The Los Angeles Dodgers, a team known for its deep pockets, a commitment to analytics, and a winning tradition, could be poised to make several trades in the near future. Over the years, they have built a reputation for leveraging both their financial strength and farm system to maintain championship contention. As a result, the Dodgers often remain active on the trade market, looking to improve their roster by acquiring key pieces or by moving assets to better position themselves for both the present and future.
In this article, we will break down the current state of the Dodgers, their recent trends in trades, and potential moves they could make to bolster their team, based on both their organizational goals and the landscape of Major League Baseball (MLB). Let’s explore why the Dodgers are well-positioned for trade activity, how their recent roster needs and strategies are shaping their decision-making, and which players and areas could be on the move.
The Dodgers’ Recent Trade History
The Los Angeles Dodgers have consistently been active in trade discussions. Under the leadership of president of baseball operations Andrew Friedman, the Dodgers have successfully blended a focus on developing young talent with the ability to trade for major league-ready players when the situation calls for it. Friedman’s strategy has focused on acquiring players who either help immediately or provide depth for the long term, and the team has been successful in making these moves, especially in the postseason, where they’ve dominated in recent years.
For example, in 2021, the Dodgers pulled off one of the biggest trades of the season by acquiring future Hall of Famer Max Scherzer and sluggers Trea Turner and Daniel Hudson from the Washington Nationals. That trade paid immediate dividends as Scherzer was pivotal in bolstering the Dodgers’ pitching staff and Turner added depth to their lineup. Trades like these show that the Dodgers are not afraid to push all their chips to the middle of the table if they believe a move will make them a stronger contender, but they also have the financial flexibility to take on big contracts if needed.
Friedman’s keen eye for talent, coupled with the organization’s solid minor league system, means that the team has enough depth to make trades without sacrificing long-term success. Their ability to develop and trade prospects for major league talent is a hallmark of their operations.
Team Strengths and Weaknesses
As of the 2024-2025 offseason, the Dodgers have a well-balanced roster, but there are areas that could benefit from an upgrade. These areas will be critical for the team to address as they aim to build a World Series-contending squad for the next few seasons.
Starting Rotation
The Dodgers’ starting rotation is one of the top in the league, anchored by ace Clayton Kershaw and high-end talent like Julio Urías and Dustin May. However, the team’s depth at the starting pitching position could be improved, especially considering Kershaw’s age and injury concerns. While May, Urías, and Tony Gonsolin are solid contributors, the team could look to add another high-caliber starting pitcher either through a trade or free agency.
The departure of a key player such as Scherzer or Walker Buehler’s injury setbacks could also highlight the importance of bolstering the rotation. If the Dodgers do not have the resources to go after high-priced free-agent pitchers, they may look to trade for an established ace, or potentially go after a middle-of-the-rotation arm to stabilize the group.
Bullpen
The bullpen is another area where the Dodgers might look to make improvements. While they have a few reliable arms like Evan Phillips and Brusdar Graterol, the bullpen could benefit from another back-end reliever or a left-handed specialist. Trading for a high-leverage reliever could bolster the Dodgers’ chances of holding onto leads in tight games, something that becomes all the more crucial in the postseason.
Given the volatile nature of bullpen performances year after year, it is not uncommon for teams to make in-season moves to improve this area. The Dodgers have shown a willingness to add high-quality arms to their bullpen midseason, as evidenced by their acquisition of relievers like Hudson in 2021.
Position Players
Offensively, the Dodgers have a talented roster with established stars like Mookie Betts, Freddie Freeman, and Will Smith. However, there may still be gaps that the team will look to fill. One area that stands out is the middle infield. While the Dodgers have quality players like Gavin Lux and Chris Taylor, there is a possibility that they could look for a shortstop or second baseman with more stability and a higher ceiling. The team’s pursuit of a trade for a high-end infielder could allow them to shift Lux to a more comfortable position, or it could address a need for more power at the plate.
The outfield is also an area where the Dodgers could make adjustments, especially if they feel the need to replace an underperforming player or if they want to add more depth to the roster. Trading for an outfielder with power and a high on-base percentage could make their already strong lineup even more potent.
Overall Strategy
The Dodgers have a history of balancing short-term and long-term goals, and this offseason could provide them with the opportunity to further cement that reputation. They have the flexibility to make trades because of their combination of depth and financial strength. This allows them to be both buyers and sellers on the trade market, especially if they look to maximize their chances of winning the World Series while still maintaining an eye on future years.
The team has a wealth of talent in its minor league system, including some top prospects who could be dealt in a trade for a major league player. This gives the Dodgers flexibility and a depth of options when evaluating potential trade targets.
Potential Trade Targets
When it comes to trade targets, the Dodgers have been linked to a variety of names in recent years, and the offseason could bring about a number of fresh discussions. Below are a few players who could fit the Dodgers’ needs, depending on their strategy.
1. Starting Pitching:
- Shane Bieber (Cleveland Guardians): Bieber is an established ace who has been a consistent performer for the Guardians. His track record of dominance in the American League makes him an ideal target for a team like the Dodgers, who need a top-end arm to pair with their rotation.
- Corbin Burnes (Milwaukee Brewers): Burnes has been one of the best pitchers in the game over the past few seasons, and the Brewers may be looking to move him as they navigate a rebuilding phase. A pitcher of Burnes’ caliber could help solidify the Dodgers’ rotation, and his ability to generate strikeouts would make him a strong postseason asset.
2. Relief Pitching:
- Josh Hader (San Diego Padres): Hader has been one of the best closers in the league, and with the Padres in a rebuilding stage, there could be an opportunity for the Dodgers to acquire him. Adding a dominant left-handed reliever like Hader could be a game-changer for the Dodgers’ bullpen, especially when facing tough left-handed hitters in the postseason.
- David Bednar (Pittsburgh Pirates): Bednar, another elite closer, could provide depth to a bullpen that already includes quality arms. Adding someone with a proven track record of success in high-leverage situations would elevate the Dodgers’ pitching staff.
3. Position Players:
- Francisco Lindor (New York Mets): Although Lindor is a star in New York, the Mets could explore trade options if they continue with their rebuilding strategy. Lindor’s combination of power, defense, and leadership would make him an ideal fit for the Dodgers, particularly if they decide to upgrade at shortstop.
- Eloy Jiménez (Chicago White Sox): The White Sox have been rumored to be willing to move several players, and Jiménez could provide a powerful bat to complement the Dodgers’ lineup. His injury history is a concern, but his offensive upside could be too enticing for the Dodgers to pass up.
