Cardinals pitcher named top Dodgers trade fit

The Los Angeles Dodgers are all-in on winning their third-straight World Series title. Which is why when the MLB trade deadline rolls around, Los Angeles will be looking to buy.

Like any contender in the league, Detroit Tigers ace Tarik Skubal will remain their top trade target. ESPN’s Jeff Passan has now emphasized that point. But he also listed St. Louis Cardinals right-hander Riley O’Brien as a potential target.

“using a player or two to get O’Brien as insurance for injured closer Edwin Díaz — and having him be the long-term replacement for Blake Treinen, with a filthy sinker-slider combination — is a worthwhile pivot,” Passan wrote.

Entering Thursday, the Dodgers’ bullpen ranked sixth in the league with a 3.21 ERA. And that is with closer Edwin Diaz and other talented arms on the injured list. Still, Los Angeles is well aware of how important relief pitching is come playoffs. If they can’t acquire Skubal, adding another strong option to their bullpen in O’Brien would certainly give Los Angeles a jolt.

Over his 27 appearances in 2026, the right-hander holds a 3.95 ERA and a 29/6 K/BB ratio. He put himself on the map with his 2025 performance, registering a 2.06 ERA and a 45/22 K/BB ratio.

While the Cardinals are 32-28 on the season, they are still in the midst of a rebuild. For as strong as O’Brien has been, St. Louis more likely wants to strengthen their farm system. The Dodgers have more than enough talent to get that done.

The Skubal sweepstakes will take precedence for any team in the running. But if the Dodgers fall out of the picture, O’Brien could end up being their pivot option.