The Los Angeles Dodgers could once again look to strengthen their bullpen as the trade deadline approaches, with reports suggesting a potential blockbuster deal involving the St. Louis Cardinals.
After bullpen struggles throughout the 2025 season, Los Angeles made upgrading its relief pitching a top priority in the offseason. The team addressed that need by signing All-Star closer Edwin Díaz to a three-year, $69 million contract. However, Díaz has been sidelined early this season and is expected to miss at least three months following elbow surgery.
His absence has left the Dodgers searching for reliable late-inning options, and analysts believe the team could pursue outside help. According to projections from Jack Harris and Dylan Hernandez of The California Post, Cardinals reliever Riley O’Brien has emerged as a potential target.
O’Brien, a hard-throwing right-hander, has drawn attention for his dominant performances. He posted a 2.06 ERA across 42 appearances last season and has followed that up with an impressive 1.17 ERA over 15.1 innings to start 2026. Known for a fastball averaging over 98 mph, along with a sharp sweeper and slider, he has proven difficult for hitters to handle.
While St. Louis has started the season well, some around the league expect the club to fall out of contention, which could make O’Brien available. With team control through 2030, he would offer more than just a short-term solution for Los Angeles.
The Dodgers possess a deep farm system that could help facilitate a deal, though acquiring O’Brien would likely come at a significant cost. Additionally, Los Angeles has historically been cautious about entering aggressive bidding wars, which could complicate any pursuit.
As the deadline nears, O’Brien is expected to be among the most sought-after bullpen arms, and the Dodgers remain a team to watch in the market for relief pitching help.
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