The next time the Los Angeles Dodgers step onto the field, they will almost certainly have some new additions to their ballclub.
The 2024 MLB trade deadline is July 30 at 3 p.m. PT, and the Dodgers are not scheduled to play until nearly four hours after that when they face the San Diego Padres at Petco Park.
One thing that’s different about this deadline than the past for the Dodgers is they have multiple needs they could fill, rather than one or two specific focuses.
Whether that’s adding to a starting rotation that has been decimated by injuries, addressing the infield and it’s lack of depth that could even use a starting player if Max Muncy is unable to return, bringing in a high-leverage relief arm as their bullpen has been overworked and struggled as of late, or getting some production from an outfield group that has failed to produce much outside of Teoscar Hernández.
To add to that challenge, the Dodgers have to figure out which players they can reasonably count on to return from an injured list that has been growing into it’s own 26-man roster, and calculate that into their plans.
While the list of needs would be enough to sink any other team, the Dodgers remain in a unique position as they have an incredibly top-heavy roster that has kept them afloat and even one of MLB’s winningest teams.
With so many different paths available to upgrade the roster, the Dodgers could go any different number of ways, rather than focusing on one specific area, and it’s a situation not many teams are ever in. That makes them an unpredictable team ahead of the deadline as they can pursue nearly anything they want to, via Jack Harris of the L.A. Times:
That’s why, two days from the deadline, the Dodgers’ range of options seemed as wide as ever, according to conversations with multiple people with knowledge of their deadline plans.
The Dodgers have already been connected to all the biggest names on the market, and even some of the less impactful players. Still, the front office has reiterated they are focused on adding impact to the roster.
Among the starting pitchers they’ve targeted are Tarik Skubal, Garrett Crochet and Jack Flaherty, who would all present a major upgrade for their rotation. In the bullpen, Tanner Scott and Mason Miller have been of interest, although the latter is unlikely due to his injury.
They checked in on Randy Arozarena and Isaac Paredes before each of them were traded as part of their search for offensive help. And other quality to star-level players they’ve showed interest in have been Luis Robert Jr., Tommy Edman, Nico Hoerner and Luis Rengifo.
Dodgers players expected to return
Mookie Betts will return to the Dodgers sooner, rather than later, and he would present a significant boost to the club. They also remain hopeful Max Muncy will return from his oblique injury, but it looks more doubtful by the week.
On the pitching side, Yoshinobu Yamamoto has made real progress, Walker Buehler began his rehab assignment, and Bobby Miller, while not injured, remains an option to return as well.
In the bullpen, Brusdar Graterol, Michael Grove and Ryan Brasier are all moving closer to a return and began rehab assignments.
Have you subscribed to the Dodger Blue YouTube channel? Be sure to ring the notification bell to watch player interviews, participate in shows and giveaways, and stay up to date on all Dodgers news and rumors!
