Dodgers Bolster Bullpen in Deadline Deal, Acquiring Reliever Brock Stewart from Twins in Key Move for October Aspirations
BREAKING: The Dodgers have made another trade and landed reliever Brock Stewart from the Twins.
News like this might not dominate the headlines in a blockbuster-trade kind of way, but to anyone who has closely followed the Dodgers’ philosophy and success over the years, it’s a familiar and strategic pattern. As the trade deadline looms and contenders sharpen their focus on October, Los Angeles has once again moved with precision, acquiring right-handed reliever Brock Stewart from the Minnesota Twins — a move that may seem subtle on the surface but could prove critical in the weeks ahead.
Brock Stewart is not new to Dodger blue. In fact, this trade represents something of a full-circle moment, as Stewart was originally drafted by the Dodgers in 2014 and made his big league debut with the team in 2016. After bouncing around the league and enduring injury setbacks, Stewart revitalized his career in Minnesota, becoming one of the more quietly reliable bullpen arms in the American League over the last two seasons. Now, he returns to the organization that once gave him his shot — only this time, as a seasoned veteran ready to help anchor a bullpen with championship expectations.
For Dodgers president of baseball operations Andrew Friedman and his front office, this trade is emblematic of their long-standing approach: identify underappreciated talent, bet on upside, and prioritize depth when the calendar turns to August. Stewart fits that mold perfectly. He may not be a closer or a household name, but he brings a stable presence and proven production — both of which are crucial come playoff time. This isn’t about star power; it’s about reliability, flexibility, and match-up leverage in high-stakes innings.
The Dodgers’ bullpen has already performed admirably in 2025, but no postseason contender can afford to rest on its laurels. Injuries happen. Slumps emerge. Matchup needs evolve. The addition of Stewart gives manager Dave Roberts another trusted option, especially against right-handed hitters. With a mid-90s fastball, a sharp slider, and renewed confidence after returning from Tommy John surgery, Stewart has demonstrated a capacity to pitch in tight spots — whether that’s the seventh inning of a 2-1 game or the extra frame of a crucial divisional matchup.
Stewart’s 2025 campaign with the Twins was a testament to his perseverance and refinement. Across 42 appearances, he posted a 2.65 ERA with a WHIP under 1.10, striking out batters at a healthy clip and limiting hard contact. More than just the stats, Stewart earned the trust of Twins manager Rocco Baldelli in late-game situations, often called upon to hold slim leads or clean up inherited runners. For a Dodgers bullpen that has occasionally struggled with command or given up big innings late, Stewart brings a calm, efficient approach that could stabilize high-leverage innings.
His journey back to L.A. is layered with personal and professional significance. After departing the Dodgers in 2019, Stewart faced his share of adversity — including major arm surgery and long stretches away from the mound. Many players don’t return from that kind of disruption. But Stewart did, and he came back stronger, smarter, and more effective. That growth now becomes the Dodgers’ gain. They aren’t just acquiring a reliever; they’re getting a pitcher who understands the grind, who knows the culture in Los Angeles, and who’s already shown he can handle the bright lights.
Beyond the box score, Stewart’s arrival signals a broader strategy for the Dodgers as the trade deadline passes. They may still make another move or two, but this acquisition reflects their desire to solidify the bullpen rather than swing for a blockbuster name. It’s a testament to their confidence in the current roster and a belief that winning in October depends just as much on the margins as on the middle of the order. You need guys like Stewart — quiet workers who can get three outs when it matters most — if you want to survive and advance in the postseason.
From a clubhouse perspective, Stewart’s return should be seamless. While many faces have changed since his first stint in Los Angeles, the culture of the team remains intact — competitive, professional, and deeply team-oriented. Stewart’s work ethic and demeanor make him a natural fit. He doesn’t demand attention. He doesn’t need headlines. He’s there to pitch, to compete, and to contribute to a winning environment. It’s the kind of presence that boosts morale and reinforces the clubhouse standard, especially as the season grinds toward its most intense stretch.
It’s also worth noting that Stewart’s versatility is a valuable asset. He has experience both as a starter and a reliever and has thrown multiple innings when needed. That flexibility gives Roberts options, whether deploying him as a bridge arm in a traditional bullpen role or stretching him out in long relief during a doubleheader or blowout. In a postseason series where bullpen matchups can be the deciding factor, Stewart’s adaptability could be the difference between holding a lead and watching it slip away.
Looking ahead, the Dodgers are setting themselves up for another deep October run, and every piece counts. With the National League playoff race as competitive as ever — and teams like the Braves, Phillies, and Brewers all in the hunt — every edge matters. Adding Stewart may not move the needle in national power rankings, but it moves it internally, giving Los Angeles one more arm they trust in meaningful innings. Championship teams aren’t just built with splashy trades and All-Star lineups; they’re built with smart moves that reflect preparation, awareness, and a keen eye for fit.
For the Twins, the trade makes sense as well. Stewart, while valuable, was nearing free agency and may not have been in Minnesota’s long-term plans. In exchange, they’re likely to receive a mid-tier prospect or depth piece who could factor into their 2026 roster. It’s a pragmatic decision by a front office balancing short-term performance with long-term sustainability. While Twins fans will surely miss Stewart’s contributions, they can take pride in watching one of their bullpen stalwarts get a chance to compete for a World Series ring in a familiar but recharged environment.
As the dust settles on this trade, fans across Los Angeles will begin to see Stewart not as just another bullpen arm, but as a crucial piece of the team’s championship blueprint. His path — one marked by setbacks, growth, and redemption — mirrors the kind of resilience the Dodgers hope to embody come October. And in a sport where second chances and full-circle stories often produce the most powerful moments, Stewart’s return to L.A. could become one of the most meaningful of all.
Every postseason, a new hero emerges — someone who steps up when the lights are brightest and the moment is biggest. Sometimes it’s a superstar, but often, it’s a name no one expected. Someone like Brock Stewart, perhaps. The kind of reliever who doesn’t make headlines until he gets the final out of the seventh, strands a runner in the eighth, or silences a rally in extras. The kind of pitcher who, years after being drafted and developed by the organization, returns when the team needs him most.
So, as the Dodgers gear up for their postseason push, this move adds more than just innings. It adds belief. It adds depth. And most importantly, it adds a pitcher with the heart, hunger, and stuff to help bring another title back to L.A. Welcome home, Brock Stewart. The Dodgers are glad to have you back — and this time, the stakes are even higher.
