It seems as though the Los Angeles Dodgers will go hard after bullpen help at the upcoming trade deadline.
The bullpen isn't the primary culprit for the Dodgers' recent slide, which includes 10 losses in their last 12 games and six straight losses against the Milwaukee Brewers. But it's the roster area where injuries and inconsistency have made the depth chart the murkiest.
There will be major reinforcements at some point, as Blake Treinen, Michael Kopech, and Brusdar Graterol could all be up to speed by the postseason. But with no certainty there, it seems paramount for LA to find another high-leverage arm in the next two weeks.
One baseball writer has a certain two-time All-Star in mind.
On Sunday, Sportsnaut's Matt Johnson predicted that the Dodgers would acquire Pittsburgh Pirates closer David Bednar, who comes with 1 1/2 years of team control, ahead of the Jul. 31 deadline.
"Closer Tanner Scott (4.09 ERA) has been up-and-down in 2025 and Kirby Yates (4.08 ERA) hasn’t been any better. It might be worthwhile for Los Angeles to use its deep farm system to bring in a stable All-Star closer," wrote Johnson.
Follow The Sporting News On WhatsApp
"After a rough patch in April, All-Star reliever David Bednar entered the All-Star break with a 1.74 ERA in his last 31 innings pitched. Acquiring Bednar allows Los Angeles to move everyone down a spot in the bullpen and when Los Angeles gets Blake Treinen and Michael Kopech back, Dave Roberts will have a wealth of options."
On the season, Bednar now owns a 2.45 ERA, striking out 45 batters in 33 innings. He's peaking right now, with an active streak of 19 appearances without giving up a run, dating back to May 24.
Bednar would fit in nicely with a mix of Dodgers relievers, among whom nobody really should consider themselves the true closer. In a big postseason moment, Bednar might find himself pitching any inning from six to nine.
More MLB: Mets predicted to acquire pair of relievers, including two-time All-Star