Dodgers trade deadline threats: ESPN eyes NL pitching gaps
ESPN says the Phillies, Cubs, Braves and Brewers are chasing the Dodgers as the Aug. 3 MLB trade deadline nears.
By Georgia Hale · Staff Writer
4 min read
The Dodgers trade deadline threats in the National League have a familiar problem: plenty of October ambition, and a lot of pitching shopping still to do.
ESPN’s Jesse Rogers identified the Milwaukee Brewers, Atlanta Braves, Chicago Cubs and Philadelphia Phillies as the NL clubs best positioned to challenge Los Angeles as the second half begins. According to ESPN, Atlanta and Milwaukee lead their divisions, while Chicago and Philadelphia hold the first two wild-card spots.
The Dodgers, meanwhile, are described by ESPN as rolling toward another NL West title with a 12-game lead over the Arizona Diamondbacks. Rogers reported that Los Angeles is likely headed for a 14th straight postseason appearance in 2026, which would match Atlanta’s run of 14 consecutive playoff trips from 1991 through 2005.
What do NL teams need to challenge the Dodgers?
ESPN’s deadline read is blunt: the Dodgers’ top NL challengers need arms, and in several cases more than one. The Aug. 3 MLB trade deadline is the point when contenders can add players from teams willing to sell, usually by swapping prospects or big-league depth for help now.
For the Phillies, Rogers listed starting pitching, bullpen help and possibly a right-handed outfielder as needs. Philadelphia’s playoff rotation begins with Zack Wheeler, Cristopher Sanchez and Jesus Luzardo, a trio ESPN described as strong enough for October.
The issue comes after that. ESPN pointed to Aaron Nola’s 5.82 ERA as a problem in 2026, and reported that Andrew Painter and Alan Rangel have not secured the fifth-starter job.
Rogers wrote that the Phillies could absorb salary on expiring contracts, naming Robbie Ray and Kevin Gausman as possible fits if available. Either would give Philadelphia a fourth established starter, a bigger deal if the NL East winner does not land a first-round bye.
The bullpen is also on the board after Brad Keller’s injury, according to ESPN. Philadelphia’s offense against left-handed pitching could push the club toward a right-handed bat, too: Rogers reported the Phillies have improved to middle-of-the-pack in OPS against lefties this month, but rank 28th for the season.
Cubs’ deadline wish list starts on the mound
Chicago’s lineup is not the worry in ESPN’s view. Rogers wrote that the Cubs’ position-player group is one of the league’s best and does not need obvious upgrades.
The rotation is a different story. ESPN reported that injuries have hit the Cubs hard, even as some players have started to return. FanGraphs gives Chicago a 7% chance of earning a first-round bye, according to Rogers, which makes depth for a long postseason path a bigger concern.
Matthew Boyd is pitching like a No. 1 starter and Shota Imanaga like a No. 2, ESPN reported. After that, Rogers said the Game 3 picture is unclear, with Jameson Taillon, Edward Cabrera, Ben Brown and Justin Steele among the options. Cabrera, Brown and Steele are still out because of injuries, while Taillon has returned with uneven results.
Rogers named Angels starter Reid Detmers as a fit because the Cubs could use a controllable pitcher for both now and later. League sources told ESPN that prices for that kind of arm are high, though Chicago has infield depth in the majors and minors to discuss in trades.
The Cubs’ bullpen is also bruised. ESPN reported that left-hander Hoby Milner, out with appendicitis, and closer Daniel Palencia, out with an elbow issue, are expected back in August, though Palencia’s health remains uncertain.
Braves could chase another October starter
Atlanta’s shopping list, according to ESPN, includes a playoff-caliber starter, hitting depth and bullpen help.
Rogers wrote that the Braves can reach the postseason with their current roster, but may need another October arm alongside Chris Sale if they end up staring across at the Dodgers. ESPN named Detroit Tigers ace Tarik Skubal as the kind of pitcher who would interest Atlanta if he became available, while also reporting there is no sign yet that the Braves would go all-in for him.
The Brewers are also in ESPN’s group of NL teams chasing Los Angeles, with Milwaukee leading its division as the deadline approaches. For the Dodgers’ pursuers, the theme is already clear: October dreams are expensive, and pitching is the first item in the cart.
This story draws on original reporting from ESPN.com.