Dodgers Likely to Make Modest Moves at Trade Deadline

By the Editorial Team · Tuesday, July 28, 2026

The Los Angeles Dodgers are unlikely to make major trades before the August 3 deadline, opting to rely on their largely intact roster and returning injured key players. This cautious approach reflects confidence in their current lineup as they prepare for the playoffs, with potential minor trades focused on offloading surplus assets rather than pursuing high-profile acquisitions.

The Los Angeles Dodgers are approaching the August 3 trade deadline with a cautious stance, signaling that they are unlikely to make any major acquisitions despite holding the best record in Major League Baseball at 67-39. Having secured a strong position to claim another National League West division title, the club appears poised to rely on its current roster, which remains largely intact from last season’s World Series championship team.

Several key players are expected to return from injury soon, including reliever Edwin Díaz and outfielder Kiké Hernández. Pitchers Blake Snell and Tyler Glasnow continue to progress in their rehabilitation, while catcher Will Smith and outfielder Shohei Ohtani are also expected to recover from lingering health issues. With these veterans poised to bolster the lineup, the Dodgers' front office feels less urgency to engage in high-profile trades.

Despite the team’s deep talent pool and the front office's stated preference for avoiding inflated prices often demanded at the trade deadline, some analysts and rival executives remain skeptical that the Dodgers will refrain from making impactful moves. A recent similar stance before last offseason gave way to significant free-agent signings, including Díaz’s three-year, $69 million contract and David Tucker's four-year, $240 million deal, both of which ranked among the richest in baseball history.

Manager Dave Roberts has emphasized that the Dodgers might act more as sellers than buyers this season. The team appears inclined to offload some surplus assets, potentially including pitcher Eric Lauer, outfielder Alex Call, and pitcher Ryan Ward. Lauer, in particular, could become expendable once the starting rotation regains full health. Call has drawn interest in trade markets given his profile as a right-handed-hitting outfielder—a position currently thin across the league.

The organization's strategy aligns with a broader approach seen during Andrew Friedman’s tenure as president of baseball operations. The Dodgers typically leverage a strong farm system and surplus players to enhance roster flexibility, preferring to strengthen the team on their own terms rather than overpay in a competitive deadline environment.

While the Dodgers are unlikely to pursue headline-grabbing acquisitions akin to previous winters, the possibility of a surprise transaction cannot be entirely discounted. Sources indicate the team will continue to monitor opportunities for “needle-moving” additions, remaining ready to act quickly if the right deal emerges.

For now, the Dodgers seem focused on balancing their roster and preparing for the playoffs with minimal disruption, confident that their current group can contend for a third consecutive World Series title this fall.

This article was reported by synthesizing coverage from multiple independent news outlets to present a balanced, unbiased account. Read about our editorial standards. Spotted an error? Let us know.