Los Angeles Dodgers pitcher River Ryan could be a potential trade candidate for the team, which is looking to add relief pitching and outfield depth.
Ryan spent the entire 2025 season rehabbing from Tommy John surgery, the procedure that tends to require the most rehabilitation.
He made his MLB debut in 2024, in the middle of the season after the Dodgers were hit hard by injuries, and he allowed just three runs in 20.1 innings.
Sadly, he could not make it to the postseason because of the injury, leading him to miss out on two straight World Series titles.
More news: Dodgers’ Use of Hyeseong Kim Next Season Greatly Depends on Spring Training Performance
Considering how poor the Dodgers’ bullpen was in 2025, Ryan would have gotten every chance to establish himself as a high-leverage arm.
Heading into 2026, he will be ready for Spring Training, though, according to MLB.com’s Sonja Chen, Ryan could be dealt as the team looks to address a pressing need. At 27, he is a valuable asset in the trade market as part of a larger package.
“As someone with tantalizing potential, but a limited track record and the uncertainty that comes after Tommy John surgery, Ryan could be an interesting trade chip for the Dodgers,” Chen wrote.
“Or they could bet on the exciting young arm they saw in 2024 becoming a valuable part of their rotation in the foreseeable future.”
More news: Former Dodgers Reliever Joe Kelly Reluctantly Reveals He’s Retiring From Baseball
Ryan is going to have a tough time cracking the rotation — a unit regarded as the best in baseball — though he would be extremely valuable out of the bullpen and could provide spot starts that help keep the starters healthy for October.
Manager Dave Roberts expressed his excitement about Ryan’s return to the team, hoping he is motivated by the success the team has achieved.
“I’m excited for River. I’m excited for Gavin,” Roberts said at the Winter Meetings.
“Because to see your teammates celebrate and go through what we went through and not be able to participate, those are things that we’re all betting on for that extra hunger to kind of make their impact in 2026.”
Photo Credit Kiyoshi Mio-Imagn Images
Have you downloaded the new Dodgers Nation app yet? Click here for Apple Users and here for Android Users to be a part of the redesigned app to give fans everything they need, all in one place. Don’t miss out on live GameCast with play-by-play, news and analysis, Dodgers Nation podcasts and videos, all the stats you want and more!
LA Baseball Report
Get the app for faster news
GET ×