The Los Angeles Dodgers are in hot pursuit of another high-leverage relief pitcher at the trade deadline. While the team is excited to have Blake Treinen back in the fold, the right-hander's return is only one step to rebuilding one of the most expensive bullpens in baseball. After spending over $100 million on three relievers during the offseason, Andrew Friedman, Los Angeles' president of baseball operations, is looking to pour more assets into the position due to a plethora of struggles.
Dodgers 'Engaged' in Trade Talks with Twins for Trio of Relievers: Report originally appeared on Athlon Sports.
The Los Angeles Dodgers are in hot pursuit of another high-leverage relief pitcher at the trade deadline. While the team is excited to have Blake Treinen back in the fold, the right-hander's return is only one step to rebuilding one of the most expensive bullpens in baseball.
After spending over $100 million on three relievers during the offseason, Andrew Friedman, Los Angeles' president of baseball operations, is looking to pour more assets into the position due to a plethora of struggles. Injuries have certainly cost the Dodgers in this regard, but it does not excuse a 4.20 ERA (12th highest in the league) and a league-worst 9.6% walk rate, according to FanGraphs.
MLB Network's Jon Morosi reports that the Dodgers are among the teams engaged on Minnesota Twins relievers Jhoan Durán, Louis Varland, and Griffin Jax.
In 49 games, Duran has a 2.01 ERA, 53 strikeouts, and a 1.17 WHIP. His 16 saves rank 21st among closers, but his 89 percent conversion rate ranks towards the top in baseball. Most importantly, Duran has yet to allow a home run this season -- something that has plagued the Dodgers' late-inning relievers.
Varland, 27, is likely the cheapest to acquire of the three relievers Morosi listed. However, he has been equally impressive. Through 49 innings, the right-hander has a 2.02 ERA with 47 strikeouts in an AL-leading 51 games.
Similar to Duran and Varland, Jax is signed through the 2027 season. Yet, he may fit what the Dodgers are looking for more than the previous two. In 49 appearances, Jax has the seventh-highest strikeout percentage (36.9%) and the fifth-lowest FIP (2.01) among qualified relievers. While Jax would not assume the closer role once Tanner Scott returns, he can fill in with 10 saves on his 2024 resume and fortify the backend of the Dodgers' pen.
This story was originally reported by Athlon Sports on Jul 30, 2025, where it first appeared.
Category: Baseball
