Despite having the best record in baseball, the Los Angeles Dodgers and Andrew Friedman are far from satisfied.

As has been the case time and time again, Friedman will do everything in his power to improve the team’s outlook as a World Series contender. This year, the obvious hope is to become the first repeat World Series Champion since the New York Yankees won three in-a-row from 1998-2000.

Longtime MLB pundit Bob Nightengale of USA TODAY broke down the upcoming trade deadline. He riffed on a number of different topics involving a plethora of teams. The Dodgers naturally were mentioned. It comes to no one’s surprise to learn that the team, according to Nightengale, has multiple items on its agenda when it comes to personnel targets.

“They are seeking another outfielder with Michael Conforto’s struggles. They want another starter, and yes, Alcantara is the man they want. The Dodgers are always looking for bullpen help and would like another late-inning reliever like Rays closer Pete Fairbanks.”

TRADE DEADLINE RUMORS;

Updates per Bob Nightengale –
1. Dodgers seek starting pitching help and Sandy Alcantara is who they want.
2. Pete Fairbanks is bullpen depth, the Dodgers could consider targeting.
3. The Dodgers are looking for an outfielder with Conforto struggling. pic.twitter.com/cY9ZGDGHmm

— The Incline: Dodgers Podcast (@TheInclinePod) June 25, 2025

Despite a better run of form recently, Conforto’s struggles have been well documented. He’s hitting .176 on the year with six homers and 17 runs batted in. Dave Roberts still seemingly has faith in the veteran outfielder. Having said that, if Freddie Freeman and Mookie Betts are going to continue to scuffle, more length and depth will be required of the lineup.

Alcantara has been rounding back into the player that once made him considered to be among the best pitchers in the sport. While Alcantara’s numbers don’t look all that special (4-8 with a 6.98 ERA), the underlying analytics suggest a somewhat different story. He’s allowed three earned runs or less in each of his last four starts.

According to Baseball Savant, Alcantara is averaging 97.3 miles per hour on his fastball. Via a very firm sinker, he’s also getting a high percentage of ground balls.

With Blake Treinen and Brusdar Graterol still unavailable, it makes sense the Dodgers would have interest in Fairbanks. The right-handed closer has been terrific for the Rays this year — sporting a 2.03 ERA with 15 saves. Tampa Bay is right there in the mix for the AL East division title alongside the Yankees.

It remains to be seen whether the Rays would consider dealing one of their best relievers. At the same time, Fairbanks will be a free agent at season’s end, and trading him in order to pick up future assets would align very much with Tampa’s franchise philosophy.

More news: Will Dodgers Move Mookie Betts Down in Lineup Amid Struggles? Dave Roberts Answers

Photo Credit: Jerome Miron-Imagn Images

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