Dodgers predicted to make savvy trade for 1.95 ERA Orioles reliever

The Los Angeles Dodgers are looking like the best team in baseball once again, but that doesn't mean they couldn't use some more help at the 2026 MLB trade deadline.

While there is always going to be links between the Dodgers and Tarik Skubal as the top trade chip this season, the Dodgers could instead pursue some more savvy trade targets this summer.

That's exactly the kind of player that Zachary D. Rymer of Bleacher Report is predicting the Dodgers to trade for, as L.A. is predicted to acquire Baltimore Orioles reliever Rico Garcia in a move that would be very savvy for Andrew Friedman and the Dodgers.

Dodgers predicted to trade for Rico Garcia from Orioles

"Los Angeles Dodgers (51-29): They'll get Rico Garcia from the Orioles," Rymer predicts. "Even though he's 32, his club control elevates his value, but probably not to a point where the Dodgers would have to subtract a top-10 prospect from their No. 1-ranked farm system."

The Dodgers adding Garcia in a deal with the Orioles this season wouldn't cost a ton, even though he's under club control through the 2030 season as a 32-year-old veteran journeyman reliever.

He's been bouncing around the league since his 2019 debut, but other than a 2025 season with three different teams, Garcia hasn't been able to find a stable role in a bullpen in his career.

MORE: Dodgers’ Shohei Ohtani might not be able to pitch during MLB All-Star Game

That has changed, as he's been elite for the Orioles this season. Garcia has a 1.95 ERA in 35 outings this season with a 3-1 record, four saves, and in 32.1 innings, he has 36 strikeouts and a 219 ERA+. 

His 3.82 FIP implies some regression could be in his future. But, even still, looking at the Dodgers' bullpen, with Edwin Diaz on the injured list, alongside Blake Treinen, Evan Phillips, and a few others, the Dodgers could use another reliever like Garcia.

Rymer's prediction of the Dodgers trading for Garcia would be a very savvy move for Los Angeles this season. He's not going to cost a lot, both in a trade and on their payroll, but he would be a quality right-handed arm to add to the bullpen.

This prediction from Rymer would be the Dodgers' biggest trade of the 2026 deadline. While it might not be as exciting as Skubal or another star, it's the kind of savvy move that other teams might regret not making.

More MLB news:

• Phillies reportedly turn down Bryce Harper's outfield offer to help at trade deadline
• Giants are ‘hopeful ‘ they can trade Matt Chapman by MLB deadline
• Angles can demand more in trade for Reid Detmers than Tigers can for Tarik Skubal
• Giants are 'pessimistic' they can trade Rafael Devers or Willy Adames
• Twins' Byron Buxton trade update is bad news for Phillies, Braves