- Joined
- May 8, 2002
- Posts
- 1,217,282
- Reaction score
- 59
With big names expected to be on the move during the MLB Trade Deadline in August, including Detroit Tigers starting pitcher Tarik Skubal, many have speculated that the Los Angeles Dodgers will be in the mix.
Based on the last few offseasons, that wouldn't be a wild assumption, given the impactful signings of Shohei Ohtani, Kyle Tucker, Freddie Freeman, and many others, as well as the trade for Mookie Betts.
It has clearly proven successful for Los Angeles as the Dodgers have won the last two World Series titles.
However, earlier this week, it was reported that the Dodgers will sit out this trade deadline, passing on Skubal and other marquee names to focus on the organization's depth.
When the roster that Los Angeles has is tallied, it should come as no surprise and be a sigh of relief for the remainder of the league.
There could be a few reasons why the team is not focused on pursuing big names.
The simple reason is that the Dodgers are content with the current roster and believe they already have what it takes to win their third straight title.
Another factor could come from the recent injury update on catcher, Will Smith.
Jun 1, 2026; Phoenix, Arizona, USA; Los Angeles Dodgers catcher Will Smith against the Arizona Diamondbacks at Chase Field. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images
Los Angeles learned this week that Smith's recovery from a neck injury has taken longer than expected, so he won't return until after the All-Star Break.
Honestly, this is the most logical reason Los Angeles has focused on building depth on the roster, especially as Smith takes time to regain his rhythm upon returning to the diamond.
The proposal for a potential salary cap may also be a sneaky reason the Dodgers are turning away from making a splash.
Ever since the massive signing of Othani in 2023, Los Angeles has been able to spend whatever it wants on top players, but if a salary cap is implemented, it will cause problems and force the team to make tough decisions.
So, the Dodgers could be preparing for the trade deadline with a game-changing proposal that could be approved sooner rather than later.
The first proposed salary cap would be set at $245.3 million, which would force the Dodgers to shed over $175 million, given that they have by far the highest current payroll at slightly over $400 million.
That cut is about $40 million more than the New York Mets, who have the second-highest payroll.
Whether either of these is the exact reason the Dodgers are choosing not to be aggressive at the trade deadline, it appears to be the best-case scenario for the defending champions.
Don't miss out on our ROUNDTABLE community and the latest news!
It's completely free to join. Share your thoughts, engage with our Roundtable writers, and chat with fellow members.
Download the free Roundtable APP, and stay even more connected!
Continue reading...
Based on the last few offseasons, that wouldn't be a wild assumption, given the impactful signings of Shohei Ohtani, Kyle Tucker, Freddie Freeman, and many others, as well as the trade for Mookie Betts.
It has clearly proven successful for Los Angeles as the Dodgers have won the last two World Series titles.
However, earlier this week, it was reported that the Dodgers will sit out this trade deadline, passing on Skubal and other marquee names to focus on the organization's depth.
When the roster that Los Angeles has is tallied, it should come as no surprise and be a sigh of relief for the remainder of the league.
There could be a few reasons why the team is not focused on pursuing big names.
The simple reason is that the Dodgers are content with the current roster and believe they already have what it takes to win their third straight title.
Another factor could come from the recent injury update on catcher, Will Smith.
You must be registered for see images attach
Jun 1, 2026; Phoenix, Arizona, USA; Los Angeles Dodgers catcher Will Smith against the Arizona Diamondbacks at Chase Field. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images
Los Angeles learned this week that Smith's recovery from a neck injury has taken longer than expected, so he won't return until after the All-Star Break.
Honestly, this is the most logical reason Los Angeles has focused on building depth on the roster, especially as Smith takes time to regain his rhythm upon returning to the diamond.
The proposal for a potential salary cap may also be a sneaky reason the Dodgers are turning away from making a splash.
Ever since the massive signing of Othani in 2023, Los Angeles has been able to spend whatever it wants on top players, but if a salary cap is implemented, it will cause problems and force the team to make tough decisions.
So, the Dodgers could be preparing for the trade deadline with a game-changing proposal that could be approved sooner rather than later.
The first proposed salary cap would be set at $245.3 million, which would force the Dodgers to shed over $175 million, given that they have by far the highest current payroll at slightly over $400 million.
That cut is about $40 million more than the New York Mets, who have the second-highest payroll.
Whether either of these is the exact reason the Dodgers are choosing not to be aggressive at the trade deadline, it appears to be the best-case scenario for the defending champions.
Join the Community
Don't miss out on our ROUNDTABLE community and the latest news!
It's completely free to join. Share your thoughts, engage with our Roundtable writers, and chat with fellow members.
Download the free Roundtable APP, and stay even more connected!
Continue reading...
