The Los Angeles Dodgers, despite still having a semi-comfortable lead in the National League West, came into the All-Star break limping a bit after losing seven of their last nine games. Something uncharacteristic from Los Angeles, but it drew much-needed attention to their bullpen issues. L.A.’s starters have certainly dealt with their fair share of injuries, which is likely why there has been so much pressure on the bullpen, but guys like Tanner Scott have also not performed to the best of their ability. Scott signed a long-term deal in the offseason and leads MLB with seven blown saves.
Other high-leverage arms like Evan Phillips are lost for the year, and Michael Kopech also recently went on the Injured List with knee inflammation. Bottom line, if the Dodgers want to repeat as World Series Champions, they will have to figure out the bullpen that is ranked 24th in MLB in ERA.
Orioles Rumored to Be Taking Calls on Felix Bautista
As the All-Star break finishes up, it is a two-week race to the trade deadline, and with the Baltimore Orioles likely going to sell off their tradeable assets, flamethrowing closer Felix Bautista would be a great acquisition for the Los Angeles Dodgers, who could afford him.
Ken Rosenthal of The Athletic reported today that the Dodgers are going to be actively shopping for bullpen arms, and the Orioles are going to be listening to offers on Bautista. Bautista has appeared in 34 games this season and has an ERA of 2.41 with 48 strikeouts over 33 innings.
His workload hasn’t been too heavy, and his arm should be fresh after missing all of 2024 due to injury, making him the perfect fit for the Dodgers.
The only conundrum for L.A. is that Bautista would likely come at a hefty price, considering he isn’t set to be a free agent until 2028. However, he could be the Dodgers’ closer of the future if a deal like this were to get done. Félix was an All-Star in 2023 after posting a 1.48 ERA and 33 saves.
What Would Los Angeles Have to Give Up?
Again, a deal for Bautista would come at a large price. In this trade idea, the Los Angeles Dodgers give up outfielder James Outman, pitcher Emmett Sheehan, and third-ranked prospect Alex Freeland. A three-player deal here makes sense for the Baltimore Orioles as they’d be getting three young players to go along with their already young core of players. Freeland is tearing up the minors, and Sheehan has already found some success at the big league level.
This deal hinges on whether the Orioles truly want to sell off their dominant closer, but if they do, there’s no better team to make a deal with than Los Angeles, which has so many young assets.
Los Angeles is likely going to make a big splash at the trade deadline, as it seems like they always get some type of deal done to help improve their roster. And with their biggest flaw being the bullpen, expect a move for a big-time reliever from a selling club.
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