Dodgers Reportedly Linked to Blockbuster Trade for Former Cardinals Ace as Front Office Eyes Championship-Oriented Rotation Upgrade
The Los Angeles Dodgers are once again at the center of the MLB rumor mill, and this time, it’s a potential blockbuster trade that could redefine the remainder of their 2025 campaign. Reports have emerged linking the Dodgers to a major deal involving a former St. Louis Cardinals ace, a move that could have long-term consequences for the team’s pitching staff and their postseason ambitions.
In recent years, the Dodgers have made it a habit of making high-profile moves in the middle of the season, whether to fill injury gaps, add firepower, or secure their playoff standing. With their current rotation struggling with inconsistency, injuries, and questions surrounding long-term depth, the front office seems poised to act once again. And the target? A dominant former Cy Young-caliber pitcher who previously served as the cornerstone of the Cardinals’ rotation.
The identity of the pitcher in question hasn’t been officially confirmed in reports, but league insiders strongly speculate that it could be Jack Flaherty, a once-untouchable right-hander who now finds himself potentially on the move following his resurgence after some injury-plagued seasons. The logic is sound—Flaherty has experience under pressure, has regained much of his velocity and command, and remains under team control through the end of the season, making him a lucrative short-term fix for a contender like the Dodgers.
The Dodgers’ pitching staff, which once appeared impenetrable on paper, has had its share of turbulence. Walker Buehler’s struggles following his return from injury, combined with the inconsistent health of young arms like Bobby Miller and the innings limits of Gavin Stone, have exposed holes that were otherwise masked by their high-powered offense. Clayton Kershaw remains out with an extended recovery timeline, and while Tyler Glasnow has provided some reliability, the front office knows that October demands more than just one dependable arm.
This is why the trade rumors around a player like Flaherty—or possibly even a different former Cardinals ace like Jordan Montgomery—make sense. The Dodgers need someone who not only brings playoff experience but can also immediately slot in as a top-two option in a playoff series. Flaherty, when healthy and dialed in, has the stuff and tenacity to be that guy. And most importantly, he doesn’t require a long-term commitment that could derail the Dodgers’ future payroll flexibility.
For the Cardinals, the motivations behind moving on from a former ace vary depending on whom the rumors actually involve. In the case of Flaherty, he has bounced between teams over the last few seasons and may be seen as a short-term asset for a team looking to rebuild or retool. If it’s Montgomery or another arm, the deal might represent a strategic shedding of payroll in exchange for highly ranked Dodgers prospects.
And that’s the other half of the equation: the Dodgers’ unmatched farm system. Los Angeles has quietly stockpiled a surplus of top-tier minor league talent, many of whom are blocked at the major league level by established stars or are years away from contributing. With players like Dalton Rushing, Michael Busch, and even outfielders like Andy Pages or Josue De Paula in the mix, the Dodgers have the flexibility to assemble a compelling package without mortgaging the future.
Team President Andrew Friedman has long been a master of striking deals that offer upside without significant long-term risk. If this trade goes through, it would not be out of character for him to surrender mid-level prospects with upside for a chance to significantly bolster the team’s rotation in a year where the National League is once again stacked with challengers. With the Braves, Phillies, and Brewers all making noise, Los Angeles knows that anything short of a strong pitching staff could result in another early playoff exit.
Moreover, it’s not just about depth—this move could energize the entire team. Adding a proven veteran starter around the trade deadline has often had a psychological impact in clubhouses around the league. It sends a message: the front office believes this team can win it all, and they’re willing to make the moves to help. For a roster already filled with stars like Mookie Betts, Freddie Freeman, Shohei Ohtani, and Will Smith, that added firepower could be the difference between another disappointing October and a deep run into the World Series.
Interestingly, the Dodgers have often targeted players with something to prove. They understand the value of a motivated veteran on an expiring deal—someone pitching for their next contract, someone determined to restore their legacy. Flaherty, if he is indeed the target, fits that mold perfectly. The Dodgers offer him a big stage and a chance to pitch in the spotlight, and if he performs, both sides stand to benefit immensely.
Of course, no deal comes without risk. Flaherty’s injury history is well-documented, and while he’s shown flashes of his old dominance in recent months, there’s no guarantee he remains healthy or effective down the stretch. But the Dodgers, with their analytics, depth, and medical staff, are uniquely equipped to mitigate those risks. They’ve managed players with fragile health profiles before, and more often than not, they’ve found success doing it.
Should the deal come to fruition, the Dodgers would likely need to shuffle the bottom of their rotation. Ryan Yarbrough could be moved to the bullpen, or youngsters like Landon Knack and Gavin Stone might find themselves back in Triple-A or working in relief roles. Either way, it would give manager Dave Roberts flexibility—something he’ll need in the postseason when matchups and fresh arms are critical.
What this trade signals most clearly is the Dodgers’ refusal to be complacent. Despite already being among the best teams in baseball, they’re always looking for that extra edge. With the team’s offensive core delivering MVP-caliber performances, the last thing they want is for a lack of reliable starting pitching to undermine what could be a historic season.
And fans are taking notice. Dodger Stadium has been buzzing all year, with sellouts and high energy that only a contender can generate. A move of this magnitude, if it happens, could only raise expectations further. The fanbase, long accustomed to regular-season dominance, is hungry for another World Series trophy. And if a former Cardinals ace helps get them there, the trade will be remembered as yet another shrewd move by a front office that never stops hunting for excellence.
Ultimately, until the ink is dry and the names are official, this remains speculative. But where there’s smoke, there’s usually fire. And with the trade deadline approaching and the Dodgers eyeing another deep playoff run, all signs point toward a big move brewing. Whether it’s Flaherty, Montgomery, or another top-tier arm, one thing is clear: the Dodgers are not standing pat.
In a season already filled with standout performances, highlight-reel moments, and the electric presence of Shohei Ohtani, the addition of a proven, battle-tested ace could be the final piece. If the Dodgers close this deal, it might not just change their rotation—it could change the entire trajectory of their postseason fate.
