Los Angeles Dodgers Reverse Course as Unexpected Contenders Shift Gears to Become Surprise Buyers at 2025 MLB Trade Deadline
At the start of the 2025 Major League Baseball season, the Los Angeles Dodgers were as confident as ever in their ability to field a World Series-caliber roster without needing to raid the trade market midseason. Armed with a league-high payroll, superstar talent in nearly every position, and depth developed through years of elite scouting and player development, the Dodgers didn’t appear to be a team that would require much change come late July.
In fact, sources close to the organization confirmed early in the summer that the front office had little interest in being aggressive buyers at the trade deadline. The general tone out of Chavez Ravine was that of restraint—a calculated patience born out of faith in the current roster and the importance of preserving their top-tier prospects for the future.
But as the 2025 MLB trade deadline approached, that position shifted dramatically.
Now, the Dodgers are not only active buyers—they’re suddenly one of the most aggressive teams in the market.
The change in strategy didn’t stem from panic or desperation. The Dodgers haven’t suffered a freefall or catastrophic injury crisis. Rather, the pivot has been a result of a series of nuanced developments: unexpected surges from rival National League teams, minor bullpen inconsistencies, a growing urgency to win during Shohei Ohtani’s prime, and internal evaluations revealing a few potential cracks that could become major leaks by October.
The front office, led by President of Baseball Operations Andrew Friedman, was forced to reconsider their deadline strategy once it became clear that standing still might mean falling behind in a rapidly improving National League. While the Dodgers still hold one of the top records in baseball, teams like the Atlanta Braves, Philadelphia Phillies, and Milwaukee Brewers have tightened the postseason race with their own well-rounded rosters and high-octane pitching staffs. The margin for error has vanished.
By mid-July, it was apparent that the Dodgers’ conservative approach would no longer suffice.
The most glaring issue has been in the bullpen. While Evan Phillips, Brusdar Graterol, and Alex Vesia have had solid seasons, the unit as a whole hasn’t been as dominant or consistent as hoped. Several blown leads against playoff-bound teams exposed the bullpen’s vulnerability when facing elite lineups in tight, high-leverage games. With October looming, the Dodgers couldn’t afford to rely solely on internal improvement.
That realization triggered what insiders are calling a “quiet scramble” behind the scenes. The Dodgers began gauging the availability of elite relievers across both leagues. Names like Félix Bautista, Ryan Helsley, and Mason Miller have been discussed internally. Though the front office never publicly confirmed interest, it’s become increasingly clear that the Dodgers are willing to part with significant prospect capital for the right arm—something they hadn’t planned to do just weeks ago.
But the bullpen isn’t the only area of interest. The Dodgers have also quietly explored outfield depth, concerned about potential fatigue or injury risk to Mookie Betts and Teoscar Hernández. Though James Outman has returned from the minors and Jason Heyward has provided quality at-bats, the team lacks a left-handed power bat off the bench. A versatile outfielder who can also pinch-hit in key playoff moments has become another potential target.
Moreover, with Walker Buehler continuing to rehab slowly from his latest setback and the uncertainty surrounding Clayton Kershaw’s return timeline, Los Angeles has considered adding a mid-rotation starter—not a blockbuster name, but someone who can eat innings and provide insurance down the stretch. Arms like Garrett Crochet, Jack Flaherty, or even a reunion with a former Dodger like Ross Stripling have surfaced in internal discussions.
So why the sudden change in direction?
It’s partly about pressure—external and internal. Externally, the National League landscape has hardened. The Phillies are on pace for another 100-win season. The Braves, despite injuries, remain dangerous. The Diamondbacks and Padres are both battling fiercely for playoff positioning, and the Brewers’ pitching continues to be dominant. In short, the postseason is shaping up to be a war of attrition, and the Dodgers know they’ll need every possible advantage to survive it.
Internally, there’s also a growing sense that the championship window is wide open now. Shohei Ohtani’s presence has elevated the urgency to win. The Dodgers didn’t invest $700 million in one of baseball’s most transcendent talents to wait patiently. Freddie Freeman and Mookie Betts are still elite, but they’re not getting younger. Tyler Glasnow is having a career year, and the offense—led by a dynamic top four—has been among the league’s most potent.
All of that makes the 2025 season feel like one where the Dodgers must capitalize, even if it means sacrificing pieces of the future.
That pressure doesn’t mean the Dodgers are going to abandon their methodical approach entirely. Their front office still values sustainability, and they’re not about to empty the farm system. But what it does mean is that the margin for saying no to deals has tightened. The bar for “worth it” trades is lower now than it was in June.
Of course, the Dodgers are no strangers to seismic moves. Over the last decade, they’ve pulled off deals for Yu Darvish, Manny Machado, Max Scherzer, and Trea Turner. They’ve balanced long-term planning with short-term execution better than perhaps any team in the league. This year, they’re proving that flexibility once again.
In interviews, manager Dave Roberts has remained measured. He’s praised the roster’s performance and emphasized the strength of internal depth. But reading between the lines, even Roberts seems aware that reinforcements are likely on the way. “We feel great about the guys in this room,” he said during a recent press availability. “But if there’s a chance to get better, we’ll always explore it.”
The front office’s pivot hasn’t gone unnoticed in the clubhouse. Players are locked in, but aware that moves are coming. Veterans like Freeman and Betts have been vocal about wanting to maximize this season. Younger players like Miguel Vargas and Gavin Stone are eager to contribute but also know that the business side of baseball could soon affect roster dynamics.
As the deadline nears, expect the Dodgers to remain heavily involved in multiple conversations. They won’t telegraph their intentions—they never do—but they’re absolutely in go-mode. Whether it’s a top-tier reliever, a rotation insurance piece, or a bench upgrade, Los Angeles is preparing to strike if the fit is right.
What’s perhaps most fascinating is how this strategic reversal reflects the Dodgers’ ability to adapt. While some organizations stick rigidly to plans made in March, the Dodgers’ willingness to reassess and respond to the moment is part of what has made them a perennial force. They understand that even great teams have flaws, and that championships are won by those who adjust before the moment requires it.
So while the Dodgers entered the season intending to sit out the trade frenzy, July has brought clarity: if you’re not getting better, you’re falling behind. And the Dodgers don’t fall behind.
They chase titles.
And now, with the trade deadline approaching, Los Angeles is ready to buy again.
