Four Pitchers the Dodgers Should Target Before the Trade Deadline
Four Pitchers the Dodgers Should Target Before the Trade Deadline
Los Angeles doesn’t have any glaring needs, but you can never have enough arms.Karl Rasmussen|
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Los Angeles DodgersMLB Trade Candidate Rankings and Deadline Predictions | Top Prospects Who Could Be Dealt at the 2026 MLB Trade Deadline
The Dodgers are pushing for one of the rarest feats in MLB; a World Series three-peat. To do so, they may look to fortify their roster, which is already the best in baseball, at this year’s trade deadline.
There aren’t many weaknesses on the Dodgers’ roster. They made some seismic moves during the offseason when they signed Kyle Tucker and Edwin Díaz, but those deals haven’t exactly panned out for them thus far. Díaz is on the 60-day IL while Tucker has a career-low .715 OPS in his first 73 games for Los Angeles.
The Dodgers are sitting comfortably atop the NL West at 49–26, nine games ahead of the second-place Padres. Los Angeles has overtaken the Braves (48–27) for MLB’s best record outright, too.
So, what areas, if any, can the Dodgers look to improve upon at the trade deadline? And more importantly, what players could they make a run at as the deadline inches closer? Los Angeles could use another quality arm in their starting rotation, and the team’s bullpen ERA (5.19) over the last month ranks 25th in the majors despite the revival of Tanner Scott in the closer’s role. The lineup, meanwhile, doesn’t have many real areas of need. L.A. leads MLB in batting average (.261) and OPS (.783) and ranks in the top five in home runs and RBIs. While a move for some depth in the lineup could be on the cards, it feels like pitching will be the organization’s primary focus.
With that in mind, let’s hone in on two starting pitchers and two relievers the Dodgers could make a move for at this year’s trade deadline.
Starting pitchers Dodgers could target
Tarik Skubal, Tigers
Let’s get the obvious one out of the way early. As the Tigers continue to struggle, the likelihood of Tarik Skubal getting traded increases. Detroit sits in fourth in the AL Central, 12 games below .500 at 32–44. With Skubal set to hit free agency this offseason, it seems a trade will be the most likely outcome for the two-time Cy Young winner, barring a massive, long-term extension being reached with the Tigers.
A Skubal trade would likely come at a significant cost, even if he is just a rental. The Tigers would likely demand a substantial return of prospects or young, MLB-ready talent in exchange for the ace. Of course, in addition to boasting MLB’s best roster, the Dodgers also have an elite, if not the league’s best, farm system, which they could dip into in order to bring the star lefty to L.A. Emmett Sheehan stands out as a potential piece of the deal, and they could include a top outfield prospect, such as Zyhir Hope or Eduardo Quintero, to get the trade done.
Joe Ryan, Twins
If the asking price for Skubal as a rental is a bit too high for the Dodgers, they could turn to another standout AL Central arm in Joe Ryan. The Twins haven’t fared too much better than the Tigers this year, sitting third in the division at 37–41. Minnesota could reasonably look to compete this year, but it seems more likely they’ll be open for business come the end of July. If that’s the case, Ryan could be an excellent addition for the Dodgers.
Barring injury, Ryan will turn down the 2027 mutual option on his contract worth $13 million. But the price to acquire him in a trade won’t be as high as it will be for Skubal. Ryan has been excellent this season, logging a 2.99 ERA with 99 strikeouts across 87 1/3 innings through his first 16 starts. He could become an important piece of the Dodgers’ rotation, which has dealt with myriad injuries over the past couple of seasons.
Relief pitchers Dodgers could target
Aroldis Chapman, Red Sox
With the Red Sox not looking competitive this season, it may be time for the team to bid farewell to Aroldis Chapman and look to add some quality prospects in the process. The Dodgers would be a perfect fit in that regard. L.A. boasts a farm system loaded with talent and are expected to make a run to the World Series yet again, giving them the competitive environment Chapman would be energized by if he is to get traded. Both teams to previously execute midseason trades for the flamethrowing lefty (2016 Cubs, 2023 Rangers) ended up winning the World Series, so why not add another element of a three-peat to the mix?
Despite Boston’s struggles, Chapman has been outstanding in 2026, logging a 0.83 ERA with 29 strikeouts and 14 saves across 21 2/3 innings. He hasn’t surrendered a single home run this year and has only allowed 12 hits and nine walks in 22 appearances. Chapman has a vesting option in his contract for the 2027 season at $13 million, which would become a guaranteed salary if he pitches 40 innings this season, which he’s currently on pace to do. That’s more than a fair price and one the Dodgers could certainly afford.
Kyle Finnegan, Tigers
The Dodgers and Tigers will likely be having several conversations at the trade deadline. Perhaps those talks will result in a Tarik Skubal trade. Perhaps they won’t. Even if Skubal isn’t headed to L.A. at the trade deadline, one of his teammates very well might be. The Dodgers will likely be looking to upgrade the bullpen, and one candidate they’ll probably do homework on veteran righthander Kyle Finnegan.
On the surface, Finnegan is not the sort of player Los Angeles would typically acquire. He does boast an impressive 2.08 ERA, but he has more walks (24) than strikeouts (22) in 2026. Despite his struggles with command this year, however, he still boasts above-average stuff and has spent plenty of time as a late-inning option with the Nationals and Tigers (113 career saves). The 34-year-old seems like the sort of candidate the Dodgers could uncover new potential with their supreme pitching development system and plug him into a bullpen in need of some experience.
Finnegan has one more guaranteed year on his contract and is set to earn $8 million in 2027. The Tigers will likely not require much in return for his services, but the Dodgers could capitalize on his rare mix of experience, success and potential to improve.
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Published Jun 22, 2026 | Modified Jun 22, 2026
KARL RASMUSSENKarl Rasmussen is a staff writer for Sports Illustrated. A University of Oregon alum who joined SI in February 2023, his work has appeared on 12up and ClutchPoints. Rasmussen is a loyal Tottenham, Jets, Yankees and Ducks fan.
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Badenoch blasts 'moaning' female Labour MPs over Burnham jobs 'quota'
Kemi Badenoch has told Labour women to earn a job in Andy Burnham's Cabinet instead of demanding they are handed jobs because of their gender.
The Tory leader lashed out today amid reports that female MPs are demanding the de-facto new prime minister introduce a 50:50 gender split 'quota' in his government.
Amid reports that former foreign secretary David Miliband is being lined up to return to the role, possibly with his brother Ed as Chancellor, one female minister also complained that Burnham could not have 'more Milibands than women' in the top posts.
But in a scathing article in the Times today Mrs Badenoch told them to 'stop moaning' and get chosen on merit instead of retreating into 'more of the failed identity politics that is holding back our country'.
'There are many, many reasons why you shouldn't have any Milibands in the cabinet,' she said.
'But complaining that the boys haven't given them the right jobs or that the boys are taking all the jobs, just shows that Labour's women still don't get it.'
The idea of quotas was also attacked by Baroness Jacqui Smith, Labour's Skills Minister.
Asked by Times Radio if Mr Burnham should reserve jobs for women, she said: 'No, I think what Andy Burnham should be doing is building the very best team around him to change this country.'
A letter written by the Women's Parliamentary Labour Party has called on Mr Burnham to ensure a 50:50 split between men and women in government jobs
Amid reports that former foreign secretary David Miliband (above, right, in 2010) is being lined up to return to the role, possibly with his brother Ed as Chancellor, one female minister complained that Burnham could not have 'more Milibands than women' in the top posts
But Mrs Badenoch told them to pipe down and get chosen on merit instead of retreating into 'more of the failed identity politics that is holding back our country'
A letter written by the Women's Parliamentary Labour Party and seen by the BBC has called on Mr Burnham to ensure a 50:50 split between men and women in government jobs after he succeeds Sir Keir Starmer.
'We are asking you to demonstrate this change from day one and address the toxicity and misogyny within our own party and government,' it said.
Labour has never had a female leader, while the Conservatives have had three, and Mrs Badenoch urged the government to follow its meritocratic example.
'If you run a meritocracy, then you do not have to worry about jobs for the boys,' she wrote.
'Every woman who is a Conservative MP, every woman who has ever won the leadership, has had to fight to get where she is.
'By contrast, Labour women are demanding guarantees from Burnham. But the truth is he doesn't have to give any guarantees.
'If none of Labour's women are prepared to get their hands dirty and challenge him for the leadership, their demands are toothless.'
'In fact, it's quite revealing that the women's parliamentary Labour Party has written to Burnham asking him to commit himself to at least 50 per cent female ministers.
'This has nothing to do with meritocracy. It is yet more of the failed identity politics that is holding back our country.'
Venezuela Fury and Noah Price subsidising their life by livestreaming
Venezuela Fury and her husband Noah Price look to be making their own way in the world by raking it in from their lucrative social media accounts.
The influencer daughter of Tyson and Paris Fury, 16, has become an internet sensation after tying the knot with her husband Noah, 19, earlier this year.
Since getting married and moving in together the couple have been earning thousands of pounds a month, livestreaming their life as newlyweds in their static caravan in the East Riding of Yorkshire.
And fans can't get enough of their regular life updates on TikTok and Kick, which have proved to be very profitable for the pair.
They look to be supporting themselves after Noah denied that he was given £5million by Venezuela's family as a wedding gift.
Despite his wife's huge family wealth, an estimated combined £160 million, Noah recently told his Kick followers that he 'pays for everything' for the couple.
Making light of the claims about Venezuela's millionaire financial status, Noah said: 'I actually pay for everything unfortunately. You'd expect the millionaire to pay for it wouldn't you.'
Venezuela Fury and Noah Price are earning thousands livestreaming their caravan life - after her new groom insisted he pays all the bills and denied he had £5m handout from her dad
The influencer daughter of Tyson and Paris Fury , 16, has become an internet sensation after tying the knot with her husband Noah, 19, earlier this year
Venezuela then asked their fans: 'Do you think I am a millionaire?'
Noah joked: 'She isn't a secret millionaire guys', before she broke into song and sang: 'But I live like a millionaire!'
But it seems according to estimated calculations from their social media work, Noah and Venezuela can more than afford to support themselves.
Noah has been livestreaming on platforms such as Kick and TikTok, where viewers can send paid gifts or donations.
He was previously encouraging viewers to send gifts on his honeymoon during livestreams, suggesting this is one revenue stream.
Both Noah and Venezuela have built substantial followings on Instagram and TikTok. They can potentially earn money through sponsored posts, brand collaborations, affiliate links and creator payouts.
Kick allows its creators to take home 95 per cent of the £4.99 subscription cost that fans pay.
Streamers keep 100 per cent of direct tips and donations, minus minor standard payment processing fees.
It is unclear how many subscribers Noah currently has because this information is hidden, but he does have 7,200 followers which is publicly viewable.
An industry insider has suggested Noah is making around £400 per video on TikTok, while Venezuela is likely to make £2,000 due to her following count of 1.3 million.
An industry insider has suggested Noah is making around £400 per video on TikTok, while Venezuela is likely to make £2,000 due to her following count of 1.3 million
In one video on their honeymoon, Noah asked his followers if they'd give them some more gifts now that they were married.
In a TikTok live viewed by 20,000 he said: 'Keep liking our videos people, keep sending gifts.'
After saying thank you to several of his followers he joked they should stick around on the livestream and 'watch Venezuela punch me in the mouth'.
The other half of the honeymooning couple said: 'I am, honestly!'
Noah previously confirmed that the pair don't share their finances after they were asked whether they have a shared bank account.
'She earns her money, I earn mine,' said Noah, as Venezuela joked: 'Yeah, what you gonna do about it.'
Noah went on to debunk the rumour that Tyson gave him £5million when he tied the knot with his daughter as he insisted: 'No Tyson did not give me £5million'.
Meanwhile Venezuela is being eyed up by executives for a fly on the wall TV series.
Noah went on to debunk the rumour that Tyson gave him £5million when he tied the knot with his daughter as he insisted: 'No Tyson did not give me £5million'
Boasting 1.3 million TikTok followers, Venezuela is already entertaining fans with her honest musings and candid moments, from cooking to kitting out her and Noah's static caravan home.
And following the success of the Netflix series At Home With The Furys, it is no wonder bosses are wanting to draw on the Fury popularity.
A TV insider said: 'The couple are not A-list celebrities but everyone has become obsessed with their love story.
'People are genuinely intrigued by them. Whether it’s the fact they have married so young, Venezuela’s famous family or their gypsy lifestyle, they have the ‘X factor'.
'Several TV executives think a proper fly-on-the-wall series following their lives as newlyweds in the gypsy community would be fascinating,' they told The Sun.
It is thought Netflix would be likely to produce the series due to their already established relationship with the Furys.
Venezuela's representatives told The Daily Mail: 'We have many offers on the table regarding Venezuela which we are discussing.'
