Dodgers GM Finally Addresses Dustin May Trade Rumors, Clarifies Whether Hard-Throwing Righty Requested Exit From Los Angeles Organization
In a week dominated by trade deadline speculation and roster chatter, the Los Angeles Dodgers front office has found itself at the center of a swirling narrative surrounding one of its most talented and enigmatic pitchers—Dustin May. The flame-throwing right-hander, known for his electric stuff and flowing red hair, has become the subject of intense trade rumors in recent weeks, prompting fans and analysts alike to question whether May is seeking a fresh start away from Los Angeles. Now, the Dodgers’ general manager has finally broken his silence.
In a media session prior to the Dodgers’ recent homestand, GM Brandon Gomes addressed the speculation head-on, providing clarity to a situation that had grown increasingly murky. With cameras flashing and microphones crowding in, Gomes offered a measured but firm response to the central question on everyone’s mind: did Dustin May request a trade?
“The short answer is no,” Gomes said plainly. “Dustin has not requested a trade. He is fully committed to this team, and we’re fully committed to him.”
With those words, Gomes put to rest a growing cloud of uncertainty that had threatened to overshadow both May’s future and the Dodgers’ immediate plans for their pitching staff. Yet, the story runs deeper than a simple yes or no.
The origin of the rumors stems from a combination of factors—May’s long and frustrating recovery from Tommy John surgery, the Dodgers’ pursuit of pitching depth at the trade deadline, and the natural speculation that surrounds any talented player not currently in the active rotation. Some reports had suggested that May, seeing a logjam of starters in L.A. and eager to re-establish himself, had quietly signaled a desire to be moved to a team that could guarantee him a consistent role. Social media posts, vague references from unnamed sources, and cryptic comments in post-rehab interviews only fanned the flames.
But Gomes made it clear that, despite the noise, communication between May and the organization has remained direct and transparent.
“We’ve had ongoing conversations with Dustin throughout his rehab process,” Gomes continued. “He’s a competitor. Of course he wants to be out there helping the team win. But he understands the process, he understands the timeline, and he’s locked in with our staff every step of the way.”
Indeed, May’s recovery journey has been both physically demanding and mentally taxing. After initially returning in 2023 following Tommy John surgery, May suffered another setback that required surgery on his flexor tendon. The setback, which came just as he was finding his rhythm again, derailed what many hoped would be a breakout season.
Now, in 2025, he’s finally nearing a return.
May recently completed a simulated game at the team’s spring training facility in Arizona and is expected to begin a minor league rehab assignment in the coming weeks. Team officials have expressed cautious optimism about his progress, noting that his velocity is back in the upper 90s and his signature movement is returning. But with the Dodgers boasting one of the deepest rotations in the league, including names like Walker Buehler, Tyler Glasnow, Bobby Miller, and a healthy Clayton Kershaw, it’s fair to ask where May fits into the picture.
For Gomes, the answer is clear: talent always finds a way.
“You can never have too much pitching,” he said. “We see Dustin as a huge part of this team moving forward, whether that’s in a starting role, out of the bullpen to begin with, or something more flexible. The important thing is that he’s healthy, and when he is, he’ll help us win games.”
The reassurance is no doubt welcome news for fans, many of whom have watched May’s career unfold with a mix of awe and frustration. When healthy, he’s as dominant as any young pitcher in baseball—a lethal mix of velocity, movement, and deception. But injuries have limited his availability, and in a market obsessed with “what have you done lately,” patience can quickly wear thin.
Still, it’s hard to forget what May brings when he’s right. In 2022, prior to his Tommy John surgery, he was dazzling hitters with a 99-mph sinker that seemed to defy physics. His whip-like delivery and late movement made him a nightmare matchup, and his strikeout-to-walk ratio improved significantly from his rookie campaign. Scouts routinely compared his raw stuff to that of Jacob deGrom or even a young Noah Syndergaard.
But even the most talented arms need time and careful management, particularly after multiple surgeries. That’s why, according to Gomes, the organization has built a long-term plan for May that focuses not just on 2025, but beyond.
“This isn’t about rushing him back for a few starts in August,” Gomes said. “This is about putting him in a position to succeed in October and for years to come. We believe he can be a foundational piece of this team.”
The Dodgers’ clubhouse seems to share that belief. Speaking anonymously, one veteran pitcher called May “one of the most gifted arms I’ve ever seen,” and noted that his work ethic during rehab has been “relentless.” Another teammate mentioned that May had taken on a leadership role among younger pitchers at the team’s Arizona complex, despite being sidelined himself.
That commitment hasn’t gone unnoticed.
“He’s stayed locked in,” Gomes emphasized. “He’s shown a lot of maturity through this whole process, and we know how much he wants to compete. The idea that he wants out—frankly, it just doesn’t line up with the guy we know.”
So why did the trade rumors gain traction? As is often the case, a perfect storm of timing, context, and speculation likely played a role. The Dodgers have been heavily linked to multiple trade targets in recent weeks, especially frontline starters and late-inning relievers. The logical leap—that moving May might be the cost of acquiring a superstar or filling a rotation need—was tempting for media and fans alike.
But for now, that’s not the reality. And while the Dodgers have never shied away from bold moves, including parting with top prospects or fan favorites, trading Dustin May doesn’t appear to be on the agenda.
“We’re always going to listen to opportunities that make us better,” Gomes admitted. “But Dustin is a Dodger. We believe in his future here.”
As for May himself, he has remained relatively quiet publicly, focusing on his rehab and preparation. But those close to him suggest he’s eager to return and make a statement—not just to his doubters, but to the team that drafted and developed him.
“He wants to prove he belongs,” said a source familiar with May’s thinking. “He knows there’s competition in L.A., but he embraces that. He wants to be part of something special.”
That something special, of course, is another postseason run. The Dodgers have eyes on another National League pennant, and potentially another World Series title. If May returns to form down the stretch, he could be the kind of x-factor that shifts the balance in October—a weapon out of the bullpen, or even a surprise starter if needed.
For now, the focus is on health and trust—trust between player and front office, trust between teammates, and trust between the fans and a franchise that has consistently found ways to win while balancing superstar acquisitions with homegrown development.
As the trade deadline approaches and rumors continue to swirl around every contending team, one thing is now clear: Dustin May has not requested a trade, and the Dodgers aren’t planning to move him. The flame-throwing righty is still part of the future in Los Angeles.
And if he returns healthy and effective, that future might be even brighter than anyone expected.
