The Los Angeles Dodgers are not content with simply being good. They want to be dominant — and with their eyes squarely set on another World Series title, the front office is reportedly preparing to make a blockbuster move to heal what has become their most glaring concern: the starting rotation.
After spending big on Shohei Ohtani and Yoshinobu Yamamoto this past offseason, and welcoming back Walker Buehler after a long rehab, the Dodgers entered the 2025 season with World Series-or-bust expectations. But as the long summer unfolds, their championship hopes are being tested by one harsh reality: their starting rotation is not holding up.
Injuries, inconsistency, and a lack of depth have turned what should have been a strength into a vulnerability. Yamamoto, while brilliant at times, has shown the wear of adjusting to a full MLB schedule. Ohtani is limited to hitting duties this year, still recovering from elbow surgery. Buehler has had moments of brilliance but is still trying to recapture his pre-Tommy John dominance. Gavin Stone and Bobby Miller have had stretches of promise, but neither has emerged as a consistent frontline ace. Clayton Kershaw remains on the sidelines and isn’t expected back until later in the season — if at all.
The result? An unstable rotation that, while talented, lacks the kind of reliability and dominance needed to survive a grueling postseason run. And in Los Angeles, where anything short of a championship is considered a failure, that simply isn’t good enough.
That’s why the Dodgers are now reportedly eyeing a bombshell signing — a top-tier starting pitcher who can not only stabilize the rotation but transform it. Whether via trade or free agency, the Dodgers are exploring all avenues to bring in a true difference-maker. Names like Dylan Cease, Garrett Crochet, Tyler Glasnow, and even Corbin Burnes have surfaced in the rumor mill, with L.A. seemingly ready to part with top prospects if it means bolstering their October hopes.
For the Dodgers, this is more than just a patch job. It’s a calculated, aggressive push to seize the moment in a wide-open National League. They’ve seen their offense carry the load — with Ohtani mashing, Mookie Betts hitting at an MVP pace, and Freddie Freeman as steady as ever. Their bullpen, led by Evan Phillips and Ryan Brasier, has exceeded expectations. But playoff baseball is often decided by starting pitching, and right now, the Dodgers don’t have a true ace they can point to with absolute confidence.
That’s uncharacteristic for a franchise that’s built much of its recent success on dominant starting pitching. From Kershaw’s prime to Buehler’s rise to the top-tier years of Zack Greinke, Max Scherzer, and Hyun-Jin Ryu, L.A. has always been able to throw an elite arm out there when it matters most. But this year’s group — though talented — hasn’t lived up to the standard.
Enter the possibility of a game-changing signing.
What makes this even more urgent is the context around the National League. The Braves are injured and inconsistent. The Phillies have been dominant but are beatable. The Brewers, Cardinals, and Cubs are dangerous, but none possess the depth or star power of L.A. With the right addition, the Dodgers could not just compete — they could run away with the pennant.
But that “right addition” must be more than just serviceable. The Dodgers don’t need a back-end innings eater. They need someone who can start Game 1 of the NLCS and strike fear into opposing lineups. They need a pitcher who thrives under pressure, who can shut down a lineup in October, and who can match up against the likes of Zack Wheeler, Aaron Nola, or Spencer Strider in a winner-take-all showdown.
And the Dodgers have the ammunition to make such a move.
Few teams in baseball can match Los Angeles in terms of trade capital. Their farm system remains elite, boasting names like Dalton Rushing, Josue De Paula, River Ryan, and Nick Frasso. If the Dodgers choose to be aggressive, they have more than enough to offer a rebuilding team looking to move an ace-caliber pitcher. And with Andrew Friedman’s track record of making smart, bold moves — like acquiring Mookie Betts in 2020 or Scherzer and Trea Turner in 2021 — there’s confidence that the front office knows how to identify and land the right target.
The looming question, of course, is who that target will be. Dylan Cease, if the White Sox make him available, fits the mold. He’s young, electric, and under team control. Garrett Crochet is another fascinating option — dominant, overpowering, and just now tapping into his potential. But both would require a massive haul.
Tyler Glasnow, currently with the Rays, has also emerged as a possible candidate, especially if Tampa Bay begins to slip in the standings. His high-strikeout arsenal and postseason experience would be valuable — though his injury history might give L.A. some pause. Meanwhile, Corbin Burnes — a former Cy Young winner — might be the biggest prize of all. His blend of durability, stuff, and playoff acumen makes him an ideal fit. If Baltimore falters in the second half, the Dodgers would no doubt be among the first to call.
Free agency offers fewer options midseason, but the Dodgers’ willingness to eat salary and their attractive location could lead to a surprise signing or a contract extension for an acquired star. This front office doesn’t just plan for October — it plans for years down the road.
Healing their rotation with a bomb signing isn’t just about fixing a problem. It’s about making a statement — to the league, to their fans, and to the players in the clubhouse. It says, “We’re all in.” It says that this season, with this lineup, with Shohei Ohtani in tow, the Dodgers refuse to let a vulnerable rotation be the reason they fall short.
It also underscores the unique pressure that comes with being a Dodger. In any other city, sitting atop the division with a Top 5 offense and a strong bullpen might be enough. But not in Los Angeles. Not with this payroll. Not with this talent. Not with these expectations. A World Series is the goal — anything less is disappointment.
That pressure isn’t a burden. It’s a badge. The Dodgers wear it with pride. They know that the city, the fans, and the baseball world expect them to be bold. And if healing the rotation means going all-in on a blockbuster deal, that’s exactly what they’ll do.
For now, speculation reigns. Rumors swirl. Fans and analysts pore over farm system rankings and scouting reports. But behind the scenes, the Dodgers’ brain trust is hard at work — phones ringing, proposals drafted, scenarios considered. They’ve identified the need. Now they’re seeking the solution.
In the weeks to come, one name may emerge. One arm may arrive in Los Angeles. And when it does, the Dodgers will hope it brings with it the missing piece to a championship puzzle. Because this team wasn’t built for regular-season accolades. It was built to win in October. And to do that, they’ll need more than bats. They’ll need dominance on the mound.
And they’re willing to go big to get it.
