Dodgers’ Trade Deadline Strategy: Boosting Bullpen and Hitting

The Los Angeles Dodgers, a team famous for their deep pockets and championship ambitions, are at a real crossroads as the MLB trade deadline creeps up. Once everyone’s pick to dominate 2025, they’ve hit some snags—injuries, guys underperforming, and a bullpen that just can’t seem to hold it together.

Even with all that, the Dodgers’ offense still leads the league, thanks mostly to Shohei Ohtani and Will Smith. But after a rough 4-11 stretch, people are starting to wonder if they’ll make moves before July 31. Let’s take a look at where they stand and what might be coming next.

The Dodgers’ Dominant Offense Led by Ohtani and Smith

Despite their midseason slump, the Dodgers’ offense just keeps rolling. Shohei Ohtani, doing his thing as a two-way superstar, has kept fans excited both at the plate and on the mound.

Will Smith, meanwhile, has quietly become one of the best-hitting catchers out there. He’s given the lineup a steadying presence right when they’ve needed it most.

Will Stars Like Betts, Freeman, and Muncy Bounce Back?

Ohtani and Smith are carrying a heavy load, but the Dodgers are really hoping Mookie Betts, Freddie Freeman, and Max Muncy can get back on track soon. Their return to form could swing the season.

Leadership doesn’t seem eager to spend big on new bats. Instead, they’re trusting those proven stars to figure it out. Maybe they’ll grab a cheap rental hitter, but don’t expect any wild trades for offense.

Bullpen Struggles Push Reliever Upgrade to the Forefront

The Dodgers’ bullpen has been a mess, which is honestly surprising given how much they spent in the offseason. Tanner Scott and Kirby Yates were supposed to help, but neither has lived up to expectations.

The bullpen’s struggles in tight spots have made finding help there the team’s top priority as the deadline nears. It’s the one thing that’s tough to ignore right now.

Potential Trade Targets in the Bullpen

They’ll be looking hard for a reliable, experienced reliever. The market’s heating up, and it won’t be easy to land the right fit.

Names like Josh Hader or Evan Phillips come up as dream additions, though who knows if they’ll actually be available. Finding the right bullpen arm at the deadline always feels like a gamble, doesn’t it?

Injury Concerns Cloud Starting Rotation, Yet Strength Remains

Injuries have hit the rotation, but somehow, they’re still hanging tough. Yoshinobu Yamamoto and Tyler Glasnow have anchored things and even flashed Cy Young potential.

Blake Snell, picked up in the offseason, has struggled with health and consistency. He’s expected back soon, and maybe he’ll give the rotation a lift right when they need it.

Ohtani’s Value as a Two-Way Player

Shohei Ohtani’s ability to impact the game both ways gives the Dodgers a unique edge. If he stays healthy, the rotation should hold up.

With Snell on the mend, the starting staff still looks like a real asset for October.

Left Field and Depth: Areas of Concern

The offense has mostly held up, but left field remains a weak spot. Unfortunately, the outfield trade market looks pretty bleak right now.

Elite outfielders are expensive, and the Dodgers don’t seem eager to overpay. If they do anything, it’ll probably be a low-key move for depth, not a blockbuster.

Commitment to Internal Solutions

It really feels like the Dodgers are betting on their own guys to step up, rather than making big changes. They’re hesitant to trade top prospects or take on big contracts unless it’s absolutely necessary.

Leadership seems to believe this roster can still get it done—if they can just get healthy and find their groove again.

Final Thoughts: Can the Dodgers Reclaim Their Status as Contenders?

With the trade deadline creeping up, the Los Angeles Dodgers are walking a fine line. They need to fix some glaring weaknesses, but nobody wants to see a total overhaul.

The bullpen probably sits right at the top of their to-do list. Honestly, how far they go in the postseason might come down to whether Betts and Freeman bounce back, and if the rotation can stay healthy.

There are still plenty of challenges. Still, this roster has enough talent to cause some trouble in October.

Dodgers fans should brace themselves. The second half could get pretty wild as the team tries to recapture the spark that made them early-season favorites.

 
Here is the source article for this story: Beyond the bullpen, how aggressive will the Dodgers be at the MLB trade deadline?