The defending World Series champions undoubtedly have some work to do.
The Los Angeles Dodgers have done well to hang onto first place in a brutally competitive National League West this season. But they've got the San Diego Padres and San Francisco Giants nipping at their heels, and they haven't been as dominant as they might have liked.
If there's one concern that supersedes all, though, it's the injuries to the pitching staff. The Dodgers have eight major league starters on the injured list, including four who have suffered injuries since the beginning of the season, and an All-Star caliber bullpen on the shelf.
Fortunately, president of baseball operations Andrew Friedman is on the case. There's more than a month to go until the trade deadline, and Dodgers fans should have faith that Friedman and his staff can find reinforcements.
On Wednesday, FanSided's Robert Murray named Friedman the number-one executive on a list of who he trusted to "win the trade deadline" this season, setting the Dodgers up to make a splash.
"At this point, Friedman deserves the benefit of the doubt. Almost everything he touches, whether it’s in free agency or trade, has turned to gold. Jack Flaherty was a great addition for the Los Angeles Dodgers last trade deadline, and I’d expect Friedman to once again be active in the trade market," Murray wrote.
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"One area I expect the Dodgers to address is the injury-ravaged rotation, and there should be plenty of options available once again."
Friedman has been in charge of the Dodgers since October of 2014, when he left his position at the helm of the Tampa Bay Rays. He's overseen both World Series titles this decade, and built this Dodgers roster, with the help of a generous payroll, into the powerhouse it is now.
The starting pitching market could be somewhat shallow this year, as it was in 2024. But trust Friedman to find the most reliable name in the bunch.
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