Dodgers Reportedly to Target Back-End Relievers amid 2025 MLB Trade Deadline Rumors
Coming out of the MLB All-Star break having lost seven of their last nine games and dealing with an injury-depleted pitching staff, the Los Angeles Dodgers have their sights set on adding arms prior to trade deadline.
Per ESPN's Alden Gonzalez, the Dodgers are expected to pursue back-end relievers leading up to July 31.
In a separate report, Gonzalez noted the expectation from rival executives in MLB is the Dodgers and Philadelphia Phillies are expected to be "among the most aggressive" clubs in pursuing of bullpen help.
Blake Treinen, Evan Phillips and Michael Kopech are among the relievers currently on the injured list for the Dodgers. They are also without starters Blake Snell, Tony Gonsolin and Roki Sasaki.
Snell could provide a boost to the rotation soon after making his second rehab start on Tuesday. Shohei Ohtani's recent return to the rotation also reduces the need to prioritize a starter.
Finding a good back-end reliever at a reasonable cost could present a problem, especially with so many teams within shouting distance of a playoff spot they may not be eager to sell.
Emmanuel Clase has been a popular name bantered about in trade talk, though it's unclear if the Cleveland Guardians will trade the three-time All-Star. Félix Bautista is reportedly unlikely to be dealt by the Baltimore Orioles.
USA Today's Bob Nightengale recently reported the Dodgers are among several teams who have shown "strong interest" in Minnesota Twins relievers Jhoan Durán and Griffin Jax.
The Twins figure to have huge price tags on both players since they are under team control through 2027. Durán is having arguably the best season of his career with a 1.66 ERA, 49 strikeouts and 15 saves in 43.1 innings.
Jax's ERA is a little high at 3.92, but his ability to miss bats puts him among the best relievers in baseball. The 30-year-old ranks third among all relief pitchers with 14.37 strikeouts per nine innings this season.
Given all the injuries to their pitching staff, the Dodgers have put a lot of stress on their bullpen thus far. They are the only team with more than 400 innings pitched from their relievers (427.0) and are tied for 24th in ERA (4.38).
Even if the Dodgers don't make a big swing for bullpen help prior to the trade deadline, just getting more healthy arms will help them get through the regular season while manager Dave Roberts pieces together a group he can use for a potential playoff run.
