Dodgers Initiating Trade Talks for Orioles' All-Star Closer: Report

Dodgers Initiating Trade Talks for Orioles' All-Star Closer: Report originally appeared on Athlon Sports.

The Los Angeles Dodgers are a tone-setting organization. Whether it be signing Shohei Ohtani to a record-breaking $700 million contract or deferring almost $1 billion of the current roster’s payroll, the team is always thinking ahead.

President of baseball operations Andrew Friedman thought he was doing the same when he unloaded $107 million into the bullpen during the offseason. However, due to injuries and the lackluster performance from closer Tanner Scott, Los Angeles has yet to reap the benefit of their investment.

Highlighted by their league-leading 59 home runs allowed and a 4.38 ERA, their bullpen ranks inside the top seven for worst units in baseball. Outside of Alex Vesia, the Dodgers do not have a consistent arm to turn to in high-leverage situations. While Scott can still provide a dominant performance, his propensity for blowing saves and giving up the long ball has forced the team back into the trade market to find a viable late-inning reliever.

According to Bob Nightengale of USA Today, the Dodgers have called the Baltimore Orioles about possibly acquiring closer Felix Bautista.

Bautista, 30, was a surprise All-Star omission. In 33.2 innings, the right-hander has a 2.41 ERA and 48 strikeouts en route to converting 18 of 19 save opportunities. He possesses something the Dodgers currently do not have – a flamethrower fastball that reaches above 97 mph consistently coming from the right side of the mound.

According to Baseball Savant, Bautista ranks in the 96th percentile for whiff and K-rate, making him one of the feared relievers in baseball. For reference, that is better than Emmanuel Clase, Ryan Helsley, and Jhoan Duran – three other relievers the Dodgers have made calls about.

With three more years of arbitration remaining, acquiring Bautista will not be cheap. Yet, Los Angeles’ fourth-ranked farm system, according to Bleacher Report, should have plenty of alluring prospects to make the Orioles agree on a deal

This story was originally reported by Athlon Sports on Jul 21, 2025, where it first appeared.