Loaded with a deep and talented roster and with two consecutive World Series titles in their pockets, the Los Angeles Dodgers may not need much help at the upcoming MLB trade deadline.
However, if the Dodgers choose to acquire big names, their outfield depth in the minor leagues could be a difference-maker for them in any trade competition.
According to MLB.com, the top four Dodgers prospects are all in the outfield. All four are also among the top 31 prospects in all of baseball.
Among that group is Mike Sirota, who is the second-ranked prospect for the Dodgers and comes in at number 11 on MLB’s top 100 list. Heading into Friday night’s action with Double-A Tulsa, Sirota has an active 71-game on-base streak, showing just what kind of a game-changer he can be for a lineup.
Los Angeles has solid outfield depth coming up through its minor league system … and very few places to be able to put those upcoming players.
In the Dodgers outfield, Kyle Tucker was just signed to a four-year, $240 million deal that does contain a pair of opt-outs if he chooses to turn his back on $60 million each in 2028 and 2029. Andy Pages has established himself in center field and is under team control through 2030. Teoscar Hernandez is under contract through 2027 with team/vesting options in place for 2028 and 2029.
Simply put, there isn’t a place right now for a young outfielder to get playing time in Los Angeles, so will the Dodgers use those prospects to land Tarik Skubal, Aroldis Chapman or any other big name available? It’s possible because of the talent in those outfielders, says Just Baseball’s Jack McMullen, who also serves as the play-by-play voice for the Miami Marlins.
“Josue De Paula is one of the best hitters in minor league baseball. Zyhir Hope homered yesterday to get the OPS to .900 in Double-A, and Eduardo Quintero is a 20-year-old outfielder in High-A right now. And Charles Davalan looks like one of the better bat-to-ball, well-rounded hitters in the lower levels of the minor leagues right now,” McMullen said.
Any of those names, as well as Sirota, could make as part of an enticing offer for a team looking to sell at this year’s trade deadline.
If the Dodgers need to improve anywhere at the trade deadline, it could well be in the pitching department. Tyler Glasnow’s progression back to the mound has been slowed, but Blake Snell is trending toward a return sometime in August. However, if the Dodgers get the chance to add a top-tier pitcher at the trade deadline for this season and potentially beyond, any questions about the rotation may be moot.
Los Angeles has not only arguably the best lineup of any MLB team, but also some of the most coveted minor-league potential outfield trade chips as well. It’s a coveted position for a team that is cruising toward another National League West title and a strong favorite to win yet another Fall Classic.