Dodgers, Mariners Pull Off Trade Early in MLB Offseason

Late Sunday night, the Seattle Mariners and Los Angeles Dodgers finalized a one-for-one pitcher trade as both clubs continue shaping their rosters ahead of next month’s Rule 5 Draft.

Seattle has acquired 25-year-old left-hander Robinson Ortiz, while Los Angeles receives 22-year-old right-hander Tyler Gough in return.

Ortiz, a 6-foot southpaw who originally signed with the Dodgers out of the Dominican Republic in 2017, climbed three minor-league levels during the 2025 campaign. After starting the year in High-A, he moved up to Double-A and closed the season with Triple-A Oklahoma City, where he posted an impressive 2.76 ERA and punched out 14 hitters across 16⅓ innings.

Across all levels this past season, Ortiz recorded a 3.19 ERA with 72 strikeouts in 59⅓ total innings.

Gough, selected by the Mariners in the ninth round of the 2022 draft, did not appear in a game during 2025 while recovering from injury. In 33 career minor-league appearances (most as a starter), the righty owns a 4.66 ERA and has racked up 123 strikeouts over 125⅔ innings.

The exchange provides immediate roster relief for both sides. Ortiz has been added to Seattle’s 40-man roster, which now sits at 39 players. Gough, not yet Rule 5-eligible, does not require a 40-man spot in Los Angeles at this time, effectively opening a slot for the Dodgers as the offseason begins in earnest.

With the Rule 5 Draft just weeks away, expect more of these under-the-radar moves as teams protect—or deal—promising young talent.

As for the MLB offseason as a whole, things are just starting to get rolling. Both the Dodgers and Mariners are going to be talked about a lot in the rumor mill.

Expect to see quite a few players begin having discussions with teams and for trade talks to pick up steam around the league as well.