Veteran outfielder Alex Call expressed a desire for the trade deadline rumors surrounding him to be "fake news," as speculation mounts about his potential departure from the Los Angeles Dodgers. Call, who was acquired by the Dodgers at last year's trade deadline, has seen his name appear in trade discussions this summer as the team considers roster adjustments ahead of Monday's deadline.
Reports began surfacing last weekend, with speculation fueled by the potential return of Kiké Hernández from injury, which could make Call, another right-handed-hitting role player, expendable. Multiple reports since have intensified these rumors, placing the 31-year-old in an uncertain position.
"I don’t know if it’s truth or speculation or whatever’s going on," Call told the California Post on Saturday, a year after his arrival in Los Angeles. "I don’t know. I’ve been trying not to think about it too much. But I love being here."
Call described his time with the Dodgers as "the best," highlighting his first postseason experience last year, contributing to a World Series championship, and being part of the team's bid for a historic three-peat this season. "It feels like it’s been more than a year. It’s been a tremendous experience."
Despite limited playing time, with fewer than 200 regular-season at-bats in the past year and a below-league-average OPS+ of 94, Call has provided valuable contributions. He has hit .326 against left-handed pitching this year and demonstrated a knack for taking tough at-bats, with rates well above league average in chase, whiff, strikeout, and walk percentages.
"To be wanted by the best team, it’s really cool, really validating," Call said, reflecting on his acquisition last year. "And I’ve tried to just do my thing and continue to work hard and try to prove valuable to the team in whatever way possible."
Call acknowledged being initially surprised by this year's trade rumors but stated he understood the situation, even adopting a "GM hat" perspective. With Hernández back and other outfield prospects vying for opportunities, playing time has become more scarce for Call. The Dodgers also face a roster crunch this offseason, potentially necessitating moves.
Furthermore, the scarcity of right-handed hitters at this year's deadline could make Call, who is under team control through 2029, an attractive acquisition for other contenders needing outfield depth.
"I’m not overthinking it," Call said. "But if you just look at things, I mean, I guess you could make an argument a certain way or whatever. But you try to just play baseball and, again, make yourself valuable to the team in whatever role it is."
Call confirmed he has not discussed his status with the club's front office, including president of baseball operations Andrew Friedman. Manager Dave Roberts also stated he has not spoken with potential trade candidates, though he acknowledged Call's limited playing time recently. "He’s been such a great teammate," Roberts said. "I love the player, love the guy. But I’m just trying to get Kiké back in the mix, and with what Miggy [Rojas] has done all year for us — there’s certain guys that play every day."
Roberts characterized the situation as a "blessing and curse of having a really talented roster." For Call, the approaching deadline brings an unwanted period of waiting. "Just trying to keep going," he said. "And then get past Monday and see what happens."