As the trade deadline nears, the Los Angeles Dodgers are focusing not only on pitching but also on upgrading their outfield, an area identified as a clear weakness. The team’s desire to bolster this position comes amid recent injuries to key players such as Max Muncy and Kiké Hernández, which have exposed the depth issues among their position players.
Reports indicate the Dodgers are actively pursuing outfielders, with Brendan Donovan of the St. Louis Cardinals emerging as a prominent trade target. The club looks to strengthen this area to improve both offense and defense heading into the crucial final stretch of the season.
Current Dodgers Outfield Performance Under Scrutiny
Statistical analysis points to significant challenges for the Dodgers’ outfielders. Collectively, they have a minus-9 Outs Above Average rating, placing them tied for 23rd in Major League Baseball. Offensively, the group is batting .242/.302/.424 with a 102 weighted runs created plus (wRC+), which ranks in the middle of the pack at 13th overall.
Michael Conforto, one of the team’s key outfielders, has struggled for much of the season, performing below replacement level based on both Baseball Reference and FanGraphs metrics. While Conforto has shown improvement in July—hitting .274/.328/.500 with a 131 wRC+—his season-long inconsistencies have prompted the Dodgers to seek alternatives to stabilize their lineup and outfield defense.
Interest in Brendan Donovan and Harrison Bader
According to Bob Nightengale of USA Today, the Dodgers are considering acquiring Cardinals utility man Brendan Donovan to address their outfield needs. Donovan’s versatility, having played various positions including second base and left field, combined with his left-handed bat, makes him an appealing target.
“They also are looking to upgrade their outfield with Michael Conforto’s season-long struggles and have expressed interest in Minnesota Twins outfielder Harrison Bader and Cardinals utility man Brendan Donovan.” —Bob Nightengale, USA Today
Fabian Ardaya of The Athletic added that Dodgers’ ideal targets include a left-handed hitter to enhance lineup balance, but improving defense remains a key priority as well.
“The ideal would be to add a left-handed-hitting outfielder, a league source said, though adding a solid glove to deepen their position player group … could also fit as the Dodgers seek upgrades.” —Fabian Ardaya, The Athletic
Harrison Bader, who bats right-handed and currently plays for the Twins, offers defensive versatility across all three outfield spots. Both Bader and Donovan bring youth and multi-positional skills, positioning them as strategic additions.
Potential Targets Beyond Donovan and Bader
Steven Kwan, a two-time All-Star and three-time Gold Glove winner with the Cleveland Guardians, represents another option for Los Angeles. As a left-handed hitter, Kwan fits the Dodgers’ criteria but comes with a steep asking price due to his age, proven talent, and years of team control remaining beyond the 2024 season.
Ken Rosenthal of The Athletic reported that the Dodgers, along with teams like the Blue Jays, Phillies, and Padres, are among those pursuing Kwan. The Guardians are prepared to demand significant value in return for the 27-year-old outfielder, considered the best position player available this trade season.
“The Guardians intend to set a high bar for their desired return. The combination of Kwan’s age, additional years of control and offensive, defensive and base-running ability makes him perhaps the best position player available.” —Ken Rosenthal, The Athletic
Jack Harris of the Los Angeles Times emphasized Kwan’s appeal but also noted the challenges in meeting Cleveland’s valuation.
“a dream target, albeit with the kind of hefty acquisition cost the Dodgers are unlikely to meet.” —Jack Harris, Los Angeles Times
Contract Details and Financial Implications of Trade Targets
Each of these trade options carries unique contract and salary considerations. Donovan earns $2.85 million this season and has two more years of arbitration remaining after 2025, making him a cost-effective, long-term candidate. Bader, by comparison, is earning $6.25 million this year and has a mutual option for 2026 worth $10 million, with a $1.5 million buyout that could increase based on playing time.
“$200,000 each for 400, 425, 450 PA. $450,000 each for 475, 500 PA.” —COT’S Contracts (on Bader’s buyout increments)
By adding a player like Donovan or Bader, the Dodgers would strengthen their outfield defense while preserving some payroll flexibility. Acquiring Kwan, while attractive, is expected to require a substantial package that may limit the team’s ability to address other needs.
Impact on Dodgers’ Roster and Future Outlook
If the Dodgers successfully add Brendan Donovan, he would join fellow Cardinals utility player Tommy Edman in making the move to Los Angeles, enhancing the team’s versatility. Increasing depth in the outfield is expected to provide both immediate improvements and future flexibility, especially with ongoing injury concerns.
With the team actively searching for reliable outfield options before the trade deadline, securing players like Donovan or Bader could help the Dodgers maintain a competitive edge as they aim for playoff success. The balance between offense, defense, and financial considerations will heavily influence the final moves made in the coming days.