Dustin May continues to be a popular name as the 2025 MLB trade deadline quickly approaches on July 31 with the Los Angeles Dodgers expected to have an excess of starting pitching options.
Blake Snell is set to return from the injured list and May seems to be the odd man out in the rotation. With that, the Dodgers have considered trading May as a way to address some of the issues on their MLB roster.
The Dodgers might still be hesitant to actually trade May, but it could make sense for both sides to get a deal done.
Teams interested in May have also been scouting the right-hander during the final days leading up to the trade deadline, according to Jack Harris of the L.A. Times:
And, while it’s doubtful he alone would net much of a significant return as a rental player who has posted below-league-average production, potential Dodgers trade partners have dedicated scouting attention to him recently, according to a person with knowledge of the situation not authorized to speak publicly.
With teams in the process of scouting May, that likely signals the Dodgers have been engaged in some trade discussions regarding the veteran pitcher instead of just fielding interest.
If they did trade him, previous reports suggest it would be in a move to improve their outfield, rather than upgrading the bullpen. It may be difficult to find a player-for-player swap, but a three-team trade involving May could be in play, too.
May could also be one of the upgrades to their bullpen that the Dodgers are searching for if they decide not to trade him.
He holds a 3.65 ERA when facing the lineup for the first time, but that increases each time batters see him again. The second time through the order, May has a 5.03 ERA, and the third time through, it jumps up to a 7.15 ERA.
Overall this season, May has thrown 104 innings with a 4.85 ERA, 4.69 FIP, 8.39 strikeouts per nine and 3.72 walks per nine. He’s set career-high marks in innings pitched and starts (18).
Dodgers prefer to keep Dustin May?
The belief is the Dodgers prefer to trade prospects rather than players off their MLB roster, which includes May. The Dodgers have a top-heavy farm system, but enough potentially impact prospects to add any player at the deadline that they want.
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!
