A report from ESPN's Jeff Passan on Tuesday said that the Los Angeles Dodgers are expected to be "all-in" at the July 30 MLB trade deadline and that they will be eyeing some "big names" to improve their roster.
The Dodgers are currently sitting in first place in the NL West, so they aren't looking to acquire pieces that will help them make the playoffs; they want pieces that will help them win a World Series. They will undoubtedly be looking to shore up their pitching staff, which has been obliterated by injuries, as well as add some more consistent offensive firepower to their outfield.
With Los Angeles being one of the few true buyers at this year's deadline, there are several potential moves that would make sense as they chase their first World Series title since 2020. Here's what needs to happen to further improve their chances.
There are dreams, and then there are pipe dreams – and Detroit Tigers ace Tarik Skubal most likely falls into the latter category for the Dodgers (or any trade suitor, for that matter). He's not a sure thing to be traded, as the Tigers still have a chance to contend with him next season and beyond.
While the Tigers may have a window, the Chicago White Sox most certainly do not. Their ace, Garrett Crochet, is arguably their most valuable trade chip and therefore much more likely to be dealt by the deadline. Like Skubal, Crochet is left-handed, an All-Star having a breakout season and under team control through 2026. Plus, at age 25, he's a full two years younger than Skubal.
The Dodgers are covering up for a number of injuries as they gear up for a World Series run, but they might not necessarily be in the rental market when it comes to pitching. Starters Walker Buehler and James Paxton are on expiring contracts, while Clayton Kershaw has a player option and could choose to retire (yes, we've been saying that for years, but it's still a possibility). That could make the extra years of team control on Crochet's contract all the more appealing to the Dodgers as they look to fortify their staff.
Of course, it seems Crochet might want some agency when it comes to October. Luckily, the Dodgers have more financial wiggle room if they'd like to trade for and extend him as well.
Mark Feinsand of MLB.com reported that Los Angeles is also seeking a significant offensive upgrade in the outfield. The Dodgers already missed out on Tampa Bay Rays outfielder Randy Arozarena, who was dealt to the Seattle Mariners early Friday morning in exchange for a pair of talented prospects, so they should pivot their focus to White Sox center fielder Luis Robert Jr.
Robert, who is signed for $15 million in 2025 with $20 million club options for both 2026 and 2027, would add some depth to the Dodgers' top-heavy batting order. He's in the midst of a down season by his standards, slashing .222/.293/.466, but his career numbers of .273/.323/.496 suggest that he could be the sort of "impact bat" the Dodgers are looking for – with team control, no less.
The Dodgers could look to deal for both Robert and Crochet, filling two needs with one trade, but the White Sox’ asking price for each player – let alone both of them in one package – is sure to be extremely high. We could be creeping into pipe dream territory here.
Let's face it – the Dodgers are almost certainly going to finish the regular season at the top of their division. As they see it, their real season begins in October, and their greatest competition is going to be the Philadelphia Phillies.
The Phillies are currently the best team in baseball and the only team ahead of the Dodgers in the National League standings. They have a stacked batting order with the likes of Bryce Harper, Trea Turner and Alec Bohm; but, like Los Angeles, they could use some more offensive pop from their outfield. If the Dodgers lose out on a bat like Arozarena – or White Sox slugger Luis Robert Jr., for that matter – to Philadelphia at the trade deadline, it could spell disaster for their World Series chances.
