Los Angeles Dodgers manager Dave Roberts has suggested the team might be more inclined to be sellers than buyers as the Major League Baseball trade deadline approaches, a stance he acknowledged might sound unusual given the team's strong performance.
"I could almost argue that we’re sellers more than buyers," Roberts told The California Post. "Personally, I don’t see any glaring needs. I really don’t."
This perspective comes despite the Dodgers holding the best record in baseball and having the opportunity to pursue top-tier talent like Tarik Skubal, Joe Ryan, or Mason Miller before the Aug. 3 deadline. Roberts indicated that even with recent uncertainties, such as Shohei Ohtani's indefinite break from pitching and the unclear timeline for catcher Will Smith's return, the team feels confident in its current roster.
"Our expectation is that Will is going to be back," Roberts said, adding that if Smith is unable to return, the Dodgers are prepared to proceed with Dalton Rushing as their primary catcher. Rushing has been filling in for Smith, who has been sidelined with an inflamed disc in his neck.
Roberts stated that the team is "always kicking the tires" on potential moves and could look to reinforce the roster's periphery, possibly by acquiring a backup catcher or a reliever. However, significant additions are not anticipated.
Ohtani has been taking a break from pitching due to his left knee condition, which has not improved. Roberts confirmed Ohtani would throw a bullpen session later in the week, a step taken to ensure his full recovery. The absence of Ohtani from the rotation leaves Yoshinobu Yamamoto as the only active member of the previous year's playoff rotation.
The bullpen, a consistent strength for the team, is nearing the reintegration of closer Edwin Diaz, who could return this weekend. Roberts referred to the anticipated returns of key players as significant additions in themselves. "You talk about all the guys that we’re going to have coming back in the next few weeks, those are huge trade-deadline acquisitions," he said.
Roberts acknowledged the inherent uncertainties in the sport but emphasized the team's intent to gather as much information as possible before the Aug. 3 deadline to make a final decision. Based on the current information, the Dodgers appear poised to maintain their roster as is.