Dodgers Could Make Multiple Trades Very Soon

The Los Angeles Dodgers, one of Major League Baseball’s most iconic franchises, are no strangers to making bold moves. With a history of strong performances and the financial power to back them, the team has often been active in both free agency and trades. As the 2025 season approaches, it seems more likely than ever that the Dodgers could make several trades to enhance their roster. Whether it’s in pursuit of a World Series title, shoring up specific weaknesses, or setting themselves up for future success, trade talks surrounding the team are expected to heat up in the coming weeks.

The Dodgers’ Current Roster and Needs

Before delving into potential trade targets, it’s important to understand the current state of the Dodgers’ roster and the areas where they could use improvement. As of January 2025, the Dodgers have a relatively well-rounded team, with star players like Mookie Betts, Freddie Freeman, and Clayton Kershaw leading the charge. The team also boasts some talented young players, such as Julio Urías and Gavin Lux, who could play pivotal roles in the coming seasons.

However, as is often the case with high-level teams, there are a few areas that might require bolstering.

1. Starting Pitching Depth: Although the Dodgers have a solid starting rotation, with Kershaw, Urías, and others in the mix, injuries or underperformance could always cause issues. The team could look to add an ace-caliber pitcher or bolster their depth with a reliable back-end starter.
2. Bullpen Help: The bullpen has been a significant source of concern for the Dodgers in recent years. Despite some big names like Evan Phillips and Brusdar Graterol, the team could always use more depth in the relief corps, especially if the team’s starting pitchers aren’t going deep into games. Adding a shutdown reliever or even a high-leverage left-handed specialist could help address this issue.
3. Position Player Depth: With a veteran-heavy lineup, the Dodgers could explore trades to improve depth in key positions. For instance, another power-hitting outfielder or a versatile infield piece might be desirable to give manager Dave Roberts more flexibility with lineups and matchups.
4. Future Outlook: Given the Dodgers’ long-term ambitions, they might also look to make trades that position them well for the future. This could mean moving a player with an expiring contract or adding prospects to their system, even if they don’t directly contribute to the 2025 roster.

With these areas in mind, let’s look at some trade scenarios that could make sense for the Dodgers.

1. Trading for Starting Pitching

The Dodgers are no strangers to trading for high-end pitching talent. Recent moves, such as the acquisition of Max Scherzer in 2021, demonstrate the team’s willingness to go after established starters who can immediately bolster their rotation. With the long-term future of players like Kershaw uncertain, and Urías potentially becoming a free agent in the near future, the Dodgers might look to add another top-tier arm to their rotation.

Potential Trade Targets

• Lucas Giolito (Chicago White Sox): Giolito, who has had an up-and-down career with the White Sox, is still one of the more intriguing pitchers on the market. When he’s on, he’s a legitimate ace, and the Dodgers could look to acquire him for a reasonable price given the White Sox’s rebuilding phase. Giolito would fit well at the top of the Dodgers’ rotation alongside Urías and Kershaw.
• Max Fried (Atlanta Braves): Fried is one of the premier left-handed pitchers in baseball. The Braves are likely in a similar position to the Dodgers, with a high payroll and a need to balance long-term sustainability with the desire to win now. If Fried becomes available, the Dodgers might see an opportunity to add a true No. 1 starter to their rotation. The Braves may ask for a big return, but it could be worth it for the Dodgers, especially considering Fried’s postseason pedigree.
• Shane Bieber (Cleveland Guardians): Bieber is another established ace who could be on the move. With the Guardians in a small-market situation, they could be willing to deal their former Cy Young Award winner for a sizable return. The Dodgers have the farm system and financial resources to pull off a deal for a pitcher of Bieber’s caliber, and he would provide an immediate boost to their rotation.

2. Strengthening the Bullpen

The Dodgers’ bullpen has had its fair share of ups and downs over the past few seasons. While there have been strong performances from pitchers like Evan Phillips and Brusdar Graterol, there’s always room for improvement, especially in high-leverage situations.

Potential Trade Targets

• David Bednar (Pittsburgh Pirates): Bednar is a rising star in the bullpen world, and the Pirates may consider trading him if they continue their rebuild. Bednar has the stuff to be a closer and could slot into the Dodgers’ bullpen as a high-leverage arm capable of shutting down the opposition in key moments.
• Josh Hader (San Diego Padres): Though Hader’s recent performance has been somewhat inconsistent, he remains one of the most dominant relievers in baseball when he’s at his best. The Padres might be willing to part with Hader if they decide to shed payroll or pivot in a different direction. The Dodgers could benefit from adding a lights-out closer to their already formidable bullpen.
• Andrew Chafin (Detroit Tigers): Chafin has been one of the best left-handed relievers in baseball over the past few seasons. With the Dodgers potentially needing a southpaw specialist, Chafin would be an ideal candidate to target. He could complement the likes of Phillips and Graterol and provide a reliable late-inning option against left-handed batters.

3. Trading for Position Player Depth

The Dodgers have had a star-studded lineup for years, but with age starting to catch up with some players, bolstering the roster with younger talent or additional power is always a smart move. They could target players who add both depth and versatility to the team.

Potential Trade Targets

• Keston Hiura (Milwaukee Brewers): Hiura has shown flashes of power and potential in Milwaukee but has struggled to consistently hit for average. However, his power upside would fit well in the Dodgers’ lineup. A change of scenery could be just what Hiura needs to regain his form, and he could provide depth at both second base and first base, giving Roberts more options on the infield.
• Mike Yastrzemski (San Francisco Giants): Yastrzemski would provide the Dodgers with another left-handed bat, as well as versatility in the outfield. With his ability to play all three outfield positions and his solid offensive production, Yastrzemski would be a strong addition to the Dodgers’ lineup. The fact that he’s under team control for a few more years also makes him an appealing trade target for the long term.
• Gleyber Torres (New York Yankees): Torres, a former All-Star, has had some ups and downs over the past few seasons. However, his combination of power, defense, and versatility could make him an excellent fit for the Dodgers. With the Yankees potentially looking to move on from some higher-priced players, Torres could be had for the right price and would help the Dodgers bolster their infield depth.

4. Adding Young Talent for the Future

While the Dodgers have a strong current roster, they also know that the key to long-term success lies in maintaining a strong farm system and adding young talent where possible. Some of the team’s veterans, especially those with expiring contracts, could be used as trade chips to acquire younger, controllable players who could contribute to the team in future seasons.

Potential Trade Targets

• Prospects from the Miami Marlins: The Marlins have one of the most promising farm systems in baseball. With a slew of talented young players, including pitchers like Eury Pérez and hitters like Yuri Pérez, the Dodgers could look to trade veterans for younger talent with high ceilings.
• Top Prospects from the Kansas City Royals: The Royals are in the midst of a rebuild, and the Dodgers could capitalize on this by adding top-tier prospects. With the potential to acquire young pitching or position players, the Dodgers could further strengthen their farm system and prepare for the future.