Baseball team, Los Angeles Dodgers, make minor moves before trade deadline, acquiring pitcher Brock Stewart and outfielder Alex Call
In the heart of the 2025 Major League Baseball season, the Los Angeles Dodgers opted for a conservative strategy at the trade deadline. This decision was largely influenced by the underperformance and injury issues from their high-priced offseason acquisitions, which complicated their decision-making.
Players like Blake Snell, Tanner Scott, Kirby Yates, Michael Conforto, and Roki Sasaki were brought in to bolster the Dodgers' roster, but many struggled with injuries or underwhelmed statistically. Snell made only two starts before going on the injured list with a shoulder injury, while bullpen additions Scott and Yates posted the worst ERAs among Dodgers relievers. Conforto had one of the worst batting averages among qualified MLB hitters, and Sasaki struggled with mechanics before his own shoulder injury.
These setbacks dashed initial expectations that the Dodgers could shed some payroll or pieces at the deadline. Despite rumors linking them to aggressive bullpen upgrades, such as interest in Rays closer Pete Fairbanks, the Dodgers remained cautious. They aimed to balance high preseason expectations with reality and uncertainty about their roster’s health and productivity.
The Dodgers did not acquire any established closers or All-Star caliber hitters. Instead, they are banking on a pitching staff that is starting to get healthy, including Tyler Glasnow, Blake Treinen, Blake Snell, Michael Kopech, Brusdar Graterol, Tanner Scott, and Roki Sasaki.
The club also made a move to improve their outfield, acquiring Alex Call from the Washington Nationals. Call, a solid-hitting, defensively serviceable 30-year-old outfielder, is expected to provide more versatility in the Dodgers' outfield.
Despite the ups and downs of the first four months, the Dodgers remain confident in their current roster. They currently hold a 63-46 record and are still three games ahead of the Padres in the NL West division. The competition in the NL has become stronger, not only for the Dodgers to defend their World Series title, but even to preserve their narrow lead in the division.
The Dodgers' general manager, Brandon Gomes, orchestrated the trades, sending Hunter Feduccia to the Rays as part of a three-team deal. They also acquired right-handed veteran Brock Stewart from the Minnesota Twins. The Dodgers did not give up much prospect capital in their trades, a testament to their careful approach.
Slumping stars like Mookie Betts, Freddie Freeman, and Tesocar Hernandez are also expected to get back on track, with Max Muncy expected to provide a jolt in his return from injury next week.
Despite not making any big, splashy trades at the deadline, the Dodgers remain optimistic about their chances in the second half of the season. President of Baseball Operations, Andrew Friedman, expressed confidence in the team's current roster, stating, "We believe in the talent we have and are confident that we can compete at the highest level."
- In the 2025 MLB season, the Los Angeles Dodgers, despite initial expectations, did not acquire any established closers or All-Star caliber hitters, but are banking on a healthier pitching staff, including Blake Snell, Tanner Scott, and Roki Sasaki.
- The Dodgers' general manager, Brandon Gomes, made several trades, sending Hunter Feduccia to the Rays as part of a three-team deal, and acquiring Alex Call from the Washington Nationals to improve their outfield.
- The Dodgers' slumping stars, such as Mookie Betts, Freddie Freeman, and Tesocar Hernandez, are expected to get back on track, while Max Muncy is expected to return from injury next week, providing a jolt for the team.
- Despite not making any big, splashy trades at the deadline, the Dodgers, including President of Baseball Operations, Andrew Friedman, remain optimistic about their chances in the second half of the season, believing in the talent they have and their ability to compete at the highest level in sports, particularly baseball, even in California, and within the MLB.
