Dodgers Seek $45M All-Star Starter Amid Rotation Injuries

The Los Angeles Dodgers are actively seeking to bolster their pitching rotation ahead of the MLB trade deadline due to significant injuries affecting their starting pitchers. Seth Lugo, a 35-year-old Kansas City Royals pitcher with a strong 2025 season and previous Cy Young runner-up status, is a primary trade target, though acquiring him would likely require giving up promising prospects like Eduardo Quintero and Mike Sirota. Despite Lugo being a rental player with a likely decline of his 2026 player option, his performance this season, including a 2.74 ERA and an ERA+ of 151, makes him a valuable addition similar to the successful Jack Flaherty rental last year. While Dodgers president Andrew Friedman expressed a preference to avoid trading for starters if injured players return on schedule, the team remains prepared to pursue external pitching help if necessary. On the outfield front, the Dodgers face challenges replacing Michael Conforto, as Bryan Reynolds of the Pittsburgh Pirates, a potential candidate, has a six-team no-trade clause that excludes the Dodgers and their NL West rivals. Consequently, the Dodgers must explore other options to address their outfield needs amid ongoing roster adjustments.