The Dodgers are again World Series favorites. But repeating as champs is no easy task and even the best teams need help to stay ahead. For the Dodgers, a few smart moves before the deadline could be the difference between another title run or an early exit. Here are three trades that would do it.
Trade Proposal 1: Bring Back a Familiar Face for Left Field
Dodgers Get: OF Alex Verdugo
Braves Get: LHP Maddux Bruns (Dodgers #23 prospect)
Left field has been a disaster for the Dodgers this season, and Michael Conforto has been unable to get it going. Enter Alex Verdugo—a former Dodger who’s been languishing in Triple-A Gwinnett since being traded away years ago.
Verdugo is a low risk, high reward option for the Dodgers. Worst case, he’s a platoon partner for Conforto. Best case he finds his 2019 form and gives the lineup a big boost. He hit .294 with an OPS+ of 114 in 2019.
For the Dodgers, it’s a cheap price. They’d send away Bruns, a lower tier prospect who hasn’t cracked their top 30. And since Verdugo is a free agent at the end of the season, there’s no long term commitment. This checks all the boxes: affordable, impactful, and timely.
Trade Proposal 2: A Blockbuster for Center Field
Dodgers Get: OF Luis Robert Jr.
White Sox Get: SS Alex Freeland (Dodgers #5 prospect), RHP River Ryan (Dodgers #10 prospect), RHP Nick Frasso (Dodgers #14 prospect)
Let’s get to the elephant in the room: the Dodgers’ center field situation. Andy Pages just isn’t a high end outfielder, and the team needs an upgrade if they want to win another ring.
Enter Luis Robert Jr., one of the most dynamic players in the game. The 27 year old is a game changer offensively and defensively, can turn games with his bat, speed, and glove. Adding him to the roster would instantly upgrade the lineup and defense.
Of course acquiring a player like Robert Jr. comes at a high price. The Dodgers would have to give up 3 of their top 15 prospects—Freeland, Ryan and Frasso—but that’s what contenders do to win championships. Plus, losing these prospects opens up opportunities for others in the pipeline.
With Robert Jr’s prime years still ahead of him, this deal addresses immediate needs and sets up the Dodgers for long term success beyond 2025.
Trade Proposal 3: Bolstering the Bullpen
Dodgers Get: RHP Ryan Helsley
Cardinals Get: OF Zyhir Hope (Dodgers #6 prospect), INF Noah Miller (Dodgers #25 prospect)
Even the best lineups can struggle without a reliable bullpen, and the Dodgers know that better than anyone. With injuries plaguing their relief corps this season, relying on internal improvements alone isn’t enough. Enter Ryan Helsley, the best available reliever on the market.
Helsley has electric stuff and closer experience, something the Dodgers need as they head into October baseball. Yes, he’s a rental player who will hit free agency after the season, but his presence alone can be the difference in close postseason games.
To get Helsley, the Dodgers would send two promising prospects—Hope and Miller—to St. Louis. It’s a fair price for a proven commodity who can anchor their bullpen down the stretch. If things go well, the Dodgers might even work out an extension with Helsley before the offseason.
Is This the Blueprint for Another Championship?
The Dodgers have a good team, but winning a World Series requires more than just depth; it requires excellence across the board. By addressing left field, center field, and the bullpen with these trades, the Dodgers can have a team that’s unbeatable in October.
Will this happen? That’s up to the front office. But one thing is for sure, if the Dodgers want to repeat as champions, they’ll need to act fast before the trade deadline.
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