REPORT: Four Ideal Fits for Dodgers at 2025 MLB Trade Deadline

As the Los Angeles Dodgers look to repeat as World Series champions, they are in a similar place to where they were one year ago heading into the final days before the trade deadline. Once again, the Dodgers are in need of help in the bullpen and outfield, and potentially another starter.

 Los Angeles Dodgers manager Dave Roberts (30) stands in the dugout in the third inning against the Cleveland Guardians.

Adding pieces ahead of the deadline proved critical for the Dodgers last season on their World Series run. They traded for Tommy Edman, who became the National League Championship Series MVP. They also acquired Jack Flaherty, who by the time the playoffs rolled around, was one of only three starters the team used in the postseason due to all their pitching injuries. And reliever Michael Kopech went 1-0 with a 3.00 ERA across seven innings during the postseason.

The Dodgers tried to avoid having any major needs at the deadline this year by addressing them during the offseason with their signings of Blake Snell, Roki Sasaki, and Tanner Scott, but injuries have riddled both the rotation and bullpen. Snell, Sasaki, and relievers Scott, Kopech, Blake Treinen and Brusdar Graterol are expected to come back from injury before the postseason, but last season the Dodgers had several pitchers return only to suffer another injury. Given the Dodgers’ drastic pitching injury history, depth is crucial heading into the final stretch.

Outfield isn’t necessarily a dire need, but with Michael Conforto’s inconsistent fielding and several Dodgers’ bats slumping this season, it certainly wouldn’t hurt to add another outfielder and bat to the lineup.

Before the trade deadline hits, here are four ideal fits the Dodgers could target.

Ryan Helsley – RP, St. Louis Cardinals

St. Louis Cardinals, Ryan Helsley.
St. Louis Cardinals relief pitcher Ryan Helsley (56) pitches against the San Diego Padres during the ninth inning at Busch Stadium. / Jeff Curry-Imagn Images

Adding to the bullpen should be the Dodgers’ top priority at the deadline, and Cardinals reliever Ryan Helsley would be a top option for the Dodgers to consider. The two-time All-Star and reigning Reliever of the Year is 3-1 this season with a 3.00 ERA across 36 innings pitched, and his 21 saves ranks 10th in MLB.

With Tanner Scott currently dealing with injury and recording an 8.10 ERA over his last seven appearances, adding Helsley would provide the Dodgers a consistent option at closer.

Mark Feinsand of MLB.com reported Tuesday that the Dodgers are among the teams interested in Helsley, but he is also one of the most popular relievers on the market and is drawing interest from the Yankees, Mets, Phillies, Rangers, and Blue Jays as well.

Griffin Jax – RP, Minnesota Twins

Minnesota Twins, Griffin Jax.
Minnesota Twins relief pitcher Griffin Jax (22) pitches in the eighth inning against the Colorado Rockies at Coors Field. / Isaiah J. Downing-Imagn Images

The Dodgers are not looking to overspend at the deadline this year, so if Helsley or relievers like Jhoan Duran would cost too much capital for the Dodgers to acquire, Twins reliever Griffin Jax could be a more attainable option. Jax has appeared in 49 games for Minnesota this season, going 1-5 with a 3.91 ERA and 72 strikeouts.

Jax has been inconsistent pitching this year, but had his best season as a reliever just a year ago when he went 5-5 with a 2.03 ERA, 95 strikeouts, and 10 saves—posting career-bests in ERA, strikeouts, strikeout-walk ratio, and saves.

Harrison Bader – OF, Minnesota Twins

Minnesota Twins, Harrison Bader.
Minnesota Twins left fielder Harrison Bader (12) hits a solo walk-off home run against the Tampa Bay Rays during the ninth inning at Target Field. / Matt Krohn-Imagn Images

Two-time All-Star and three-time Gold Glove winner Steven Kwan might be too pricy for what the Dodgers are looking for in the outfield, but they could turn to Twins centerfielder Harrison Bader. The 31-year-old right bat is currently on a one-year deal with the Twins, and would become a free agent after the season.

Through 94 games this season, Bader has slashed .254/.337/.439 and registered a .776 OPS while hitting 12 home runs and 38 RBIs. Bader, a Gold Glove award winner in 2021, could perhaps more importantly provide an upgrade to the Dodgers’ defense heading into the postseason.

Sandy Alcántara – SP, Miami Marlins

Miami Marlins, Sandy Alcantara.
Miami Marlins starting pitcher Sandy Alcantara (22) delivers a pitch against the San Diego Padres. / Sam Navarro-Imagn Images

Sandy Alcántara has garnered buzz across MLB as a likely trade candidate this year. Alcántara has struggled in his return from Tommy John surgery this season—he’s registered a 5-9 record with a career-high 6.66 ERA and a -1.5 WAR—and will be far from a guarantee for any team that trades for him.

Still, the 2022 National League Cy Young winner does bring great upside and has proven to be one of the best pitchers in recent seasons when healthy. While he has yet to consistently play up to that standard this season, he at least can provide good depth for the Dodgers heading into October.

Related Posts

CONGRATULATIONS: Red Sox legend Dustin Pedroia has been elected to the Baseball Hall of Fame

CONGRATULATIONS: Red Sox legend Dustin Pedroia has been elected to the Baseball Hall of Fame The baseball world is celebrating as Dustin Pedroia, one of the most…

Jurgen Klopp called out for ‘naughty’ Liverpool comments that ‘didn’t help’ Slot

Jurgen Klopp’s comments about the Liverpool manager job have caused quite a stir

Braves News: Jeff Francoeur’s journey didn’t end on the field—it transformed in the broadcast booth. Now entering his 2026 campaign, “Frenchy” is being hailed as Skip Caray’s modern successor. The Natural has found a new way to define Braves baseball

Jeff Francoeur’s Quiet Transformation: From Atlanta’s “Frenchy” to the Braves’ Voice of Perspective in 2026 ATLANTA, GA — In the landscape of Georgia sports, few names trigger…

Report: One rumor just changed the tone of the National League. Justin Verlander is being linked to the Braves, and the implications are massive. If this gains real momentum, October may already be shifting.

Why Justin Verlander and the Atlanta Braves Make Sense as a Thoughtful, Calculated Fit The idea didn’t arrive with flashing headlines or bold declarations. It surfaced quietly,…

Twins News!! Twins face a decision that could define their 2026 season: promote Riley Quick now—or wait? The pressure is building, and critics say the clock is ticking. Is quick acceleration a genius play or a risky rush?

Balancing Urgency and Patience Will Define the Twins’ Approach With Riley Quick in 2026 When the Minnesota Twins selected right-handed pitcher Riley Quick with the 36th overall…

UPDATE!! The Twins believe value signings are the key to sustainability. But that philosophy may be weakening the roster instead of strengthening it. The long-term consequences are becoming impossible to ignore

Twins’ Obsession With “Value” May Undermine Their 2026 Competitive Window The Minnesota Twins have signaled that they intend to compete again in the 2026 MLB season. On…