Dodgers improve on the margins at trade deadline, banking on health and returning players down the stretch – NBC Los Angeles

The MLB Trade Deadline came and went on Thursday afternoon, and while the baseball world watched high-profile stars change teams like musical chairs at a postseason banquet, the Los Angeles Dodgers made their moves in the margins — not with a thunderous bang, but with a series of quiet chess moves.

No Jarren Duran. No Miller Moss. No blockbuster splash.

Instead, the Dodgers leaned into a strategy that speaks volumes about their confidence — not just in their roster, but in the reinforcements already on their rehab assignments. Rather than chase names, they doubled down on depth, versatility, and familiarity.

A Three-Team Tango and Catcher Carousel

It all started Wednesday night with a three-team deal involving the Rays and Reds that sent former Rays pitcher Zack Littell to Cincinnati. The Dodgers, as part of the swap, sent catcher Hunter Feduccia to Tampa Bay and brought in Ben Rortvedt, Paul Gervase, and Adam Serwinowski.

Feduccia, 28, had become a luxury in an organization already rich in backstops, sitting behind All-Star Will Smith and highly-touted prospect Dalton Rushing. With limited big-league reps and even fewer opportunities, a fresh start for Feduccia was overdue.

Rortvedt, 27, arrives as the likely third catcher in the organization. He’s bounced between the Twins, Yankees, and Rays, with modest offensive production (.095 average in 26 games this season), but he’s a sturdy, defensively-minded backstop who brings big-league experience.

Gervase, a towering 6-foot-10 righty, gives the Dodgers another flamethrower to potentially mold. The 25-year-old struck out 252 batters in just 154 innings across his Minor League career and posted a 4.26 ERA in five MLB outings this year.

Serwinowski, the Reds’ No. 10 prospect, is the intriguing long-term play. A 2022 15th-rounder, he’s struck out 92 hitters in 74.1 innings at High-A. The 21-year-old southpaw is still raw, but the upside is there — and the Dodgers are betting on it.

The Reunion Tour: Brock Stewart back in Blue

On Thursday morning, the Dodgers dealt outfielder James Outman to the Minnesota Twins in exchange for right-handed reliever Brock Stewart, rekindling a relationship that began over a decade ago.

Stewart was drafted by L.A. in 2014 and spent parts of four seasons in Dodger Blue before bouncing around the league. But this isn’t the same Brock Stewart from the past — this version boasts a 2.38 ERA across 39 appearances, with 41 strikeouts and just 11 walks in 34 innings.

He’s not just back — he’s better.

And while trading Outman may have raised some eyebrows among fans still hopeful for his breakout, the reality is that the Dodgers had a surplus of left-handed outfielders and a desperate need for reliable bullpen arms.

Outfield Depth: In With Alex Call

Outman’s departure opened the door for another move — this time with Washington. The Dodgers acquired outfielder Alex Call from the Nationals in exchange for pitching prospects Eriq Swan and Sean Paul Liñan, ranked No. 16 and No. 20 respectively in the Dodgers’ system.

Call, 30, isn’t flashy, but he’s effective. A right-handed hitter slashing .274/.371/.386 this year, he gives the Dodgers more balance and flexibility in the outfield. He’s under team control through 2029 and comes with two minor league options, giving L.A. the ability to stash him in Triple-A if needed.

Call hits lefties well and plays all three outfield spots — another tool in the Dodgers’ utility belt.

Dustin May Traded to Red Sox

The biggest surprise came late in the day when the Dodgers traded Dustin May to the Boston Red Sox in exchange for outfield prospect James Tibbs III.

May, a beloved figure in Los Angeles, had re-established himself as one of the most consistent arms in the Dodgers’ rotation after multiple injury setbacks. But with his free agency looming this offseason — and reports suggesting he wouldn’t re-sign — the front office made a pragmatic move.

Tibbs, originally acquired by Boston in the Rafael Devers deal with San Francisco, is a high-upside power bat. The Dodgers have long been intrigued by his profile — athletic, strong, with a developing hit tool.

It’s a gamble, no doubt. But one made with a clear understanding of the long game.

The Real Trade Deadline Reinforcements? Health.

If the Dodgers’ moves lacked headline-grabbing wattage, it’s because their biggest additions are already in the building — or close to returning.

Blake Snell, the two-time Cy Young winner, is set to return to the mound on Saturday against the Tampa Bay Rays. They recently got All-Star Tyler Glasnow back as well.

Max Muncy, the heart-and-soul third baseman, is nearing a comeback from a knee injury, as he went on a rehab assignment with Triple-A Oklahoma City on Wednesday.

The bullpen, once a patchwork quilt, is being stitched back together with Blake Treinen already back, and Michael Kopech and Brusdar Graterol expected to rejoin the squad before October. Additionally, starters like Emmett Sheehan and Justin Wrobleski have been moved to the bullpen as their frontline starting pitchers return. Rookie Roki Sasaki is expected back at the end of August as well, and closer Tanner Scott, currently on the injured list is also expected to return this month. 

The Dodgers didn’t need to reinvent themselves. They just needed to get healthy.

In a deadline defined by desperation, the Dodgers opted for discretion. They didn’t mortgage the farm or chase the shiny toy. They tinkered, added depth, addressed the bullpen, and made one tough decision with Dustin May to recoup future value.

Call it boring. Call it conservative.

Or maybe, call it calculated.

Because when October rolls around, when the reigning champions begin their title defense, what will matter more than winning the headlines on deadline day, is a healthy 26-man roster that is battle-tested, and deep.

Here’s hoping everyone returns and stays healthy through October.