The Los Angeles Dodgers completed a deadline day trade sending pitcher Dustin May to the Boston Red Sox in exchange for promising prospect James Tibbs III and outfielder Zach Erhard. Despite acquiring one of Boston’s top five prospects, ESPN analyst David Schoenfield assigned the Dodgers a surprisingly low ‘C+’ grade for the deal. The trade unfolded as the Dodgers adjusted their roster, aiming to strengthen their farm system while managing a crowded pitching rotation.
Roster Moves Lead to May’s Departure
Dodgers manager Dave Roberts had initially planned to shift May into the bullpen after the return of starting pitcher Blake Snell, which created a surplus in the Dodgers’ rotation. Given May’s limited appearances and injury history, the team opted to trade the two-time World Series champion. May’s struggles were evident this season as he posted a 4.85 ERA, with inconsistent performances and only two scoreless starts all year.
Details on Incoming Prospects Tibbs and Erhard
James Tibbs III, acquired from the Red Sox in the Rafael Devers trade earlier this year, has shown promise in the minors with a .760 OPS across two organizations during 87 games this season. However, Tibbs’ performance dipped after joining Boston, recording a .586 OPS in 30 games with the Red Sox’s minor league affiliates. The other addition, 22-year-old outfielder Zach Erhard, adds depth to the Dodgers’ farm system as they look to develop future contributors.
Mixed Reactions to Trade Grade and Team Strategy
The C+ grade assigned to the Dodgers has raised eyebrows, especially since the team exchanged a struggling pitcher for a high-ranked prospect. The move was also complemented by the Dodgers reinforcing their bullpen with Brock Stewart and bolstering their starting rotation with Blake Snell’s return, suggesting the front office aimed to balance immediate needs against long-term potential. Yet, uncertainty remains about whether the trade will ultimately benefit Los Angeles in the coming seasons.
Outlook for the Dodgers’ Future After Trade
As the Dodgers continue their MLB campaign, the impact of trading Dustin May for Tibbs and Erhard will become clearer. While this transaction adds talent to their farm system, the team has sacrificed some pitching depth, leaving fans and analysts to watch closely how these roster changes influence the Dodgers’ competitive window. The involvement of key figures such as Dave Roberts, Blake Snell, and new prospects will play a critical role in shaping the team’s trajectory moving forward.
“A C+ grade for a team moving an underperforming pitcher for a top-5 prospect seems unreasonable, especially because the Dodgers filled a hole in their bullpen with Brock Stewart and reinforced their rotation with Blake Snell, however only time will tell how this trade pans out for LA.”
—David Schoenfield, ESPN Analyst