When the richest rosters start shopping midseason, you know something’s gone sideways in paradise. MLB’s most calculated chaos—the trade deadline—is here, and the Los Angeles Dodgers are browsing like billionaires with a chip on their shoulder. Despite leading the standings, they’ve identified a glaring flaw wrapped in a $17 million paycheck and left-handed swing. Now, with the clock ticking, they’re circling Minnesota and St. Louis like sharks that smell underperformance.

The Dodgers are starting to look good, at least some of them are. Mookie Betts is still in a slump, and Freddie Freeman has started to get some hits, but the rest of the team still needs to step up. And there is one player that needs to up his game, and he is Michael Conforto. He has been having a very bad season, and if things don’t change, there are clear indications that the Dodgers will move on. And they have already started to look.

Yep, the Dodgers have already found two new targets that have a very good chance of replacing Conforto on the team. According to MLB insider Bob Nightengale, in his article, “They also are looking to upgrade their outfield with Michael Conforto’s season-long struggles and have expressed interest in Minnesota Twins outfielder Harrison Bader and Cardinals utility man Brendan Donovan.”

The Dodgers and other clubs have emerged as new contenders seeking deadline upgrades and reinforcements. Brendan Donovan has become a high-demand utilityman with a stunning .293 average, 129 wRC+, and elite offensive value through twenty‑seven games so far in 2025. Harrison Bader has posted a .250 batting average, twelve home runs, and thirty‑six RBIs in ninety games. Meanwhile, Conforto’s struggles linger with just seventy‑nine wRC+ and limited run production this year.

Donovan’s season performance has been far better than Conforto’s, providing rare offensive consistency and positional flexibility. Bader’s output, though more modest, adds double‑digit home runs, strong on‑base skills, and elite defense. Conforto languishes at just seventy‑nine wRC+, making his left field role a major weakness.

Acquiring Donovan would solve the Dodgers’ offensive deficiency by replacing Conforto with near‑All‑Star production and versatility. His two years of team control would isolate him as a durable core piece for seasons beyond 2025. It would cost the Dodgers a steep return, likely involving top prospects like Dalton Rushing or Alex Freeland. Bader would be a more straightforward rental option, presumably available for a lesser prospect cost but with limited long‑term control.

As for Bader, he could immediately improve defensive metrics and modestly bolster offensive output in left field. His twelve homers and solid OBP around .335 reflect adequate offensive upside. Bader’s elite glove would allow Andy Pages or Edman to shuffle and optimize roster alignment. The cost for Bader would likely be lower than the prospect capital and a one‑year deal with a buyout option.

The Dodgers aren’t just kicking tires—they’re revving the engine on a midseason makeover. When your $17 million outfielder is dragging down a Ferrari of a lineup, window shopping turns into real spending. Whether it’s Donovan’s bat or Bader’s glove, Los Angeles knows patching the leak is cheaper than sinking the ship. The contenders are coming—and the Dodgers don’t plan to show up with baggage in left field.

Dodgers looking to get away from Dustin May

In MLB, nothing says “we’ve seen enough” like the Dodgers quietly shopping two names they once hyped as solutions. Michael Conforto was supposed to be a veteran bat with glove reliability—he’s now a walking exit plan. Dustin May? Once untouchable, now unofficially available. As trade whispers grow louder in LA, it’s clear: the Dodgers aren’t just adjusting the roster—they’re erasing past bets with a Sharpie.

May was once a flamethrower with future-ace buzz—now he’s trade deadline fodder. Armed with a 4.73 ERA and inconsistent command, his 2025 has been more erratic than electric. The Dodgers, deep in pitching wealth, seem ready to cash in while his arm still draws interest. With free agency looming, his value dips daily, and L.A. isn’t waiting for a rebound.

Instead of adding another arm, the Dodgers are angling toward outfield help—specifically Cedric Mullins. Mullins, like May, is a rental with fading All-Star shine, slashing .214/.294/.398 this season. Yet, compared to Conforto’s disappearing act, Mullins still offers defensive upside and timely pop. Baltimore would likely demand more than May alone, but L.A. has reason to gamble.

With Tyler Glasnow healthy, Blake Snell nearing return, and Shohei Ohtani building up, pitching is overflowing. The Dodgers no longer need May’s volatility—they need a bat who won’t vanish by October. Trading May for Mullins wouldn’t fix everything, but it shifts priorities toward postseason production. In L.A., second chances are rare—especially when October dreams are the only measure.

May and Conforto were supposed to be pieces, not placeholders—but time exposes everything in L.A. When October shadows start creeping, sentimentality takes a backseat to survival. The Dodgers aren’t rebuilding—they’re retooling with ruthless efficiency. If you’re not producing, you’re packing. In Hollywood, even former headliners get recast before the credits roll.