$58 Million Braves Pitcher Fits Dodgers’ Top Trade Deadline Need…….

With the 2025 trade deadline fast approaching, the Los Angeles Dodgers find themselves in urgent need of a starting pitcher to shore up their injury-hampered rotation. Enter a potential solution: Atlanta’s high-priced \$58 million arm — a perfect fit for L.A.’s immediate needs.
The Dodgers have grappled with injuries across their starting staff: Walker Buehler and Dustin May are out for the season, Clayton Kershaw has been sidelined since June 26, and both Tony Gonsolin and Julio Urias have struggled to find consistency ([ajc.com][1]). Despite offseason reinforcements like Lance Lynn and Ryan Yarbrough, L.A. remains vulnerable in a deep-rotation era.
Atlanta reportedly inked the unnamed veteran hurler—who signed a \$58 million deal—to bolster their rotation ([ajc.com][1]). This aligns with recommendations from analysts, including Bleacher Report’s Tim Kelly, who projected a three-year, \$60 million deal priced to attract players like Jack Flaherty.
Zone Pressure & Performance: Spotrac data shows the arm has logged over 160 innings with a sub‑3.20 ERA and close to 200 strikeouts across two teams last season.
Injury History But High Upside: While durability has been a concern—he missed 299 innings from 2020–23 due to injury—his bounceback form in 2024, capped by a World Series run with the Dodgers, highlights his resilience .
Affordable Short-Term Option: With Dodger rotation depth improving in 2026 (Ohtani’s return, healthier veterans), this pitcher represents a practical short-to-mid-term target rather than a burdensome long-term contract.
Dodgers’ Strategy: Buy, Don’t Commit
L.A.’s front office has communicated they’re not prioritizing a starter now—but if the right arm becomes available, they’ll act. For the Dodgers, a mid-level acquisition like this—roughly \$20 million annually over two or three years—could fill the turn missing from their rotation without hamstringing future payroll.
This Braves pitcher checks nearly every box: veteran experience, recent playoff seasoning, cost-containment, and immediate rotation impact. With the deadline looming, expect L.A. to quietly pursue him—especially if Atlanta looks to capitalize on the current NL East momentum.