The 2025 MLB trade deadline was anything but quiet in Los Angeles.
The Dodgers, accustomed to making bold moves this time of year, were very focused on fixing their roster; they focused on the bullpen and the outfield.
The Dodgers showed once again that they’re serious about defending their World Series crown.
James Outman Traded for Bullpen Reinforcement
The first domino to fall was James Outman, who was traded to the Minnesota Twins in exchange for veteran right-hander Brock Stewart.
With the Dodgers’ bullpen full of injuries, the addition of Stewart, who has a 2.38 ERA and ranks in the top tier of several key pitching metrics, gives their bullpen some much-needed help and depth.
Outfield Help Arrives with Alex Call
To replace Outman, the Dodgers later acquired outfielder Alex Call from the Washington Nationals. Call, a steady right-handed bat, has posted a .274/.371/.386 in 72 games. As a Dodgers fan, it’s sad to see Outman go after all of the years he has spent on the team. We wish him the best of luck in Minnesota.
In one of the most complex trades of the deadline, the Dodgers were part of a three-team deal with the Reds and Rays. Los Angeles received LHP Adam Serwinowski, RHP Paul Gervase, and catcher Ben Rortvedt. Though none of the three are headliners, they each provide organizational depth. Gervase, in particular, brings intriguing strikeout potential.
Meanwhile, Tampa Bay received catcher Hunter Feduccia (who didn’t expect to receive much playing time behind big leaguers Will Smith and Dalton) and Brian Van Belle from the Dodgers, while the Reds landed Zack Littell from the Rays.
Dustin May’s Era Ends with Trade to Boston
The biggest losses of all came when the Dodgers traded right-hander Dustin May to the Boston Red Sox. May, who had a bumpy start to the year and an expiring contract, was sent east in exchange for two athletic outfield prospects: James Tibbs III and Zach Ehrhard. Tibbs, the 13th overall pick in the 2024 draft, is praised for his power and patience. Ehrhard adds speed and contact ability, with 23 steals and a .270/.371/.434 this season in the Red Sox minor league system.
Seeing May traded to the Red Sox feels like the end of an era. May has been a key player on our team for many years. But he would have most likely been pitching out of the bullpen with the Dodgers if not traded, especially with Blake Snell and Ohtani back in the rotation. On the bright side, the move to Boston will allow Dustin to play a key role in the Red Sox’s starting rotation and be reunited with his old teammate and friend, Walker Buehler.
With all the trade movement, perhaps the most exciting development for Dodgers fans didn’t come from a trade at all.
Los Angeles announced they would be calling up their No. 3 prospect, shortstop Alex Freeland, for his MLB debut. Freeland, a third-round pick in 2022, has rushed through the Dodgers’ farm system after a disappointing 2023. He bounced back in 2024 and crushed AA pitching this year before settling into AAA with a .798 OPS across 94 games.
On July 24, Freeland went 3-for-5 with seven total bases, including a home run and six RBIs. His consistent production, plus versatility across the infield, make him a valuable asset, especially with the current injuries to Tommy Edman (ankle) and Hyeseong Kim (shoulder).
Freeland is expected to provide immediate infield support. If the Dodgers decide to shift Mookie Betts back to the outfield or move on from Michael Conforto, who’s been struggling this season,
Freeland could even find himself as the everyday shortstop.
Notably, L.A. held firm on not trading their top two prospects, Dalton Rushing and Freeland, despite heavy interest around the league.
This deadline wasn’t about getting the biggest names.
It was about smart, calculated moves that addressed the team’s immediate needs to better the team for October.
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