Los Angeles Dodgers Dream of Acquiring Key Chicago Cubs Star to Bolster Championship Hopes and Reshape National League Power Balance

The Los Angeles Dodgers have never been shy about swinging big, whether it’s landing marquee free agents or executing blockbuster trades. They’re a franchise built on legacy and expectation, where good simply isn’t good enough. And now, in the heart of yet another title-hunting season, whispers from the front offices suggest that the Dodgers are aiming their sights at one of the most vital pieces of the Chicago Cubs’ core — a player who could potentially tilt the balance of power in the National League entirely in their favor.

While both clubs have rich histories and passionate fanbases, their recent trajectories have differed. The Dodgers are perennial contenders, loaded with All-Star talent and elite pitching depth. They made headlines by signing Shohei Ohtani and Yoshinobu Yamamoto in the same offseason. Yet, even with such power-packed additions, the organization remains restless — always probing the league for an opportunity to improve and outmaneuver rivals. This time, that target appears to be none other than Cubs’ standout shortstop Dansby Swanson.

Swanson, a former No. 1 overall pick and World Series champion with the Braves, has become the defensive anchor and emotional leader for the Cubs since joining them. His glove is elite, his bat reliable, and his presence commanding. The Cubs signed him to a lucrative seven-year deal ahead of the 2023 season, a signal that he was to be a central pillar in their next championship blueprint. But baseball’s business side can be ruthless. With the Cubs struggling to break out of the middle tier of the NL, and with prospects pushing from below, the front office could be swayed by the right offer — especially from a team with the assets and ambition of the Dodgers.

Dodgers president of baseball operations Andrew Friedman is renowned for balancing analytics with instinct, rarely overpaying but also never shying away from an aggressive move when the timing aligns. In Swanson, he sees a player who not only fills a positional need but also enhances the Dodgers’ defense significantly — a trait that’s proven critical in recent postseason shortcomings. Add in Swanson’s ability to hit for power and average, plus his postseason pedigree, and you have a near-perfect fit for a team that has eyes on October.

Of course, this potential move wouldn’t come cheap. The Dodgers may have the capital to make such a splash, but the Cubs would demand a significant return. Top prospects like Michael Busch, Dalton Rushing, or even a young MLB-ready talent such as Gavin Stone might be requested in any deal. That’s the price of elite two-way production at a premium position. The Dodgers, though, are deep across their farm system and uniquely positioned to handle such an ask without mortgaging their future.

Still, there’s more to this dream than just roster construction. There’s a psychological and strategic layer as well. Poaching a franchise cornerstone from another respected NL team sends a message — not just to the Cubs, but to the league. It says the Dodgers aren’t satisfied with the star power they already have. It says they’re doubling down on the present while remaining mindful of their long-term trajectory. Swanson would be an immediate upgrade at shortstop and allow for greater lineup flexibility. With Ohtani, Mookie Betts, Freddie Freeman, Will Smith, and Max Muncy in the mix, adding Swanson could make the Dodgers’ lineup one of the most balanced and dangerous in baseball.

From Chicago’s standpoint, such a move would be painful but not necessarily senseless. While Swanson is still playing at a high level, the Cubs are at a crossroads. Their pitching remains inconsistent, their offense streaky, and their young core — though promising — has yet to establish itself as a legitimate playoff threat. Moving Swanson could clear long-term payroll, open a spot for a rising prospect like Matt Shaw or Ed Howard, and allow the front office to reallocate resources. It wouldn’t be waving a white flag, but rather reshaping the competitive window with an eye on 2026 and beyond.

However, trading Swanson is far from a foregone conclusion. Cubs fans still view him as a key leader, a tone-setter who represents the grit and professionalism the team lacked post-Kris Bryant and Anthony Rizzo. Letting him go, especially to a direct National League rival, would sting deeply. It would require careful messaging, both internally and publicly, to justify the move as a calculated step toward future success rather than a desperate sell-off.

Meanwhile, from the Dodgers’ perspective, such a bold move would raise expectations to near-unmanageable levels. With the highest payroll in baseball and an already star-laden roster, there’s immense pressure to deliver a championship. Anything short of a World Series title with Swanson onboard could be viewed as failure. The scrutiny would be relentless. But that’s the territory the Dodgers inhabit — one where ambition meets expectation on a nightly basis.

It’s also worth considering the chemistry element. Swanson is known for his clubhouse leadership and intensity. Bringing in such a figure could reinforce a Dodgers culture already built on professionalism and high standards. And having a shortstop who can consistently make tough plays and grind out at-bats offers real value in the postseason, when every inch and every pitch counts.

Then there’s the historical component. The Dodgers and Cubs have had their share of October battles — from the 2016 NLCS, when Chicago ended its 108-year drought, to more recent postseason run-ins. A high-profile transaction between the two would add another chapter to their evolving rivalry. It would also further blur the lines between traditional roster building and the modern, win-now mentality driving baseball’s most aggressive franchises.

The trade deadline is still a few months away, but groundwork is often laid early. Rumors, phone calls, evaluations — these are the quiet steps that build into headline-making deals. And while it remains uncertain whether the Cubs will even entertain such a move, or if the Dodgers would meet their price, the conversation itself signals where the league is heading. Flexibility and boldness are being rewarded. Standing pat is not.

There are other factors too. The Dodgers have dealt with injuries and inconsistencies in the infield. Gavin Lux, once seen as the future at shortstop, has struggled to stay healthy and regain form. Mookie Betts playing shortstop full-time has worked in flashes, but isn’t ideal long term. Swanson would allow Betts to shift back to second base or outfield more consistently, optimizing both defense and workload. That versatility is a luxury the Dodgers crave — and are willing to pay for.

On the financial side, Swanson’s deal — roughly $25 million annually — fits into the Dodgers’ structure, particularly with Ohtani deferring most of his salary. Los Angeles has maneuvered its payroll brilliantly in recent years, enabling them to remain under the luxury tax threshold when needed and spend freely when the right opportunity emerges.

Fans on both sides are already buzzing. Dodgers supporters envision a dream infield stacked with elite talent and postseason experience. Cubs fans dread the possibility of watching another beloved star leave, especially if it means signaling another reset. But in the ever-evolving landscape of Major League Baseball, sentimentality rarely wins out over strategy.

For now, this is still a dream — one rooted in logic, ambition, and the Dodgers’ never-ending quest for dominance. Whether it materializes will depend on countless variables: health, standings, front office philosophy, and the unpredictable nature of the baseball season. But as whispers grow louder and needs become clearer, don’t be surprised if Los Angeles makes its move.

They’ve done it before. They’ll do it again. The only question is when — and who will be bold enough to answer the call.