The Dodgers are headed toward another October run, but Andrew Friedman isn’t treating this trade deadline like a shopping spree. He likes the roster he has. He also knows the market can still tempt even the deepest clubs.
On Wednesday, the Dodgers president of baseball operations made it clear that Los Angeles will keep an eye on star talent if it becomes available. At the same time, he stressed that the front office is trying to protect the group it has already built.
“Feel really good about the talent base we have in place,” Dodgers president of baseball operations Andrew Friedman said on Wednesday. “Not just on the field, but also how the group meshes together. So like always, we’re going to be thoughtful and careful about what we potentially add to that dynamic.
“On one hand, we’re always of the mind of trying to do everything we can to put ourselves in the best position to win. Sometimes we’re fortunate enough to line up on things, sometimes not. But I think always, while being mindful of our group, the dynamic, where we’re at, and also at least the last couple years of trying to make a really concerted effort to be really aggressive in the offseason to avoid having an acute need in July.
“Because when you have an acute need, it’s really challenging because you’re paying 150 cents, 200 cents on the dollar. So we try to do everything we can to avoid having to do something. But when you’re able to, you know, be in a position to be a little bit more selective and opportunistic about what potentially is available, it just puts you in a better position.
“So, as much flexibility as we can have, the better.”
That philosophy has already shaped how the Dodgers have handled roster building. Friedman pointed to the offseason additions of Edwin Díaz and Kyle Tucker, along with Tanner Scott, Blake Snell and Kirby Yates before the 2025 season, as part of that broader approach.
Still, he didn’t close the door on a big move if the right player shakes loose.
“There just aren’t that many star-level players in the game, and anytime one is available, we’re always going to participate in those conversations,” Friedman said. “We’ve shown to be very aggressive in the past, and I think again, we’re able to have those conversations.
“We’ve traded a lot of really talented young players, but we’re able to be in that those conversations because of the incredible work by our scouts and our front office and our player development group that has our farm system in such a strong spot to be able to talk to any team basically about any player.”
When asked how likely it is that the Dodgers land a star, Friedman didn’t bite.
“I don’t know. I’m not in the handicapping business,” he quipped.
His comments came after Shohei Ohtani said his right bicep issue is part of why he has not been able to pitch, along with lingering left knee discomfort. Friedman said Ohtani would be pitching if not for the knee issue.
There was also some encouraging injury news. Friedman said Snell may have reached the end of his rehab assignment after throwing four innings Wednesday night, Tyler Glasnow is expected to begin his rehab assignment within the next week, and Will Smith has returned to baseball activities.
Friedman said the “injury part of it is healed” for those three, and the next step is building them back up.
The Dodgers are still believed to be in the market for pitching depth, even with confidence that Ohtani will be able to pitch in the postseason. A starter would give them insurance if needed, and the club is also thought to be looking for a third catcher.
That need is tied in part to Will Smith’s recent return and the chance to lighten the load on Dalton Rushing while also providing cover if Smith’s neck becomes an issue again.
Beyond that, the Dodgers are said to be open to moving Eric Lauer or Alex Call as they continue to pursue the reported goal of adding depth to the farm system.
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