Los Angeles Dodgers Poised for Aggressive Trade Deadline Push as ESPN Insider Predicts Major Moves to Bolster World Series Hopes
As the 2025 Major League Baseball trade deadline approaches, few teams are generating more buzz than the Los Angeles Dodgers. According to a recent report from a prominent ESPN insider, the Dodgers are expected to be among the most aggressive teams on the market — a stance that reflects both their championship aspirations and the urgency to correct several roster flaws that have emerged during an uneven first half of the season. With their deep pockets, strong farm system, and an experienced front office led by Andrew Friedman, the Dodgers are uniquely positioned to strike boldly before the deadline, and all signs point to a flurry of activity in the coming days.
The urgency surrounding the Dodgers’ deadline approach stems from a convergence of expectations and underperformance. After a blockbuster offseason that included signing two-way superstar Shohei Ohtani and Japanese ace Yoshinobu Yamamoto, the Dodgers were widely viewed as the favorites to win the National League and potentially bring home another World Series title. Yet the path to that goal has proven far more complicated than anticipated. Injuries, inconsistency in key areas, and stronger-than-expected competition from division rivals have made it clear that reinforcements are not just helpful — they may be necessary.
One of the main areas the Dodgers are looking to upgrade is the pitching staff, particularly the starting rotation. While Tyler Glasnow has been electric when healthy and Walker Buehler is slowly working his way back from Tommy John surgery, the rotation has been undermined by the absence of Yamamoto, who has been sidelined with arm fatigue, and inconsistent performances from younger arms like Bobby Miller and Gavin Stone. Though both have shown promise, they have also struggled to provide the kind of dependable innings required during a postseason run.
This has made starting pitching a top priority for Los Angeles, and several high-profile names have emerged as potential targets. Chicago White Sox left-hander Garrett Crochet has drawn significant interest across the league, and the Dodgers are reportedly one of the most aggressive suitors. Crochet offers not just elite stuff and swing-and-miss potential but also multiple years of team control — a combination that fits the Dodgers’ desire to improve now without sacrificing long-term flexibility.
Another name floated in connection to the Dodgers is Jesús Luzardo of the Miami Marlins. Luzardo, a dynamic lefty with a power fastball and a sharp breaking ball, would slot nicely into the middle of the rotation and offer a reliable left-handed presence. His age and contract status also align with the Dodgers’ preference for acquiring players who can contribute beyond just the current season.
On the bullpen side, the need for an impact reliever has become glaring. Closer Evan Phillips has continued to shine, but the rest of the bullpen has lacked the consistency required to lock down high-leverage innings in October. Injuries to Brusdar Graterol and inconsistency from Alex Vesia, Ryan Brasier, and others have created a sense of instability. According to the ESPN insider report, the Dodgers are closely monitoring the availability of multiple high-end relievers, including Mason Miller of the Oakland Athletics, Emmanuel Clase of the Cleveland Guardians, and Ryan Helsley of the St. Louis Cardinals.
Each of these relievers comes with pros and cons. Miller is one of the most electric young arms in the sport, regularly touching 102 mph with a wipeout slider, but his price tag — in terms of prospect capital — is massive. Clase, a proven closer with one of the best cutters in baseball, would be a stabilizing force at the back end of the bullpen and is under team control through 2028. Helsley, meanwhile, has playoff experience and would be a reliable eighth- or ninth-inning option.
One factor that gives the Dodgers an edge in trade discussions is their deep and talented farm system. Despite promoting several young players in recent seasons, Los Angeles still boasts one of the strongest prospect pipelines in baseball. Catcher Dalton Rushing, outfielder Josue De Paula, pitcher Nick Frasso, and utilityman Michael Busch headline a group of players who have drawn strong interest from other clubs. The Dodgers have the prospect capital to outbid nearly any team — but the front office is also known for being selective, rarely overpaying even when star talent is on the table.
That balance between aggressiveness and prudence is what makes the Dodgers so formidable at the trade deadline. Unlike some teams that mortgage their future in pursuit of a short-term gain, the Dodgers typically look for deals that serve both the present and the future. They’re willing to trade prospects, but only for players who align with their long-term vision. That said, the team also recognizes that the window to win a championship is wide open, especially with Ohtani, Betts, and Freeman all healthy and producing at elite levels.
Ohtani’s presence on the roster adds another layer of urgency. While he is not pitching this year due to Tommy John surgery, he’s been an offensive juggernaut, hitting for power and getting on base at an elite rate. The Dodgers didn’t commit $700 million — even with deferred money — just to make early playoff exits. Surrounding Ohtani with a more complete roster is not just a strategy; it’s an obligation. With Freddie Freeman continuing to be a model of consistency and Mookie Betts offering elite production at multiple positions, the core is championship-ready — but it needs help.
The offense has largely lived up to expectations, though it hasn’t been without issues. Injuries and underperformance have affected the bottom half of the lineup, and the outfield has lacked consistency. Jason Heyward and Chris Taylor are showing signs of decline, while young players like Andy Pages and Miguel Vargas are still finding their footing. The Dodgers are rumored to be in the market for a right-handed bat, preferably one with power and some positional versatility. Names like Brent Rooker, Lane Thomas, and Tommy Pham have all been linked to Los Angeles in recent weeks.
In addition to external options, internal reinforcements could also play a role in shaping the Dodgers’ deadline strategy. James Outman, who began the season with high expectations but struggled mightily, has been performing well in Triple-A and could return to the big league club soon. Gavin Lux, working his way back from injury, offers potential upside in the infield. If the Dodgers believe their internal options are ready to contribute, they may prioritize pitching over hitting — though it’s likely they’ll address both areas in some form.
It’s also important to consider the broader National League landscape. The Braves remain a juggernaut when healthy, and the Phillies have one of the best starting rotations in baseball. The Cubs, Brewers, and even the Giants could all pose problems in a short series. With that in mind, the Dodgers aren’t just looking to make the playoffs — they’re looking to build a roster that can thrive in October. That means depth, versatility, and the ability to win close games late — all of which require a strong bullpen and dependable starting pitching.
Manager Dave Roberts, for his part, has maintained an optimistic but realistic tone when discussing the team’s needs. He’s emphasized the importance of health and execution, but he’s also acknowledged that reinforcements could help put the team over the top. The front office has been in constant communication with the coaching staff, evaluating needs and weighing potential moves. It’s a collaborative process, and one that has worked well for the Dodgers over the past decade.
As the trade deadline inches closer, fans should expect the rumor mill to intensify. The Dodgers will be connected to nearly every major player on the market, and with good reason. They have the assets, the motivation, and the organizational infrastructure to make bold moves. Whether it’s acquiring a frontline starter, a shutdown reliever, or a power bat, the Dodgers are in win-now mode — and they have the ability to act on that mindset.
In the coming days, we’ll find out just how aggressive the Dodgers plan to be. But based on the ESPN insider’s report and the team’s recent history, it seems almost inevitable that Los Angeles will be among the biggest players at this year’s trade deadline. For a team with championship aspirations and one of the best cores in baseball, standing pat is simply not an option. The pieces are in place. Now it’s time to finish the puzzle.
