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Dodgers Expected to Directly Compete With Phillies at Trade Deadline

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Matthew Sullivan | Last updated Jul 20, 2025 12:02 PM ET

At the MLB trade deadline, there isn't anything the Los Angeles Dodgers desperately need. While another hitter to replace Michael Conforto is possible, a relief pitcher also makes a lot of sense.

And in a piece from ESPN, Alden Gonzalez shared a perspective on what the Dodgers will do to address their bullpen. Unfortunately, they will have tough, direct competition from the Philadelphia Phillies.

"Phillies relievers combined for a 4.38 ERA heading into the All-Star break," Gonzalez writes, "Tied with the Los Angeles Dodgers for the seventh-highest mark in the major leagues."

The two teams' rough bullpens lead to one conclusion: finding an upgrade at the MLB trade deadline. They're expected to be aggressively pursuing help in the bullpen, with the two competing for the same high-leverage arms.

"Rival executives expect those two teams to be among the most aggressive in pursuit of high-leverage arms over these next few weeks." Gonzalez wrote.

The Dodgers' bullpen has been subpar this season, thanks in part to Tanner Scott being a lackluster signing so far. He has a 4.09 ERA and 19 saves, with seven blown saves this season.

Kirby Yates has a 4.08 ERA in 28.2 innings pitched, Anthony Banda has a 4.07 ERA in 42 innings, and Michael Kopech has been hurt for most of the year.

Blake Treinen has been out since mid-April, while the rest of the bullpen, other than Alex Vesia (2.50 ERA) and Jack Dreyer (2.98 ERA), has rotated between multiple different relievers.

Adding a high-leverage reliever, one who can take over the closer role, is a possibility. The Dodgers and the Phillies are in the same boat, as their offseason pickups (Scott and Jordan Romano) have disappointed.

Both teams are interested in Emmanuel Clase, Griffin Jax, Jhoan Duran, and likely other relievers on the market.

Their shared interest will cause direct competition between the two division leaders in a trade market that favors the sellers. It could be an expensive deadline for both, as they try to land the top relievers on the market.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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