Dodgers Rumors: Jeff Passan links LA to four 4 All-Star caliber closers

The Los Angeles Dodgers' many starting pitcher injuries mean they've already put quite a few miles on their bullpen arms. LA needs to go all-in at the trade deadline to ensure its bullpen doesn't lose steam down the stretch.

MLB insider Jeff Passan of ESPN agrees. In his piece ranking the league's top 50 trade deadline candidates from June 24, Passan named the Dodgers as an ideal fit for four top-tier closers: Jhoan Duran, Emmanuel Clase, Felix Bautista and Ryan Helsley.

Duran has appeared in parts of four seasons for the Minnesota Twins, and he's posted a great season so far. Duran has clocked a 1.78 ERA, 40 strikeouts, a hold and 10 saves in 12 opportunities over 37 appearances. The righty began the season on the IL and wasn't activated until late April, so Minnesota has used him liberally in the first half.

The Twins' front office has already said the team isn't planning a fire sale, and Duran has two more years of control on his contract. Minnesota may not be willing to deal Duran this year and he would demand a significant return if it were, so some of Passan's other options may be better suited to the Dodgers.

Clase is in the throes of a down season with the Cleveland Guardians, which could make it an ideal time for the Dodgers to swoop in and trade for him. Clase has pitched to a 3.48 ERA with 18 saves on 21 opportunities with 35 strikeouts over 35 appearances. He was in the Cy Young Award conversation last season with his 0.61 ERA and 47 saves on 50 chances, but he lost out to starter Tarik Skubal.

Jeff Passan links Dodgers to top closers Jhoan Duran, Emmanuel Clase, Felix Bautista and Ryan Helsley in trade deadline rumors

Clase is under contract until after the 2028 season and would require an even bigger trade package than Duran, given his history. If the Dodgers have the capital to make such a big move and are confident they can guide Clase back to his Cy Young-caliber self, they could go for the trade.

The Baltimore Orioles have unexpectedly held last place in the AL East for much of the season and could be among the deadline's clearest sellers. Bautista underwent Tommy John surgery and missed all of the 2024 season, but looks as strong as ever lately. The 30-year-old has clocked a 2.60 ERA with 16 saves in 17 opportunities and 38 strikeouts over 28 appearances so far.

Bautista is under contract until after the 2027 season, and the Orioles and their litany of young talent hope to be near the top of their division again as soon as possible. He may be a hard get due to Baltimore's aspirations, but he could be worth it if LA is willing to pay for more than a rental piece.

Lastly, Helsley's Cardinals have recently played their way into a tie for second place in their division after a rough start to the season. Helsley is in the final year of his contract with St. Louis, though, and was featured in many trade rumors over the offseason. The Cardinals may want to trade him to get a return, regardless of their playoff position.

Helsley's having an average season with a 3.54 ERA with 15 saves in 20 chances and 33 strikeouts in 28 appearances. He could be one of the cheapest closer options available at the deadline if the Dodgers are hoping for a rental candidate and not a long-term commitment, since they already have Tanner Scott locked down for years to come.

The Dodgers have plenty of reliever options to choose from at the trade deadline, but since the number of clear sellers on the market is small, they may have to pay handsomely to get the best possible target. LA's starter injuries and the wear on its bullpen from the first half should have the club seriously considering trading for multiple of Passan's recommended targets. There's plenty of money and top prospects in the Dodgers' coffer if they have some risky maneuvers in mind.