The Los Angeles Dodgers are positioned to enter the 2025 season with a formidable starting rotation, headlined by new acquisitions Blake Snell, Tyler Glasnow, Yoshinobu Yamamoto, and Shohei Ohtani, alongside Dustin May. With Clayton Kershaw potentially returning and Roki Sasaki also in the mix, the Dodgers have enviable depth in their rotation. This surplus could open the door for trades aimed at addressing other roster needs, particularly in the outfield.
Potential Trade of Bobby Miller
Bobby Miller, one of the Dodgers’ top young pitchers, has shown flashes of brilliance but has struggled with consistency:
- 2023 Performance: As a rookie, Miller posted a respectable 3.76 ERA over 22 starts, showcasing his potential.
- 2024 Struggles: Last season, however, he regressed significantly, recording an 8.52 ERA in 13 starts. This inconsistency might lower his trade value but still makes him an intriguing piece for teams looking to develop young arms.
The Outfield Situation
- James Outman’s Decline: Outman was a key contributor in 2023, finishing third in NL Rookie of the Year voting. However, his performance plummeted in 2024, as he played just 53 games with a .147 batting average. This regression has raised questions about his role as a long-term solution in the outfield.
- Upgrade Options: Trading Miller or another young pitcher could net the Dodgers a more reliable outfield option with minor league options remaining, providing depth and flexibility.
Depth in the Dodgers’ Farm System
The Dodgers’ farm system remains one of the best in baseball, offering additional trade assets:
- Other Pitching Prospects: Landon Knack, Nick Frasso, and Justin Wrobleski are also potential trade candidates. Packaging one of these arms with Miller could yield a higher return.
- Outfield Targets: The Dodgers could aim for a young, controllable outfielder who has already shown promise at the major league level but may be blocked on their current team.
Balancing Present and Future
The Dodgers’ 2025 roster is built to contend for a championship, but their moves must balance short-term success with long-term sustainability:
- Rotation Depth: Trading Miller would reduce their pitching depth, but with Sasaki and other prospects potentially joining the rotation, the impact might be minimal.
- Outfield Stability: Addressing the outfield with a reliable, versatile player could solidify a potential weak spot in their lineup.
Conclusion
A trade involving Bobby Miller makes sense if the Dodgers secure Roki Sasaki or another high-level pitcher to further bolster their rotation. Miller’s upside could attract teams willing to gamble on his potential, and the Dodgers could target an outfield upgrade to replace James Outman. With their deep farm system and aggressive front office, the Dodgers are well-positioned to make impactful moves to round out their roster.
