Improving the bullpen, a problem that dogged the Los Angeles Dodgers during the 2025 season, was the team’s top focus during the offseason.
Los Angeles managed to win the World Series despite the bullpen’s numerous issues. But coming into 2026, the front office was determined not to repeat the mistakes.
The big move for the bullpen was to sign All-Star reliever Edwin Díaz to a three-year, $69 million contract, giving Los Angeles a shutdown closer. However, Díaz was hit by the injury bug early in the season and will be sidelined for at least three months following surgery to remove loose bodies from his right elbow.
The Dodgers have had to rely on other members of the bullpen to fill in for Díaz. However, with this summer’s trade deadline approaching, Los Angeles may want to expand their bullpen in order to have extra insurance in case Díaz doesn’t return or isn’t the same when he returns.
Riley O’Brien, a right-hander for the St. Louis Cardinals, is one name that would be appropriate for Los Angeles. In fact, Jack Harris and Dylan Hernandez of The California Post have speculated that the Dodgers will try to acquire the hard-throwing right-hander.
Why the Dodgers Should Trade for Riley O’Brien
Given that St. Louis isn’t anticipated to compete, O’Brien would be an intriguing possibility for the Dodgers at the trade deadline. Despite their strong start to the season, many believe that the Cardinals will eventually falter.
O’Brien might be in high demand on the trade market, and the front office might want to make some moves as a result. Last year, the right-hander had a breakout season with St. Louis, throwing 48 innings in 42 games with an ERA of 2.06.
O’Brien began the season with an ERA of 1.17 over 15.1 innings of work, continuing his impressive performance on the mound. The right-hander dominates hitters with his devastating 98-mph sinker, which he combines with a slider and sweeper. He is in the 96th percentile of MLB with an average fastball velocity of 98.3.
The right-hander is under team control through 2030, and the Dodgers might leverage their robust farm system to persuade St. Louis to trade him. Los Angeles would have to pay a respectable sum to get a reliable bullpen asset that isn’t a rental.
Around the trade deadline, O’Brien is anticipated to be among the most well-known bullpen names. The Dodgers may be discouraged from pursuing the hard-throwing right-hander since they typically dislike engaging in trade bidding wars with other teams.
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