Originally published by DodgerBlue.com
The Los Angeles Dodgers are well on their way to a 14th consecutive postseason berth and 13th National League West title during that span, but they are not without some questions.
That’s what makes this year’s MLB trade deadline all the more intriguing. The Dodgers could easily make the Tarik Skubal splash some anticipate, or choose to largely stand pat and achieve a reported goal of bolstering depth in their farm system.
“Feel really good about the talent base we have in place,” Dodgers president of baseball operations Andrew Friedman said on Wednesday. “Not just on the field, but also how the group meshes together. So like always, we’re going to be thoughtful and careful about what we potentially add to that dynamic.
“On one hand, we’re always of the mind of trying to do everything we can to put ourselves in the best position to win. Sometimes we’re fortunate enough to line up on things, sometimes not. But I think always, while being mindful of our group, the dynamic, where we’re at, and also at least the last couple years of trying to make a really concerted effort to be really aggressive in the offseason to avoid having an acute need in July.
“Because when you have an acute need, it’s really challenging because you’re paying 150 cents, 200 cents on the dollar. So we try to do everything we can to avoid having to do something. But when you’re able to, you know, be in a position to be a little bit more selective and opportunistic about what potentially is available, it just puts you in a better position.
“So, as much flexibility as we can have, the better.”
Friedman’s disdain for the trade deadline played a part in the Dodgers signing Edwin Díaz and Kyle Tucker this past offseason, and Tanner Scott, Blake Snell and Kirby Yates before the 2025 season.
But if there’s an opportunity that presents itself at the deadline this year, the Dodgers are certainly willing to entertain a potential addition.
“There just aren’t that many star-level players in the game, and anytime one is available, we’re always going to participate in those conversations,” Friedman said. “We’ve shown to be very aggressive in the past, and I think again, we’re able to have those conversations.
“We’ve traded a lot of really talented young players, but we’re able to be in that those conversations because of the incredible work by our scouts and our front office and our player development group that has our farm system in such a strong spot to be able to talk to any team basically about any player.”
When pressed further on the odds of the Dodgers acquiring a star player, Friedman gave a coy response.
“I don’t know. I’m not in the handicapping business,” he quipped.
Friedman’s comments came after Shohei Ohtani suggested his right bicep issue is partly to blame for not being able to pitch, along with ongoing left knee discomfort. Friedman clarified that Ohtani would be pitching if it weren’t for the knee issue.
Furthermore, Snell potentially reached the end of his rehab assignment by pitching four innings on Wednesday night, Tyler Glasnow is expected to start his in the next week and Will Smith has resumed baseball activities.
Friedman noted the “injury part of it is healed” with the three players, and now it’s a matter of building them back up
Dodgers trade deadline possibilities
Although the team remains confident Ohtani will be available to pitch come the postseason, acquiring a starter could prove beneficial as a backup plan. Similarly, the Dodgers are thought to be in the market for a third-string catcher.
Will Smith just resumed baseball activities, but a third catcher on the roster could help take the burden off Dalton Rushing in the meantime and be insurance if Smith’s neck becomes an issue once again.
Otherwise, the Dodgers are said to be open to trading Eric Lauer or Alex Call, presumably under a reported desire to bolster the overall depth in their farm system.
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