The Los Angeles Dodgers went all-in on their bullpen this offseason, fortifying a pitching staff they hoped would be one of the best in baseball. With the MLB trade deadline approaching, Los Angeles now has to try and fix what’s been one of the worst bullpens in 2025.
Bob Nightengale of USA Today reported that the Dodgers are focused on acquiring high-end bullpen upgrades in the next few weeks. The MLB insider also named a few of the All-Star closers that Los Angeles has already reached out about.
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- Los Angeles Dodgers bullpen (FanGraphs): 4.39 ERA (24th), 1.34 WHIP (21st), .251 batting average allowed (24th), 15.1% K-BB rate (5th)
One of the top Dodgers trade targets is reportedly Cleveland Guardians closer Emmanuel Clase. Los Angeles did reportedly reach out to gauge his availability, but there are conflicting reports regarding whether or not Cleveland is willing to move him.
The Dodgers also reportedly inquired with the Pittsburgh Pirates about All-Star closer David Bednar and they’ve reached out to the St. Louis Cardinals (closer Ryan Helsley) in addition to the Baltimore Orioles (closer Felix Bautista).
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It has previously been reported that Los Angeles expressed interest to the Minnesota Twins in relievers Jhoan Duran and Griffin Jax. However, as with Clase, it is unclear if Minnesota is willing to move its top bullpen arms this summer.
Heading into MLB games today, the Pirates are the only one of the aforementioned teams that has signaled it will be a seller at the trade deadline. Bednar, who is arbitration-eligible for the final time this winter, hasn’t allowed an earned run in his last 18.1 innings, posting a 23-4 K-BB line with eight hits allowed. For the season, Bednar has a 2.45 ERA, 1.09 WHIP, and 45 strikeouts in 33 innings pitched.
- David Bednar stats (ESPN): 2.45 ERA, 1.09 WHIP, 45-9 K-BB in 33 innings pitched
If Los Angeles can acquire Bednar or another All-Star closer, it would allow the team to shift Tanner Scott (4.00 ERA and 1.13 WHIP) into a setup role. Meanwhile, Dodgers reliever Michael Kopech (knee) just started a throwing program on Sunday and fellow reliever Blake Treinen (forearm) is midway through a rehab assignment.