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16 hours ago
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With the trade deadline approaching, the Dodgers are, as always, a team that could look to aggressively improve their roster.
Los Angeles has had a solid season so far, leading the NL West, but there is room to grow ahead of another World Series run. Most notably, The Dodgers' bullpen needs a boost, as offseason acquisitions Tanner Scott and Kirby Yates have not performed to expectations, creating a hole in the pitching staff.
On offense, the Dodgers' weakness this year has been left field, as Michael Conforto has disappointed in his first season with the team. Conforto currently sports a .650 OPS in 91 games, and Los Angeles could look for an upgrade this week.
Here's a look at some of the best trade targets for the Dodgers this Summer.
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Dodgers trade targets
Luis Robert, OF, White Sox
Perhaps the biggest-named outfielder on the move is Chicago's Luis Robert. The center fielder has been a disappointment over the past two years, but he still offers strong defense and baserunning if he doesn't bounce back at the plate. Any team that acquires him could keep him for the next two years at $20 million each season or choose not to exercise those club options, allowing him to become a free agent.
Ramon Laureano, OF, Orioles
Another outfielder likely on the move is Laureano, who was one of Baltimore's best players in the first half. The veteran is putting together his best offensive season with 14 home runs and an .852 OPS, and he offers solid defense at all three outfield spots.
MORE: 14 players most likely to be traded by 2025 deadline
Mitch Keller, SP, Pirates
Keller has been in trade rumors this season with the Pirates once again out of playoff contention. The starter has a 3.53 ERA in 21 starts this year, and despite only playing in the second year of a five-year extension, Pittsburgh could choose to sell high on him. For Los Angeles to make the move, they will likely have to fight other contenders in a weakened starting pitching market.
Edward Cabrera, SP, Marlins
Another potential starter with years of control available is the Marlins' Edward Cabrera. Still just 27, Cabrera has a 3.48 ERA in 17 starts this year and has three more years of arbitration left beyond this season. Despite Miami playing improved baseball this season, they are still expected to be sellers before the deadline expires.
MORE: Cubs top trade targets, from MacKenzie Gore to Merrill Kelly
Jhoan Duran, RP, Twins
Without a doubt, the biggest need for the Dodgers is upgrading their bullpen, and Duran could be the best reliever traded. While the Twins could still keep Duran, who has two more years of control beyond this season, the Dodgers might be the team that puts together an aggressive offer for the closer to fill a much-needed role in the bullpen.
Ryan Helsley, RP, Cardinals
Helsley is close to a lock to be traded, with the Cardinals out of a playoff spot right now and the reliever set to hit free agency in the offseason. He will be cheaper than Duran and could still fortify the back of the Dodgers' bullpen, as he has 21 saves in 36 games for St. Louis this season. Helsley also offers some playoff experience, as he has pitched in eight career postseason games.
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David Bednar, RP, Pirates
Lastly, David Bednar appears on the move with the Pirates once again on pace to miss the playoffs. A two-time All-Star, Bednar lost his form in 2024 but has begun to find it again this year, as he currently has a 2.19 ERA in 41 games. Bednar has exactly 100 career saves, which includes an NL-leading 39 in 2022, and he won't hit free agency until 2026.
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