Dodgers Swing Trade for Nationals' Alex Call to Boost Outfield Platoon

Dodgers Swing Trade for Nationals' Alex Call to Boost Outfield Platoon originally appeared on Athlon Sports.

The Los Angeles Dodgers continue to add much-needed depth to their roster ahead of the MLB trade deadline. After striking two trades to add multiple bullpen pieces, including Brock Stewart from the Minnesota Twins, the team has now addressed the outfield.

According to ESPN’s Jeff Passan, the Dodgers are acquiring outfielder Alex Call from the Washington Nationals in exchange for right-handed pitching prospects Eric Swan (#16) and Sean Paul Linan (#20).

Call is known for his defense and can play all three outfield positions. The 30-year-old primarily slotted in right field during his time with Washington and has the seventh-highest Defensive rating at the position, according to FanGraphs. His versatility is something the Dodgers also covet, giving manager Dave Roberts the ability to mix and match his lineup and defense further, depending on the matchup.

Call, a right-hander, is slashing .274/.371/.386 this season with 119 OPS+. Call will not provide much power, hitting just three home runs in just under 200 plate appearances. However, his splits against left-handed pitching are what drew the Dodgers to make the trade.

While Call will not be replacing Michael Conforto in left field, he is expecting to form a platoon with the left-handed hitter. In 81 at-bats against lefties, Call is hitting .314 with two home runs, 11 RBIs, and an impressive .802 OPS.

Unlike Conforto, who signed a one-year, $17 million deal during the offseason, Call is arbitration-eligible through the 2029 season. He is earning under $800,000 this season and will not be a free agent until 2030.

This story was originally reported by Athlon Sports on Jul 31, 2025, where it first appeared.