With the MLB trade deadline approaching, speculation is heating up around the Los Angeles Dodgers — but not all rumors are gaining traction within league circles. In fact, two of the more popular trade proposals involving the Dodgers were recently addressed and essentially shut down by MLB insider Jim Bowden of The Athletic.
1. Andrew Abbott for Andy Pages? Not Likely.
Another popular rumor floated a swap of Dodgers outfielder Andy Pages for Reds starter Andrew Abbott — a deal that looks fair on paper, given both players’ age, control, and upside. But Bowden, a former MLB executive, again leaned toward caution.
“That’s a creative trade proposal,” he said. “But Abbott has been one of the best left-handed starters in the National League, and the Reds shouldn’t trade him for a bat.”
While Bowden acknowledged that the trade was even in value — especially since Pages arguably should’ve been an All-Star — he emphasized the premium on starting pitching. “When it’s close, I side with starting pitching because of the scarcity,” he explained.
Abbott, under team control for years, has posted strong numbers since returning from injury and is viewed as a long-term fixture in the Reds’ rotation. The Dodgers, meanwhile, have expressed interest in pitching help, but prying Abbott loose likely requires more than a bat — even one as promising as Pages.
2. Bobby Miller or James Outman for Nolan Arenado? Dodgers Say No.
A potential trade sending Nolan Arenado to Los Angeles in exchange for Bobby Miller or James Outman has circulated for months — especially since Arenado posted a cryptic Instagram story featuring the song Dodger Blue by Kendrick Lamar. But despite the social media buzz and the Cardinals’ previously reported willingness to move the veteran third baseman, Bowden poured cold water on the idea.
“The Dodgers say no because they’re not taking on Arenado’s contract at this point in his career,” Bowden wrote. “And they’re happy with Max Muncy, who is on the injured list but expected to return from his bone bruise well before the end of the regular season.”
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Arenado, now 34, has seen a steady decline in offensive production since his top-three MVP finish in 2022. His OPS+ has dropped each season and currently sits at a below-league-average 95. With $59 million owed to him through 2027 and a no-trade clause in his contract, any potential deal would need to be both financially palatable and light on high-end prospect capital — neither of which is the case in the rumored offers.
While Dodgers fans may fantasize about Arenado in Chavez Ravine, insiders like Bowden — and even The Athletic’s Fabian Ardaya — suggest the front office isn’t seriously entertaining the idea, especially with Muncy expected back and Arenado’s contract hanging over the deal.
In a deadline market often driven by buzz and speculation, Bowden’s comments serve as a grounded reminder: the Dodgers aren’t likely to overpay, either in prospects or payroll. Despite needs in the rotation and infield, these rumored deals don’t align with the team’s current trajectory — or budget.
Fans can dream, but for now, it looks like the front office is staying calculated and cautious.