Los Angeles Dodgers manager Dave Roberts argued his team are more likely to sell than buy earlier in the week, but a report from ESPN’s Jeff Passan differs from the opinion.
Two weeks ahead of the deadline, Passan and Buster Olney named teams who will aggressively add at the deadline, and both listed the Dodgers as candidates.
The Dodgers—as always—are at the center of the swirling trade deadline rumors, especially the ones surrounding All-Star and two-time Cy Young award winner Tarik Skubal. Historically, the Dodgers have “bought” in a different way.
LA’s last blockbuster deal at the summer deadline came in 2021, when they acquired Max Scherzer and Trea Turner from the Washington Nationals. That season ended in disappointment for the Dodgers, though, and they changed their mindset on the trade deadline.
Since that season, the Dodgers have mostly made smaller, supplementary moves to compliment their team as they look to go deep into the postseason.
In 2024, the Dodgers traded for starter Jack Flaherty, utility man Tommy Edman and reliever Michael Kopech, all of whom played huge roles in their World Series run that year.
They operated similarly at the deadline in 2025, bringing in Ben Rortvedt, a key piece down the stretch last season, and a fantastic prospect in James Tibbs III. They also acquired depth in Alex Call and Brock Stewart. Both seasons ended in championships.
What Are the Dodgers’ Deadline Plans?
There’s no doubt that the Dodgers are interested in Skubal. After all, just about every contender in MLB has a spot for the left-hander in their rotation. Whether they decide to pull the trigger, though, is a different story.
ESPN’s Alden Gonzalez listed three reasons why the Dodgers won’t trade for the left-hander, citing their already strong roster, their ability to sign him in free agency and desire for long-term success rather than short term rentals (recall their “interest” last season in players like Steven Kwan and Emmanuel Clase).
The more likely option for the Dodgers is buying, though at a much smaller scale than traditional contenders would normally do.
With just 10 days remaining until the deadline, the Dodgers will have to make their mind up on their deadline plans.
What would you like the Dodgers to do come Aug. 3?
8 Responses
Wish we could trade Kyle Tucker. Just really disappointed in his numbers, as one of the highest paid players in baseball. Huge mistake.
I agree Kyle Tucker is a not worth the money they him.I would rather have Cody Bellinger.Trade for Skubal because of three pitchers that I don’t trust and trade for a decent hitting catcher.
Can you identify any of the other 29 teams who would take him ? I think that will answer my question.
Tucker is our Michael Conforto trade from last year but on steroids.
Will probably go down as worst trade in Dodger history and possibly MLB history.
But don’t forget one thing: “the Dodgers are the luckiet team in baseball.”
I’m not playing Monday morning quarterback when I say what I said in the off-season. Had the Didgers not won the World Series I woukd have been good with a big name signing. However had they won which they did, then I would have preferred to bring up our own prospects…
I trust the front office to not make a trade unless they feel it will upgrade the team with the best record in baseball. If they believe Will Smith will not return this year, I would think a solid backup catcher should be first priority.
keep will smith just like cody bellinger you make dumb decisions and regret. it after!
Will Smith-is the neck so serious his catching career is over?
Tucker plays like a no caring robot with a bad chip. But no one wants him with that contract.
Neither of the current catchers are elite with much hope of getting there and an elite team must have an elite catcher.
Is Ohtani done as a two way player with his knee? So Dodgers need an elite starter now?
Skubal is on another level. If the Dodgers can pry him loose, they should go for it! Hard to argue against trading for a young two time Cy Young winner entering his prime. If he helps them to the 3peat, signing him long term seems much easier.