LA Dodgers Emerge as Trade Deadline Risk-Takers: Who’s in Their Sights?

The LA Dodgers, leading contenders in the National League Central, and having the league’s second-best record, are primed to make significant moves just before the 2025 MLB trade deadline. Their primary interest reportedly lies in landing a key reliever among several considerable trades. Over the course of the year, the Dodgers’ pitching crew has undergone numerous injuries, gradually regaining health. Albeit, the issue of their high-stake bullpen squad’s lackluster performance persists.

Top of the pack in terms of ERA is Alex Vesia, second only to Shohei Ohtani who completed six starts. Vesia has maintained an impressive 2.42 ERA across his 44.2 innings’ appearance. However, the performance curve drops beyond that, with the more prominent names in the team failing to meet expectations. The situation signifies a flagging bullpen that seeks transformation before the upcoming season.

Closer Tanner Scott boasts an unimpressive 4.14 ERA consequent of seven blown saves. Kirby Yates and Blake Treinen also suffer from ERAs over four, with Treinen battling injuries throughout the season. Desperately in need of improving their bullpen, the Dodgers are on the lookout for someone who can not only uplift the team’s performance but also fit seamlessly into the team.

The Minnesota Twins’ closer, Jhoan Duran is soon to be traded, with the Dodgers in keen pursuit. Duran’s arsenal decorates a vicious combination of a fastball averaging 100.4 mph and a splinker clocking 97.6 mph. As he is one of the best relievers in the game, Duran would naturally be a costly acquirement, stretching the Dodgers’ budget. Simultaneously, the Dodgers are known for not flinching at the sight of high prices for true talent.

A steep price is anticipated due to Duran’s two more years of team control. Although this could be a deal-breaker for many teams, the Dodgers seem ready to negotiate given the potential positive impact Duran could have on their bullpen. The Twins continue engaging in serious talks with the Phillies as well, who, however, remain steadfast in not reducing their high asking price for hotshot pitching prospect Andrew Painter.

Duran, due to his remarkable prowess, stands atop the Dodgers’ list. But several others too deserve mention. Some alternatives from the bullpen angle being considered by the Dodgers include Cade Smith from Cleveland Guardians, Pete Fairbanks of Tampa Bay Rays, and Griffin Jax, also from the Minnesota Twins.

Cade Smith’s performance has stood out as one of the best amongst relievers since the beginning of 2024 according to his WAR. However, his four remaining years of team control could complicate the acquisition. Fairbanks’s exceptional talent is well-acknowledged but, given the current bullpen status of the Rays and their playoff ambitions, he might be off the table.

In light of this, Griffin Jax emerges as a more achievable acquisition for the Dodgers from the Twins’ bullpen. His 3.92 ERA belies his actual strength on the field. Various metrics align to place Jax among the top performing relievers this season. Over the past two seasons, he ranks second behind Smith in reliever WAR.

In terms of strikout rates, Jax’s figures of 14.37 per nine is outdone only by Fernando Cruz and Mason Miller. His heavy reliance on the sweeper adds an enticing swing-and-miss ability that lures in interested teams. Jax’s consistent presence in the bullpen and underwhelming ERA might make him a stealth addition to the Dodgers’ line-up.

Additionally, two more probable recruits for the Dodgers include closer Ryan Helsley from the St. Louis Cardinals and David Bednar of the Pittsburgh Pirates. The relief market is inundated with options, and Bednar, at 30, provides commendable performance without demanding the hefty compensation akin to his contemporaries.

Bednar’s pitch performance post his Triple-A return manifests in remarkable swing-and-miss records. His trade value quickly picked up momentum underscored by striking out 29, a record five walks, and a flawless 0.00 ERA across his last 23 appearances. The Dodgers have a vast range of options, hinting at a potentially exciting and vibrant market.

The Dodgers’ plan, whether to go all in for the best available prospect like Duran or to consider alternatives like Bednar or Jax, holds everyone in suspense. Irrespective of the cost, the Dodgers’ interests indicate that they are willing to break the bank for the right player. It’s no surprise, therefore, that the focus is on them on the eve of the 2025 MLB trade deadline.

While competition in the trade market is fierce, the Dodgers’ hunger to augment their failing bullpen performance might just tip the scales in their favor. The potential recruitments are set to shape the future of the Dodgers, and all eyes are on the deadline, with anticipation of who might end up donning Dodger blue.