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The MLB trade deadline took place Thursday afternoon, and the Los Angeles Dodgers moved on margins while watching the baseball world change teams like music chairs at postseason banquets.
There is no Jarenduran. There is no Mirror Moss. There’s no big hit splash.
Instead, the Dodgers have resorted to a strategy of speaking volumes of confidence, not just in the roster, but already in reinforcements on rehabilitation allocations. Rather than chasing names, we’ve doubled the depth, versatility and familiarity.
Hunter Fedech #67 of the Los Angeles Dodgers will face Washingtonians at Nationals Park on April 8, 2025 in Washington DC. (Photo by g fiume/getty images)
Three teams tango and catcher carousel
It all began on Wednesday night with a three-team deal that included the Rays and Red, who sent former Rays pitcher Zach Littel to Cincinnati. As part of the swap, the Dodgers sent catcher hunter Fedeccia to Tampa Bay and brought in Ben Rothwewewewett, Paul Gervers and Adam Selwinowski.
The 28-year-old Feduccia was already indulging in an organization rich with backstops, sitting behind All-Star Will Smith and a highly-known prospect Dalton Rushing. Feduccia’s new start was delayed as there were limited number of big league personnel and even fewer opportunities.
Rortvedt, 27, arrives as the third catcher in the organization. He bouncing offensive productions between twins, Yankees and Rays, taking on a modest offensive production (averaged .095 in 26 games this season), but he is a sturdy, defensive backstop that brings big league experience.
A towering 6-foot-10 Gervase gives the Dodgers another flamethrower for potential mold. The 25-year-old hit 252 batters in just 154 innings in his minor league career, scoring a 4.26 ERA on five MLB outings this year.
Selwinowski, the Reds’ No. 10 prospect, is an interesting long-term play. In the 15th round of 2022, he hit 92 batters in 74.1 innings in High-A. The 21-year-old southpaw is still raw, but the advantages are there, and the Dodgers bet on it.
Los Angeles Dodgers’ Brock Stewart #48 will provide the pitch during a match against the Pittsburgh Pirates at PNC Park, held in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania on June 7, 2018. (Photo by Justin Bell/Getty Images)
Reunion Tour: Block Stewart Back in Blue
On Thursday morning, the Dodgers treated outfielder James Outman as Minnesota twins in exchange for right-handed bailout Brock Stewart, rekindling relationships that began more than a decade ago.
Stewart was drafted by LA in 2014 and spent part of the season with Dodger Blue before bouncing back through the league. But this isn’t the same Block Stewart as before. The version boasts a 2.38 ERA in 39 appearances with just 11 walks in 39 strikeouts and 34 innings.
He’s not just coming back – he’s better.
And while Outman’s deal may have raised some brows among fans who still want hope for his breakout, the reality is that the Dodgers had a desperate need for a left-handed outfielder and a reliable bullpen arm.
Alex Cole #17 of the Washington Nationals will respond after a double after two innings with the Atlanta Braves at Trust Park in Atlanta, Georgia on May 15, 2025. (Photo: Todd Kirkland/Getty Images)
Outfield Depth: Alex Cole
Outman’s departure opened the door for another move this time with Washington. The Dodgers acquired outfielder Alex Cole from the public in exchange for Sean Paul Lignan, who ranked 16th and 20th in the Dodgers system, respectively.
The 30-year-old call isn’t flashy, but he’s effective. The right-handed batsman who cuts .274/.371/.386 this year gives the Dodgers more balance and flexibility in the outfield. He will be in charge of team control until 2029, with two minor league options available, allowing him to hide in Triple A if necessary.
It will call left-handed people well and play all three outfield spots. This is another tool in the Dodgers utility belt.
Dustin May #85 The Los Angeles Dodgers pitch during the fifth innings of their match against the San Diego Padres at Petco Park. Photo by Sean M. Haffy/Getty Images)
Dustin traded with the Red Sox
The biggest surprise came at the end of the day the Dodgers traded Dustin May for the Boston Red Sox in exchange for outfield prospect James Tibbs III.
Los Angeles beloved figure, May reestablished himself as one of the most consistent weapons in the Dodgers’ rotation after multiple injury setbacks. But with reports suggesting that his free agency will hold the offseason in place and he will not re-sign – the front office has made a practical move.
Originally purchased by Rafael Devers’ Boston with San Francisco, the Tibbs is the power bat above. The Dodgers have long been intrigued by his profile – with athletic, strong, and developing hit tools.
It’s definitely a gamble. However, it was created with a clear understanding of the long game.
The Los Angeles Dodgers’ Blakesnell #7 will pitch in their first innings against the Detroit Tigers on the opening day at Dodger Stadium, which will be held in Los Angeles, California on March 27, 2025. (Photo: Harry How/Getty Images)
Reinforcement of actual trade deadlines? health.
If the Dodgers didn’t have a wattage grabbing the headline in their movement, that’s because their biggest additions are already in the building or are back.
Cy Young’s two-time winner, Blake Snell, is set to return to the mound against Tampa Bay Rays on Saturday. They’ve also recently returned All-Star Tyler Glasnow.
Max Muncie, the third baseman of the heart and soul, is approaching a comeback from a knee injury as he made his rehabilitation assignment with Triple A Oklahoma City on Wednesday.
Los Angeles Dodgers’ Max Muncy #13 celebrates as he runs through base after hitting a one-run home run to face Colorado Rockies starting pitcher Ty Blach #50 during his seventh inning at Dodger Stadium. (Photo: Kevork Djansezian/Getty Images)
The bullpen, once a patchwork quilt, has already been sewn alongside Blake Trainen, with Michael Kopech and Bursdar Gratel expecting to be re-joined by October. Additionally, starters like Emmett Sheehan and Justin Wrobleski moved into the bullpen when the front-line starting pitchers returned. Rookie Loki Sasaki has returned at the end of August, and Tanner Scott, who is currently on the injured list, is expected to return this month.
The Dodgers didn’t have to reinvent themselves. They just had to be healthy.
At the deadline defined by despair, the Dodgers chose discretion. They didn’t mortgage the farm or chase shiny toys. They tinkered, added depth, dealt with the bullpen, and made one tough decision with Dustin May to regain future value.
Call it boring. Call it conservative.
Or, it is called calculated.
As October rolls, as reality champions begin defending their titles, what’s more important than winning the headline on the deadline is a deep healthy 26-man roster in combat testing.
We hope everyone will return until October and remain healthy.
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