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Dodgers Trade Idea Swaps Top Prospects for Orioles' All-Star

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Sterling Bennett | Last updated Jun 12, 2025 11:35 AM ET

The Los Angeles Dodgers are facing a growing crisis on the mound as seemingly every day, a new pitcher is placed on the injured list. As the MLB trade deadline approaches, the Dodgers are hoping to rectify the situation and add another durable and reliable arm.

While they could attempt to acquire a starting pitcher to replace the injured Blake Snell and Tyler Glasnow, Sports Illustrated’s Dylan Sanders believes Los Angeles could make a run at All-Star closer Félix Bautista.

Bautista, who missed all of 2024 after undergoing Tommy John surgery, has been lights out for Baltimore this season. In 21.2 innings, the 29-year-old has a 3.32 ERA, 28 strikeouts, and 12 saves. More notably, Bautista has only blown one save this season, much lower than Dodgers’ closer Tanner Scott’s league-leading five. With Scott’s inconsistency and All-Star reliever Andrew Phillips out for the season, Los Angeles’ need for a dominant late-inning reliever becomes more apparent.

Sanders proposes that the Orioles send Bautista to the Dodgers in exchange for infielder Alex Freeland (Dodgers #4 prospect) and right-handed pitcher Patrick Copen (Dodgers #29 prospect).

Although an excellent trade package for Bautista, Baltimore's needs are at starting pitcher, and acquiring Freeland would create a logjam in the infield. Perhaps swapping Freeland for Jackson Ferris (LA’s top pitching prospect) or River Ryan (#9 ranked prospect) would make a more sensible trade for both teams.

If the Orioles make him available, expect the Dodgers to show interest in Bautista. Given the state of their staff, adding a proven high-leverage arm like Bautista could be a difference-maker down the stretch.

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

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