Dustin May remains a dependable arm for the Los Angeles Dodgers as their starting rotation experiences ongoing injury disruptions, yet his spot on the team appears increasingly uncertain. With the Dodgers adjusting their rotation amid the returns of key pitchers, speculation continues around Dustin May Dodgers trade rumors ahead of the trade deadline on Thursday at 3 p.m. PT.
Shohei Ohtani is progressing toward handling a full starter’s workload, and Blake Snell is set to be reactivated from the 60-day injured list this weekend. The Dodgers plan to use a six-man rotation, but with May and Emmet Sheehan both available, the team faces more starting pitchers than spots. Additionally, because May’s contract expires after the 2025 season, this has fueled ongoing speculation that the right-hander could be moved before the deadline.
Despite the swirling uncertainty about his role and future with the Dodgers, May has remained unfazed. According to Jack Harris of the L.A. Times, May commented on the trade rumors with a calm dismissal:
“Shocker,” he deadpanned earlier this weekend. “It’s there every year. It’s not anything new.” —Jack Harris, L.A. Times
Interest from other teams has intensified recently, with scouts increasing their evaluations of May ahead of the deadline. In his most recent outing, which was also his last appearance before the deadline, May pitched five innings against the Boston Red Sox, allowing four runs and taking the loss. He showed periods of solid command, including retiring nine batters consecutively and striking out five during that streak, but ultimately faltered in the fifth inning as the Red Sox took the lead.
For the current season, May’s record stands at 6-7 with a 4.85 ERA, a 4.69 FIP, and a 1.35 WHIP over 19 games (18 starts). He has established new career highs in games played, starts, and innings pitched, totaling 104 innings so far.
Background on Dustin May’s Trade Speculation Over the Years
The 27-year-old right-hander has been the subject of trade rumors involving the Dodgers multiple times throughout his career. Back in 2018, reports linked May to the Baltimore Orioles as part of a potential Manny Machado trade, though the Dodgers declined to include him. Early in 2019, his name resurfaced in trade talks connected to J.T. Realmuto.
During the 2019 MLB trade deadline, the Pittsburgh Pirates reportedly inquired about acquiring May as part of a package for Felipe Vazquez, but that request was rejected. May went on to make his big-league debut that same year. Following the season, the Dodgers were supposedly willing to consider offering May in a trade for Francisco Lindor.
However, in 2020, the Dodgers shifted their stance, showing a clear intent to keep May and young infielder Gavin Lux despite the trade interest in other major players including Mike Clevinger, Mookie Betts, and Lindor. At present, May is again viewed as a valuable trade asset as the Dodgers seek to bolster their outfield.
Implications for Dodgers’ Roster Amid Rotation Changes
The addition of Shohei Ohtani and Blake Snell to the rotation is reshaping the Dodgers’ pitching plans, causing a roster crunch that directly affects May’s status. With the looming trade deadline, the Dodgers appear poised to make decisions that could involve trading from their pitching depth to enhance other areas of the team. May’s combination of youth, experience, and upcoming free agency makes him a logical candidate for a trade aimed at securing an impact outfielder.
How the Dodgers manage their rotation and pitching staff in the coming days will not only determine May’s future but could also influence their postseason prospects. If a trade involving May occurs, it will mark another chapter in the ongoing saga of the Dodgers’ roster management amid a challenging and injury-affected season.