The Dodgers could acquire a \$5.3 million All-Star reliever in a blockbuster trade, bolstering their bullpen significantly.

In the high-stakes world of Major League Baseball, a team’s bullpen can make or break a season. For the Los Angeles Dodgers, a franchise that has consistently been in contention for championships, addressing the bullpen has become an increasing priority as they look to secure their place at the top of the league in 2025. With the trade deadline approaching and the Dodgers looking to strengthen their roster for a potential World Series run, one of the most intriguing possibilities is the acquisition of a $5.3 million All-Star reliever in a blockbuster trade. This trade would not only bolster the Dodgers’ bullpen but could elevate their chances of clinching another championship.

The Dodgers’ Bullpen: Strengths and Weaknesses

Before diving into the specifics of the trade, it’s important to first analyze the current state of the Dodgers’ bullpen. As of mid-2025, the bullpen has had some moments of brilliance but also some glaring vulnerabilities. The Dodgers have relied on some strong arms, including Evan Phillips, Brusdar Graterol, and Caleb Ferguson, to close out games and handle high-leverage situations. However, they have struggled with consistency, especially in high-pressure moments during the later innings.

One of the primary concerns for the Dodgers’ bullpen has been their lack of a proven setup man to bridge the gap to their closer. While Phillips has been solid as the closer, having a dominant setup man—someone capable of dominating hitters in the eighth inning—would allow manager Dave Roberts to have more flexibility in late-game situations. Additionally, the Dodgers’ bullpen has been somewhat susceptible to home runs, and with the high stakes of postseason baseball, a reliable arm who can limit damage in critical situations is essential.

The Dodgers’ front office, led by president of baseball operations Andrew Friedman, is known for being proactive in addressing team needs. Over the years, they have made key moves to improve their bullpen, bringing in players who can be difference-makers. As the 2025 season progresses and the Dodgers continue to make a push for the postseason, adding an All-Star caliber reliever would be the next logical step in their pursuit of another World Series title.

The $5.3 Million All-Star Reliever: Who Is He?

In a potential blockbuster trade, the Dodgers could acquire an All-Star reliever with a salary of $5.3 million—an amount that aligns with a middle-tier, high-quality bullpen arm. There are several candidates who could fit this mold, and the acquisition of such a player would be a game-changer for the Dodgers.

1. David Bednar (Pittsburgh Pirates)
David Bednar is a name that has gained significant attention as a potential trade candidate. The Pittsburgh Pirates’ closer has been a force in the bullpen, earning a spot in the 2025 MLB All-Star Game after another impressive first half of the season. Bednar has a fastball that consistently touches the upper 90s, and his slider is devastating, making him a difficult matchup for hitters. With the Pirates in rebuilding mode, they may look to move Bednar, especially if they can get a package of top prospects in return. His salary of $5.3 million makes him affordable for the Dodgers, and his dominant closing ability would immediately elevate the bullpen’s late-game options.

2. Gregory Soto (Detroit Tigers)
Gregory Soto of the Detroit Tigers has long been regarded as one of the hardest-throwing left-handed relievers in the league. The 2025 season has been another stellar year for Soto, who has continued to impress with his high-velocity fastball and sharp slider. With the Tigers in a rebuild, Soto could be another reliever on the trade block, and his salary of $5.3 million makes him a potential target for teams like the Dodgers. Soto would give the Dodgers a reliable left-handed option to pair with Phillips, creating a formidable duo in the back end of their bullpen. With his strikeout ability and overpowering stuff, Soto would be an ideal fit for the Dodgers, who have been looking for a power lefty to complement their bullpen.

3. Matt Moore (Los Angeles Angels)
Matt Moore, currently with the Los Angeles Angels, has quietly been one of the most effective relievers in the American League over the past few seasons. Moore’s ability to get strikeouts with his slider and his ability to come in and get crucial outs in the middle innings would be invaluable to the Dodgers. At $5.3 million, Moore fits well within the Dodgers’ budget. His experience as a former starter and his versatility as a multi-inning reliever would make him an ideal addition to the Dodgers’ bullpen, especially in high-leverage situations. As the Angels look to move assets in a rebuild, Moore could be a key acquisition that boosts the Dodgers’ depth.

4. Taylor Rogers (San Diego Padres)
Taylor Rogers, the left-handed setup man for the San Diego Padres, has been a consistent performer in the bullpen, known for his ability to get both left- and right-handed hitters out. His salary of $5.3 million makes him a more affordable option compared to elite closers, and his experience in high-leverage situations would provide much-needed stability for the Dodgers. As the Padres face their own struggles in 2025, Rogers could be on the trade block. His addition would give the Dodgers a reliable left-handed option to pair with Brusdar Graterol and help solidify the middle innings.

The Impact on the Dodgers’ Bullpen

Acquiring an All-Star reliever would significantly impact the Dodgers’ bullpen in multiple ways. The addition of a proven, high-caliber arm would give manager Dave Roberts the flexibility to manage late-game situations with greater confidence. A pitcher of this caliber would be able to handle high-leverage innings, especially in tight postseason games, where bullpen performance can be the difference between advancing or going home.

One of the biggest strengths of adding a reliever with a fastball velocity in the upper 90s and a devastating breaking ball is that it would give the Dodgers a dominant option for the eighth inning. As the team’s closer, Phillips has excelled, but with a high-powered setup man, Phillips could continue to thrive in his role while the new reliever handles the pressure of securing the final outs of a game before the closer takes over.

The ability to stack multiple dominant arms in the back end of the bullpen would also provide flexibility in terms of matchups. For instance, if an opposing team has a dangerous left-handed hitter due up in the eighth inning, the Dodgers could turn to a left-handed reliever like Soto or Rogers. Alternatively, against right-handed hitters, a power arm like Bednar or Moore could be called upon. This strategic depth would give the Dodgers a distinct advantage in managing close games during both the regular season and the postseason.

Additionally, adding a $5.3 million reliever would also allow the Dodgers to rest some of their other bullpen arms. This is particularly important over the course of a long season, where fatigue can set in for pitchers who are used in high-leverage situations regularly. Having an additional arm of this caliber would spread out the workload, allowing other relievers to stay fresh as they prepare for the postseason.

The Cost: What Would the Dodgers Give Up?

While acquiring an All-Star reliever would undoubtedly bolster the Dodgers’ bullpen, the question remains: what would the team need to give up to make such a trade? Given that the relievers mentioned above are under contract for affordable salaries, the Dodgers would likely need to offer a package of prospects and perhaps a major league-ready player or two.

For teams in rebuilding modes, like the Pirates or Tigers, the return would need to be strong in terms of future potential. The Dodgers have one of the deepest farm systems in Major League Baseball, and a trade involving a high-quality reliever would likely involve top-tier prospects, such as those in the infield, pitching, or outfield ranks. Players like Michael Busch, Bobby Miller, or Diego Cartaya could be enticing to teams looking to add young, impactful talent to their roster.

The Dodgers would also need to be mindful of their payroll and the future financial implications of the trade. While the salary of $5.3 million for an All-Star reliever is affordable in 2025, the team will need to assess their long-term financial commitments, especially with other high-priced contracts on the roster.

 A Blockbuster Move for Championship Aspirations

In conclusion, acquiring a $5.3 million All-Star reliever in a blockbuster trade would be a monumental move for the Los Angeles Dodgers. It would address their bullpen’s need for a dominant setup man and give them an additional weapon for the high-pressure moments of the season, particularly as they head toward the postseason. The right reliever—whether it’s David Bednar, Gregory Soto, Matt Moore, or Taylor Rogers—could provide the Dodgers with the added depth they need to challenge for another World Series title.

The move would also reflect the Dodgers’ commitment to winning now. As a franchise with championship aspirations every year, adding a high-caliber arm to the bullpen could be the final piece in securing a strong postseason push. Whether the Dodgers make this trade will depend on the cost, but there is no doubt that such a move would strengthen their chances significantly in the 2025 season. For a team already brimming with talent, acquiring a top-tier reliever would only make them even more formidable.