Dodgers eyeing trade for Guardians duo?

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July 30: Dodgers eyeing trade for Guardians' Bieber and Kwan
There have been recent reports from MLB Network insider Jon Heyman and The Athletic's Ken Rosenthal about the Dodgers' interest in Guardians star outfielder Steven Kwan (see below). But the left-handed hitter isn't the only Guardians player that L.A. is reportedly targeting.

MLB Network insider Jon Paul Morosi also reported Wednesday that the Dodgers have spoken to Cleveland about starting pitcher Shane Bieber. Acquiring the right-hander would represent a homecoming as he grew up in Southern California and was drafted by the Guardians in 2016 out of the University of California-Santa Barbara.

Bieber, the 2020 American League Cy Young Award winner, hasn't pitched in a big league game since April 2024. However, he is nearing a return to the Majors after undergoing Tommy John surgery. He looked sharp in his latest rehab start on Tuesday, tossing four innings of one-run ball on 57 pitches.

During Wednesday's episode of the Baseball Tonight podcast, ESPN's Jeff Passan said he is hearing Bieber's name "more and more" in trade talks. He also wrote that the Cubs are an option for the 30-year-old.

Bieber is earning $10 million this season and has a $16 million player option ($4 million buyout) for 2026.

July 30: Dodgers showing interest in multiple Gold Glove winners (reports)
Add another player to the list of Gold Glove winners the Dodgers are reportedly targeting. According to The Athletic's Ken Rosenthal (subscription required), the Dodgers are among the teams showing interest in Guardians left fielder Steven Kwan, who has taken home three Gold Gloves.

MLB Network insider Jon Heyman added that the Dodgers' trade package for Kwan could include rookie catcher Dalton Rushing, who was Los Angeles' No. 1 prospect last year and made his MLB debut in May.

Monday’s news that All-Star closer Emmanuel Clase had been placed on non-disciplinary paid leave through Aug. 31 as part of an MLB investigation into sports betting has caused the Guardians to re-evaluate their Deadline plans. According to Rosenthal, the loss of Clase has not only eliminated any chance of the 53-54 Guardians becoming Trade Deadline buyers but also increased the possibility of the club dealing Kwan (controllable through 2027). In fact, a source told MLB.com’s Mark Feinsand on Wednesday that Cleveland is “trying to move” both Kwan and right-hander Shane Bieber before the Deadline.

Heyman and USA Today's Bob Nightengale have also linked the Dodgers to Twins center fielder Harrison Bader, a 2021 Gold Glove Award winner and pending free agent. Per Nightengale, the Dodgers have shown interest in the Cardinals’ Brendan Donovan (controllable through 2027) as well. Donovan, who was named the NL’s Gold Glove winner at the utility spot in 2022, could play either second base or left field for Los Angeles.

Based on their targets, upgrading in left field -- where Michael Conforto has struggled offensively (.650 OPS) and defensively (-6 Outs Above Average) this year -- appears to be a priority for the Dodgers.

July 26: Dodgers wary of reliever market (report)
Addressing an earlier report that the Dodgers may be willing to move Dustin May, Ken Rosenthal of The Athletic (subscription required) confirmed that possibility on Saturday with a slight amendment.

While a trade involving May remains a possibility, the Dodgers would be much more inclined to move him to shore up their outfield, concerned about the possibility of overpaying for one of the few high-profile relievers who may be available. Speaking to reporters on Friday, manager Dave Roberts seemed open to the idea of shifting May to a bullpen role in the near future if and when Blake Snell and Roki Sasaki rejoin the rotation in the coming weeks.