Los Angeles Dodgers President of Baseball Operations Andrew Friedman indicated the team is prepared to be active at the upcoming trade deadline, stating the club is "open-minded" to the possibility of acquiring a star-level player. Speaking on Wednesday, Friedman acknowledged the team's consistent strategy of participating in discussions for top available talent, without committing to specific moves.
"Any time one is available, we’re always going to participate in those conversations. We’ve shown to be very aggressive in the past," Friedman said. He emphasized that the Dodgers do not have "acute needs" and are confident in their pitching staff's health for the postseason, with players like Tyler Glasnow and Blake Snell nearing returns from injury. Shohei Ohtani's pitching status remains uncertain due to a knee injury, but Friedman expressed confidence in his recovery.
Despite the internal optimism about the roster, the Dodgers are reportedly considered serious contenders for Detroit Tigers pitcher Tarik Skubal. With Detroit fading from contention, Skubal is seen as a potential trade candidate. Friedman noted that the Dodgers' well-stocked farm system allows them to "talk to any team basically about any player."
Friedman reiterated the team's goal of putting itself in the best possible position to win, whether through opportunistic acquisitions or by maintaining flexibility. He suggested the team tries to avoid last-minute necessities but is positioned to act when opportunities arise. The Dodgers aim to enhance their chances for a third consecutive World Series appearance, with Friedman indicating a willingness to explore moves that could bolster the team, even if not strictly necessary. "We’re always of the mind of trying to do everything we can to put ourselves in the best position to win," he stated.