MLB Insider Names Dodgers' Dustin May as Potential Trade Chip

MLB Insider Names Dodgers' Dustin May as Potential Trade Chip originally appeared on Athlon Sports.

The Los Angeles Dodgers need to add to their bullpen at the trade deadline, an issue that became dire once Tanner Scott went on the injured list.

Instead of adding to their bullpen by parting ways with top prospects, MLB insider Ken Rosenthal of The Athletic proposed another way to bring in a reliever by the end of the month.

"One way, according to sources briefed on the club's thinking, might be to trade right-hander Dustin May, a potential free agent who could lose his spot in the rotation once left-hander Blake Snell comes off the injured list," Rosenthal wrote.

Dustin May, the veteran Dodgers pitcher who's struggled this season with a 4.73 ERA and is set to be a free agent, could be a trade chip at the deadline for the Dodgers.

With a crowded rotation, as Blake Snell could return soon, and Roki Sasaki is working his way back, May might not have a spot in the future. Shohei Ohtani is also pitching more, further making May's spot uncertain.

Instead of holding onto him, potentially using him out of the bullpen, the Dodgers could try to trade him to a team needing a starter.

While the Dodgers would not likely find a team in need of a starter, willing to give up from their bullpen, he could be used to get closer to a deal for a bullpen arm.

The 27-year-old has struggled this season, but has had his moments in his career, which could entice a team to take a swing on him.

In 2023, he had a 2.63 ERA in nine starts. May 2021 saw him pitch to a 2.74 ERA in five starts. In 10 starts and 12 games overall, May had a 2.57 ERA in 2020.

He's not been the best pitcher this season, but the flashes he's shown in his career might be enough to get a decent return that could help bolster the bullpen this season.

Rosenthal's mention that the Dodgers are considering trading May is noteworthy.

Not only does it indicate that the team is willing to cut ties with May, but it signifies that the rest of the rotation is getting healthy; otherwise, the Dodgers wouldn't have the confidence to trade May at the deadline.

This story was originally reported by Athlon Sports on Jul 24, 2025, where it first appeared.