Dodgers Acquire Brock Stewart from Twins to Strengthen Bullpen

The Los Angeles Dodgers made waves just before the MLB trade deadline. In two noteworthy moves, they picked up veteran reliever Brock Stewart from the Minnesota Twins and outfielder Alex Call from the Washington Nationals.

These trades show the Dodgers want to shore up bullpen depth and improve outfield flexibility. They managed to address real needs without getting caught up in the wild spending that usually happens at the deadline.

Dodgers Bank on Brock Stewart for Bullpen Reinforcement

Brock Stewart’s return to the Dodgers feels a bit like a homecoming, but there’s more to it than nostalgia. Los Angeles wants to strengthen a bullpen that’s been inconsistent all season.

Stewart, a 33-year-old righty, has turned things around with the Twins. In 2023, he posted a 2.38 ERA, struck out 41, and walked just 11 over 34 innings.

He’s been dominant out of the bullpen, and the Dodgers are counting on him in high-leverage spots. Stewart knows the organization well, since they drafted him back in 2014.

His journey hasn’t been easy. After Tommy John surgery, he reinvented himself with Minnesota and became a sneaky-good reliever this year.

With trade prices sky-high for bigger names, the Dodgers’ front office went for Stewart. He brings experience, won’t break the bank, and already understands what it’s like to pitch in LA.

What the Dodgers Gave Up for Stewart

To get Stewart, the Dodgers sent center fielder James Outman to Minnesota. Outman flashed big potential in his 2022 debut, but 2023 has been rough.

This season, he hit just .108 with two home runs and four RBIs across 22 games. For a team chasing the postseason, those numbers made it easier to let him go.

Stewart joins a group of veterans the Twins dealt at the deadline. Minnesota gets a bit of a project in Outman, hoping he can bounce back away from the LA spotlight.

Alex Call Adds Versatility to the Dodgers’ Outfield

The Dodgers also picked up outfielder Alex Call from the Nationals. With team control through 2029, LA gets a strong defender and a right-handed bat that’s showing real signs of growth.

Call’s numbers this season are solid: a .274 average, .371 OBP, and .386 slugging. He’s also cut down on strikeouts, with just 36 in 72 games.

These improvements hint that the Dodgers might have found a player on the upswing. He could fill an important gap in their outfield rotation.

Why Call Makes Sense for the Dodgers

Adding Call gives LA much-needed flexibility as injuries and inconsistency have thinned their outfield. He can play multiple spots, which fits perfectly with Dave Roberts’ tendency to shuffle lineups.

He’s not a headline-grabber, but his steady approach and potential to improve make him a sneaky good fit for the stretch run.

Assessing the Bigger Picture for the Dodgers

The Dodgers’ willingness to move on from Outman shows they’re serious about immediate upgrades. It also suggests the front office trusts other players to step up as the postseason race heats up.

Final Thoughts

The Dodgers have once again shown why they’re always in the mix. With moves like picking up Stewart and Call, they’re not just adding talent—they’re keeping their options open, both on the field and with the budget.

Fans should be excited to see what these guys bring to the table as Los Angeles gears up for another playoff push. For a team that’s always thinking a step ahead, you have to wonder—could these additions be what tips the scales this year?

 
Here is the source article for this story: Sources: Dodgers add Twins’ Stewart to bullpen