AL Contender Urged To Make ‘Possible’ Trade With Los Angeles Dodgers

In the high-stakes world of Major League Baseball (MLB), the pursuit of a championship is a year-round endeavor. Teams are constantly looking for ways to bolster their rosters, whether through free agency, the draft, or trades. With the MLB season typically marked by trade deadlines and offseason transactions, clubs often find themselves engaged in strategic moves to position themselves as contenders. As the 2025 MLB season approaches, one team in particular has emerged as a potential contender to make a significant trade with the Los Angeles Dodgers. According to recent reports, an American League (AL) contender has been urged to explore the possibility of trading with the Dodgers to address a key area of need.

The Dodgers, as one of the most successful and financially capable teams in the MLB, have been involved in numerous trade discussions over the years, often positioned as both sellers and buyers in the market. While they have consistently been a playoff contender, the team has found itself in a unique position to possibly deal some of its excess talent to a team looking to push for a World Series berth. In this article, we’ll delve into why an AL contender might benefit from trading with the Los Angeles Dodgers, what the potential trade could look like, and how such a move could shape the future for both teams.

The Los Angeles Dodgers: A Team with Excess and Opportunity

The Los Angeles Dodgers are known for their elite roster and sustained success over the past several years. With a large payroll, a rich farm system, and a well-respected front office, they have the resources to be active in the trade market. In recent seasons, the Dodgers have been successful in a variety of ways—dominating the National League West, competing for World Series titles, and developing top-tier talent across the roster.

However, despite their success, the Dodgers’ current roster is not without its challenges. The team has an abundance of depth at several positions, and with that comes difficult decisions about who to keep and who to trade. Whether it’s because of roster congestion, the potential for player regression, or the desire to balance the books for future seasons, there are reasons why the Dodgers may be inclined to part with some players. As the team prepares for the 2025 season, there are several players who might be expendable, making the Dodgers a team to watch on the trade market.

Additionally, the Dodgers’ roster is in transition, with aging veterans and rising stars who may require new contracts in the coming seasons. This leaves the team with some flexibility in terms of dealing players to bolster other areas of need. This ability to move players while maintaining their competitive window could make the Dodgers an ideal trade partner for an AL contender looking to make a significant move before or during the season.

Why an AL Contender Should Make a Move

For any team in the American League with championship aspirations, trading with the Dodgers presents an opportunity to fill critical gaps in their roster. Whether it’s to strengthen the pitching staff, add power to the lineup, or acquire a veteran presence in the clubhouse, the Dodgers have the kind of talent that can make an immediate impact on a team looking to make a deep postseason run.

For an AL contender, trading with the Dodgers could present several benefits. First and foremost, the Dodgers are well-positioned to deal from areas of strength. This includes high-quality players who might be available due to roster depth, or players who could fit well into the context of an AL team looking for a boost. With the Dodgers’ scouting and player development department providing a steady stream of talent, other teams in the AL could acquire players who are at the peak of their potential, or those with the necessary experience to elevate a postseason-contending roster.

Secondly, the AL contenders who are actively pursuing a trade with the Dodgers likely have the financial flexibility to absorb a significant contract if necessary, or they can part with players who may not be contributing at the same level as they had hoped. With the Dodgers’ deep-pocketed ownership and ability to absorb contracts, they can often take on additional salary in return for players who may not have fit into the team’s long-term plans.

The Potential Trade: What Could It Look Like?

While the specific details of any potential trade remain speculative, there are several positions and areas where the Los Angeles Dodgers could become key trade partners with an AL contender. The most obvious needs for an AL team might involve acquiring additional pitching depth or bolstering the offense. Let’s break down potential trade targets:

1. Pitching Help:
   • Starting Rotation Depth: The Dodgers’ starting rotation has been one of the best in the league over the past few years, featuring names like Clayton Kershaw, Walker Buehler, and Julio Urias. However, the team also has depth beyond their top starters, with promising players who may not have a consistent spot in the rotation. For an AL contender, adding a solid veteran arm like Kenta Maeda (who has seen success both as a starter and a reliever) could provide critical innings down the stretch.
   • Relief Help: In addition to their starting pitching depth, the Dodgers also feature a powerful bullpen. If an AL contender is struggling to solidify the back end of their bullpen, acquiring someone like Victor González or Evan Phillips could provide a much-needed boost to the bullpen. These players offer versatility and the ability to lock down key moments during the late innings, a crucial role for playoff contenders.
2. Offensive Firepower:
   • Power-Hitting Outfielder: The Dodgers have a wealth of outfield talent, with players like Mookie Betts, Cody Bellinger, and James Outman in their lineup. However, for a team looking to add a power-hitting outfielder or a solid bat with experience, someone like Chris Taylor could provide an immediate upgrade. Taylor brings versatility to the table, capable of playing multiple outfield positions and providing consistent pop in the lineup.
   • First Base/DH: Another potential target for an AL contender would be an additional bat for their first-base or designated hitter spot. The Dodgers have a variety of players on the roster who could fill that role, including veterans like Max Muncy. Muncy’s ability to hit for power and draw walks could help an AL contender balance their lineup, adding another weapon to their offense.
3. Infield Depth:
   • Middle Infield: If an AL contender is in need of an upgrade at shortstop or second base, the Dodgers have a wealth of options in their infield. Miguel Rojas, although known for his defensive abilities, could be an intriguing trade target for teams looking to bolster their middle infield depth. Rojas’ leadership and steady glove would complement any contender’s infield defense, especially in close postseason games.

How a Trade with the Dodgers Would Benefit an AL Contender

For an AL contender, making a trade with the Dodgers can provide several benefits beyond just acquiring talent. Here are a few reasons why a trade with the Dodgers could be beneficial:

1. Immediate Impact: Dodgers players typically come from a well-coached, highly competitive environment, meaning they can step into a new team and contribute immediately. Their experience in playoff-caliber situations would be invaluable for a team trying to gear up for October baseball.
2. Depth for a Long Playoff Push: An AL contender, especially one with aspirations of deep postseason runs, needs depth. Injuries and fatigue can become issues as teams progress through the grueling months of the season. By trading for a versatile player from the Dodgers, a team can increase its depth in multiple areas and prepare for the unpredictable nature of the postseason.
3. Improving the 40-Man Roster: Acquiring talent from the Dodgers may also improve an AL contender’s 40-man roster and give the team more flexibility. By bringing in experienced MLB players or prospects with high upside, a team can position itself for a more balanced, sustainable future, especially when facing other heavyweights in the American League.
4. Optimizing Payroll: Some AL contenders may have the payroll flexibility to absorb a player’s contract from the Dodgers. The Dodgers have a history of dealing with high payrolls, and for an AL contender with significant room under the luxury tax threshold or future financial flexibility, taking on a larger salary in return for key talent could provide the team with a much-needed edge.