As the MLB trade deadline approaches at 3 p.m. PT on July 31, the Los Angeles Dodgers appear focused on addressing their bullpen and finding a left-handed hitting outfielder.
It’s an unexpected position for the team after a much-ballyhooed offseason that saw the Dodgers sign Kirby Yates, Tanner Scott and Michael Conforto. That was part of an extended spending spree that fueled criticism and claims of the Dodgers ruining the sport.
As the Dodgers canvas the market for potential additions, they are also believed to be open to a Dustin May trade. According to Ken Rosenthal of The Athletic, the only scenario with which the Dodgers would trade May is for an outfielder:
If the Dodgers move right-handed starter Dustin May, it likely would be for an outfielder and not a reliever, according to a source briefed on the club’s plans.
Although not an outfielder, the Dodgers reportedly have interest in St. Louis Cardinals All-Star Brendan Donovan. May conceivably could be included in that trade, but the Dodgers certainly would need to put together a strong package with additional pieces.
Donovan is under team control through the 2027 season and the Cardinals are said to be seeking a significant return.
Why would Dodgers trade Dustin May?
Trading a starting pitcher does come with some risk for the Dodgers given their recent history with injuries. However, they soon figure to have a full rotation that will comprise of Yoshinobu Yamamoto, Blake Snell, Tyler Glasnow, Clayton Kershaw, Shohei Ohtani and Emmet Sheehan.
Justin Wrobleski is an option in terms of needed depth.
May was just moved into the bullpen for his most recent appearance, following Ohtani in his start on July 21. Dodgers manager Dave Roberts deemed that circumstantial, and May indeed is scheduled to start Sunday in the series finale against the Boston Red Sox.
Although May could shift into a bullpen role full-time, his profile as a potential long man or multi-inning reliever doesn’t address the Dodgers’ biggest need. Furthermore, May is due to become a free agent at the end of the 2025 season.
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