dodgers to part with top-tier prospects or assets, a price Friedman has historically sought to avoid.
This evolving situation underlines the paradox facing Friedman and the Dodgers: the intent to avoid deadline overpaying clashes with the pressing need to reinforce a roster challenged by injuries and uneven performances.
As the July 31 trade deadline approaches, the Dodgers’ willingness to break with their 2025 blueprint and engage actively in the market—despite Friedman’s reluctance—signals a front office adapting to the unforgiving realities of a long MLB season and the relentless pursuit of another championship.