As the July 31, 2025, MLB trade deadline approaches, the Los Angeles Dodgers again find themselves at a pivotal crossroads. With postseason expectations as high as ever, the Dodgers’ front office is tasked with addressing roster needs in the thick of a highly competitive National League race. This summer, pitching—particularly starter and bullpen depth—remains the clear priority, as a wave of injuries has tested the club’s vaunted organizational resources.
A Calculated Approach from the Dodgers’ Brass
The Dodgers’ 2025 front office, led by President of Baseball Operations Andrew Friedman and General Manager Brandon Gomes, is taking a measured approach. While past deadlines have seen dramatic, blockbuster deals, this summer’s strategy focuses more on sustainability and precise roster upgrades. There is a clear desire to improve without gutting an elite farm system or destabilizing long-term plans. The recent injury surge has highlighted vulnerabilities, pushing the team to balance aggressive short-term patchwork with prudent roster management.
Infield Needs Calm as Muncy Progresses
Earlier this summer, depth concerns were heightened when Max Muncy landed on the injured list with a left knee bone bruise. Fortunately, Muncy’s recovery has been positive, with an August return now on the horizon. With the infield picture stabilizing, the Dodgers’ attention is now fully fixed on fortifying their pitching staff before the trade deadline.
Pitching Depth and the Wave of Injuries
The Dodgers’ rotation has been hit particularly hard this season. Gavin Stone, one of last year’s breakout starters, is lost for 2025 after undergoing right shoulder surgery last October. After signing as a marquee free agent, Blake Snell made only two dominant starts before suffering shoulder inflammation in early April. His recovery has progressed recently, with successful rehab outings raising hopes for a return by late July or early August.
Tony Gonsolin, who opened 2025 with a minor back issue, is currently sidelined with right elbow discomfort. Although imaging revealed no new damage to his surgically repaired elbow, his persistent soreness has made his return date unclear. Meanwhile, Tyler Glasnow went down in late April with a shoulder injury. After an up-and-down rehab process that included soreness following an initial bullpen session, Glasnow has progressed to live batting practice and could be on the verge of rejoining the rotation if he continues improving.
There have been encouraging developments as well. Emmet Sheehan, who missed all of 2024 after Tommy John surgery, has returned to the majors and provided crucial innings as a multi-inning option. Following nearly two years away from pitching due to elbow surgery, Shohei Ohtani made his long-awaited Dodgers debut on the mound in mid-June. Initially used as an opener, Ohtani has flashed premium velocity and steadily builds his endurance in carefully managed appearances.
Roki Sasaki, who generated buzz with his MLB debut in the Tokyo Series, struggled through some early-season starts before landing on the injured list in May with a shoulder impingement. He has since resumed bullpen sessions in rehab and, if all goes well, could return to the rotation before the end of August.
Bullpen Uncertainties Prompt Market Activity
Injuries have also destabilized the bullpen. Blake Treinen, previously a late-inning stalwart, has missed significant time but is working his way back and could return by late July. Michael Kopech remains sidelined following knee surgery, with his rehab ongoing and his return possible near the regular season’s end.
Given these uncertainties, the Dodgers are actively scouting the trade market for proven, high-leverage relievers with postseason experience. Reports have linked Los Angeles to targets such as Jhoan Duran, Griffin Jax, Brock Stewart, Emmanuel Clase, Pete Fairbanks, and Ryan Helsley, offering the reliability and command needed in October. As sellers emerge closer to the deadline, the expectation is that the Dodgers will be aggressive, leveraging their prospect capital for the right fit.
Roster Corrections and Homegrown Depth
The Dodgers’ depth now hinges on younger contributors such as Andy Pages, Ben Casparius, and Landon Knack, each of whom has played a valuable role throughout the year. Their growth provides crucial innings and flexibility and strengthens the club’s position in trade negotiations.
The pipeline remains strong, further shored up by recent draft picks: Arkansas left-hander Zach Root, Arkansas outfielder Charles Davalan, and Florida State right-hander Cam Leiter—all of whom will help the Dodgers sustain their reputation as one of baseball’s premier development systems.
Championship Odds and Market Confidence
Despite the injury-laden campaign, the Dodgers’ championship outlook remains extremely bright according to the betting market. Bovada Sportsbook lists Los Angeles as the favorite to win the National League pennant with +135 odds, placing them at the top of league contenders. The Dodgers are also favored to repeat as World Series champions with odds at +210—the shortest for any team across the majors. These numbers reflect a broad confidence in the team’s talent base and the front office’s ability to navigate adversity, weathering injuries with roster resourcefulness and smart transactions.
Deadline Decisions with October in Mind
With the trade deadline now less than two weeks away, the pressure is mounting on the Dodgers’ decision-makers. A highly competitive National League playoff picture means every roster move could dictate how and how far Los Angeles advances in October. The expected returns of Snell, Gonsolin, and Glasnow to the rotation and the ongoing reintegration of Sheehan and Ohtani offer optimism. Still, reliance on internal solutions alone may not suffice. The front office remains vigilant in exploring trade options and weighing the benefits of impactful additions against the cost of future flexibility.
As July winds down, the Dodgers will remain one of the most-watched franchises in baseball. How they navigate this critical stretch—balancing health developments, trade acquisitions, and internal reinforcements—could determine whether this season ends in another trip to the Fall Classic and possibly a rare repeat championship.
