As the July 31 trade deadline draws near, speculation around the Los Angeles Dodgers’ roster decisions continues to intensify. One name drawing increasing attention: right-hander Dustin May. Once considered a vital part of the Dodgers’ rotation, May now finds himself at the center of trade chatter—and possibly on the brink of a new chapter away from Chavez Ravine.
A Photo, a Farewell?
Following his most recent outing against the Twins on July 21, May was seen on the Dodger Stadium field posing for photos with his wife—an unusual moment that caught the eye of Dodgers insider David Vassegh. Speaking on AM 570 KLAC, Vassegh noted:
“I saw Dustin May after the game last night, taking photos with his wife on the field. And you know, his name has come up in trade rumors. That very well could have been the last time Dustin May pitched at Dodger Stadium wearing a Dodger uniform.”
With May on a one-year, $2.135 million deal and set to become a free agent, Vassegh added, “The Dodgers are getting healthy, pitching-wise. His name has been rumored to be out there as an available arm… So I’m not sure if that was a coincidence, or it wasn’t lost on him that there was a possibility that could be the last time he took the mound at Dodger Stadium wearing that blue.”
A Season of Highs, Lows—And Survival
May’s 2025 season has been anything but ordinary. His return to the mound after multiple elbow surgeries—including Tommy John revision and flexor tendon repair—was already remarkable. But even more astonishing was his recovery from a freak esophageal tear suffered in the offseason, an injury described as life-threatening.
Despite the adversity, May has made 18 appearances for the Dodgers this year, logging 88.2 innings—second-most on the team. His ERA stands at 4.52, and while inconsistent at times, he’s shown flashes of his old dominance. He struggled in June (17 earned runs in 27 innings), but rebounded on July 3 with a strong seven-inning, two-run performance against the White Sox.
The Numbers and the Role Dilemma
The Dodgers’ rotation is beginning to stabilize as Blake Snell and Tyler Glasnow inch closer to full strength. That, combined with Shohei Ohtani’s slow but steady return to pitching form—he’s expected to throw four innings in his next outing—has added further complexity to May’s role.
At times this year, May has pitched out of the bullpen behind Ohtani. Given his electric stuff—his four-seamer touches 98 mph and his sinker ranges up to 99—it’s conceivable the Dodgers could use him as a swingman in October. But with glaring needs elsewhere, notably at third base and in the back end of the bullpen, his trade value could be too tempting to ignore.
Trade Talks Heating Up
One potential trade floated by analyst Zachary Howell involved sending May to the division-rival Colorado Rockies in exchange for infielder Ryan McMahon.
“The talent of Los Angeles’ pitching staff makes May expendable once Snell and Glasnow return,” Howell wrote. “Making the most of him in their push for back-to-back titles could push them over the top.”
While McMahon would address an area of need—particularly with Max Muncy sidelined—parting with May would be a calculated risk. He’s not only a proven innings-eater, but also someone who could thrive in a postseason bullpen role.
Final Countdown
Ultimately, Dustin May’s place on this Dodgers roster may hinge less on performance than on timing and opportunity. Los Angeles is juggling the long-term health of its rotation with short-term World Series aspirations. Whether May is the missing piece for another club—or still part of the Dodgers’ own October plans—will be revealed in the coming days.
For now, what’s clear is this: Dustin May has done far more than just survive this season. He’s pitched through pain, uncertainty, and even life-threatening injury. Whether his final chapter in blue has already been written—or just one more dramatic twist away—is a question only the trade deadline can answer.