Report: Dave Roberts Reveals Dodgers Are Targeting Offensive Upgrade at Trade Deadline

It’s known that the Los Angeles Dodgers would like another reliever (or two) before the trade deadline officially ends.

Multiple reports suggest that a host of names are being talked about in relation to the Boys in Blue.

Jhoan Duran has been my #1 Dodgers trade target this deadline season. He’s one of the few that will be dealt that has superstar potential at his position. Duran is averaging 100.4 mph on his heater, 97.6 mph on his splinker, a 2.01 ERA, and is under team control through ’27. https://t.co/djIyLsBmqK pic.twitter.com/aiABMi5pfi

— Doug McKain (@DMAC_LA) July 30, 2025

When speaking with the media, manager Dave Roberts admitted that landing a relief pitcher is of the highest importance. However, getting another bat in the lineup could also be something the team pursues down the stretch.

“Relief pitching is always talked about, certainly with what we’re going through,” Roberts said this weekend. He also said “a potential bat” is something the team is “kicking the tires” on.

The Los Angeles Times also reported that the team would like another outfielder to help the team’s defense — an area that’s been becoming more and more problematic as the year has progressed.

“One specific priority that has been increasingly emphasized by people around the organization in recent days: Someone who can not only hit, but more profoundly upgrade their outfield defense.”

The hottest outfield name associated with the Los Angeles Dodgers is Cleveland Guardians outfielder Steven Kwan. Kwan would be under club control for multiple years after this one, and he’s a guy that not only is a rock-solid fielder, but also someone that can hit for average. Kwan rarely chases or strikes out, and without a doubt would represent a massive upgrade in left field over Michael Conforto.

If the potential asking price for Kwan is too high, the Dodgers could pivot elsewhere to players viewed as rental-types.

There’s a real chance the Guardians do ask for Dalton Rushing as a centerpiece in the deal. It’s something the Dodgers must weigh given the fact he’s currently being blocked by the best catcher in the National League in Will Smith.

Barring Smith moving to another position, Rushing might not get the chance to become a regular with the Dodgers. Los Angeles could look to move him before his value dips. In terms of a rental, some possible names that may be in play include Harrison Bader and Trent Grisham.