4 relievers Dodgers could vulture from desperate sellers at trade deadline

The Los Angeles Dodgers bullpen's scoreless streak was a thing of beauty — they didn't allow a run for over 38 innings, which is more than four full baseball games — but since then, things haven't been the same, and injuries have a lot to do with it. The returns of right-handed pitchers Evan Phillips and Brock Stewart could certainly help, not to mention if the Dodgers can get Edwin Diaz back by the All-Star Break.

But there are some legitimate concerns with the Dodgers 'pen, not just now but in the near future. Alex Vesia and Blake Treinen are on expiring contracts. Roki Sasaki appears set to remain in the starting rotation despite his memorable run in the 2025 postseason as a reliever. Andrew Friedman needs answers. Perhaps he could find them at the trade deadline.

Which relief pitchers should the Dodgers target at the trade deadline?

What the Dodgers have working in their favor this year is that they won't be the most desperate contender. Yes, bullpen help would be nice, as would another middle infielder and that Tarik Skubal guy, but is it necessary? Not so much. This Dodgers team could test our patience for a three-peat as currently constructed. It'd just be a lot easier if they add at least one of the reliable arms below.

Kenley Jansen, Detroit Tigers

Why not bring back an old friend? Jansen isn't the lights-out closer he once was, but he can still be counted on in high-leverage situations. He will not close games over Diaz, nor should he. But when another pennant is on the line, is there anyone the Dodgers would trust more?

Jansen has a 4.50 ERA and, believe it or not, has a club option for 2027. He fits the mold of controllable reliever, even if he's not as young as he used to be. The Detroit Tigers will more than likely sell at the trade deadline. Considering the Dodgers' interest in Skubal and potentially Gleyber Torres, a conversation about Jansen is likely.

Gregory Soto, Pittsburgh Pirates

The Pittsburgh Pirates bullpen is atrocious...minus Gregory Soto. The Pirates closer has been stable when Pittsburgh's relief pitcher bridge cooperates. There's also a slight issue with this solution, as Ben Cherington and the Pirates are intent on making the playoffs this season.

However, poor play of late has the Pirates hovering around .500. Assuming they fall below that barrier by August, which looks more likely by the day, Soto is an intriguing trade piece on an expiring contract. He's worth the call if you're Friedman.

Antonio Senzatela, Colorado Rockies

An inter-division trade? Say it ain't so! Just as Luis Arraez has been floated as a possible Dodgers trade chip, so to is Senzatela, though he will not come nearly as cheap. The Dodgers want electric, controllable relief pitching. There is no better option than the Colorado Rockies closer, who is under contract through 2027 and has an ERA of 2.29 on the year.

The Rockies aren't close to winning, and would be wise to trade one of the best closers on the market while they still can. The Dodgers, even if in the same division, can offer the most in return.

Aroldis Chapman, Boston Red Sox

The Boston Red Sox are a mess, but Aroldis Chapman sure isn't. The veteran closer has learned to rely on his breaking pitches more as the years go by, rather than just his triple-digit fastball. A bullpen featuring Treinen, Vesia, Chapman and Edwin Diaz at the back end would be downright unfair for a team that has already won back-to-back World Series.

Boston, which has a long recent trade history with Los Angeles dating back to Mookie Betts, is unlikely to keep Chapman past the deadline since he has a mutual option for 2027.

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