Dodgers Face Trade Deadline Decisions as Preseason Championship Aspirations Clash with Inconsistencies in Rotation, Lineup, and Overall Performance So Far
The Los Angeles Dodgers entered the 2025 season with sky-high expectations, perhaps higher than any other team in baseball. With the marquee free-agent signing of Shohei Ohtani, the additions of Yoshinobu Yamamoto and Tyler Glasnow to an already potent rotation, and a lineup anchored by perennial MVP candidates like Mookie Betts and Freddie Freeman, the Dodgers were, on paper, the most complete team in the sport. Analysts, fans, and even rival executives saw them as the World Series frontrunners before a pitch had been thrown. But now, as the trade deadline looms, the Dodgers find themselves trying to square those lofty preseason aspirations with the reality of an uneven and, at times, frustrating campaign.
No one would call the Dodgers’ first four months disastrous. They remain atop the National League West, they possess a winning record, and their run differential is still among the league’s best. But for a team built not just to contend, but to dominate, 2025 has been anything but a smooth ride. Key injuries, inconsistent production from role players, and unexpected volatility in the pitching staff have made the team feel more vulnerable than they appeared when the season began. It is against this backdrop that President of Baseball Operations Andrew Friedman and his front office must decide how to approach this year’s trade deadline — aggressively, conservatively, or with an eye toward both the present and the future.
Perhaps the most glaring issue the Dodgers face is the state of their pitching rotation. While Yamamoto showed flashes of brilliance early on, a midseason injury derailed his momentum. Glasnow, always tantalizing but frequently injured throughout his career, has been on and off the IL again, continuing a trend that has frustrated multiple franchises. Walker Buehler, returning from Tommy John surgery, has had both high and low moments, lacking the consistency he once possessed. The depth options behind them — names like Bobby Miller, Gavin Stone, and Emmet Sheehan — have all taken turns in the rotation but have yet to collectively stabilize things. Miller and Stone, in particular, have oscillated between dominance and erratic control, a sign of their relative inexperience.
This patchwork rotation has forced manager Dave Roberts to lean more heavily on the bullpen, which has itself been a mixed bag. Closer Evan Phillips remains one of the most reliable late-inning arms in the league, but the supporting cast has struggled at times with command and consistency. Brusdar Graterol has flashed elite velocity but continues to be hindered by minor injuries. Ryan Brasier and Alex Vesia have been inconsistent, and newcomers like J.P. Feyereisen have yet to fully lock down high-leverage innings. The result has been a relief corps that’s been serviceable but not the shutdown unit the Dodgers hoped to deploy in tight postseason games.
Given these realities, it is no surprise that starting and relief pitching have been front and center in Dodgers trade rumors. The front office has reportedly had conversations about a variety of arms. From frontline starters like Garrett Crochet and Jesús Luzardo to more cost-controlled mid-rotation options like Erick Fedde or Paul Blackburn, the Dodgers have been surveying the market for solutions. Meanwhile, bullpen targets include left-handers Tanner Scott and Brooks Raley, as well as high-upside right-handers such as Michael Kopech or Scott Barlow. Whether Friedman is willing to part with top-tier prospects to land an ace or prefers a more measured approach remains to be seen, but the need for reinforcements is undeniable.
While pitching remains the top concern, the offense has had its own share of challenges. The trio of Betts, Freeman, and Ohtani have largely lived up to expectations, albeit with occasional slumps. Betts started the season red-hot but cooled off in June before recently finding his form again. Freeman has been his usual consistent self, even if the power numbers have dipped slightly from past seasons. Ohtani has dazzled as a hitter, showing power and plate discipline, though he too has dealt with minor physical setbacks that have limited him at times.
Beyond the core trio, however, production has been uneven. Will Smith continues to be one of the better hitting catchers in baseball, but depth in the outfield and the bottom half of the lineup has been inconsistent. Chris Taylor’s decline has continued, and while James Outman showed promise in 2023, his regression this year resulted in a midseason demotion to Triple-A. Jason Heyward and Kiké Hernández, once seen as valuable veterans, have shown their age, while rookies like Andy Pages and Miguel Vargas have yet to fully assert themselves. The result has been a lineup that can score in bunches on some nights but looks vulnerable when the stars aren’t producing.
To address this, the Dodgers have explored offensive upgrades, particularly in the outfield and designated hitter depth. Names like Tommy Pham, Brent Rooker, and Lane Thomas have surfaced in connection to Los Angeles. Each offers a different profile — Pham brings veteran savvy and postseason experience, Rooker adds right-handed power, and Thomas offers defensive versatility with moderate pop. None would represent a blockbuster addition, but any of them could provide the depth and lineup balance needed for a deep playoff run.
The other major factor complicating the Dodgers’ trade deadline calculus is the state of their farm system. Even after dealing prospects in recent years, Los Angeles still boasts one of the top pipelines in baseball. Dalton Rushing, Josue De Paula, Nick Frasso, and River Ryan are all seen as legitimate future contributors. Rushing, in particular, could be the long-term answer behind the plate if Smith ever departs, while De Paula projects as a potential middle-of-the-order bat.
Because of this depth, the Dodgers are one of the few contending teams capable of outbidding rivals for top talent. But they have also shown restraint in recent years, often refusing to part with their elite prospects unless the return is overwhelming. This was evident in previous negotiations for players like Juan Soto and Luis Castillo, where the Dodgers ultimately bowed out rather than gut their system. It’s likely Friedman will again weigh the short-term benefits of any trade against the long-term impact on organizational sustainability.
Another variable that looms large is the postseason format. The Dodgers have been stung repeatedly in recent Octobers, often eliminated by teams that caught fire at the right time or exposed the team’s weaknesses in best-of-five or best-of-seven series. This has created pressure not just to win, but to build a roster that is specifically designed for playoff success — with versatile bats, dominant late-inning arms, and starters capable of going deep into games under pressure. It’s not enough to win the division; the Dodgers are judged by what they do in October, and this trade deadline could play a significant role in determining whether they finally get back to the World Series.
Another factor in the Dodgers’ calculus is the impact of Shohei Ohtani’s unique situation. Signed to a heavily deferred $700 million contract, Ohtani has brought both global attention and financial flexibility to the franchise. His presence in the lineup has transformed the Dodgers’ brand and marketability, and there’s a clear incentive to surround him with a championship-caliber team, even as he rehabs his pitching arm. With Ohtani expected to return to two-way duty in 2026, the front office might view 2025 as a golden opportunity to capitalize on his offensive value without risking his health on the mound.
Internally, the Dodgers also face decisions about how much to trust their young talent. The emergence of players like Pages and the potential return of Outman to form could be enough to dissuade the front office from making major outfield additions. Similarly, continued development from pitchers like Stone and Sheehan might reduce the urgency to add another starter. But these internal options come with risk, especially in the pressure-cooker environment of postseason baseball, where untested players can either thrive or crumble.
Ultimately, the Dodgers’ approach to the trade deadline will be shaped by a combination of urgency and patience. The franchise is built to win now, but not at the expense of long-term health. It is a balancing act that few organizations manage as effectively as Los Angeles. Whether they swing a blockbuster or simply add depth, the moves made in the next few days will go a long way toward shaping not just the remainder of this season, but the franchise’s trajectory for years to come.
As the deadline draws near, fans will watch closely, knowing that any move could be the difference between another early playoff exit and a long-overdue championship return. For the Dodgers, 2025 was supposed to be the year everything came together. Now, as they navigate the turbulent waters of midseason reality, it is up to the front office to adjust course — and ensure that the ship remains on track for October glory.
