Dodgers Stay the Course on Trade Deadline Moves as Max Muncy Nears Triumphant Return from Knee Injury…Read More…
LOS ANGELES – July 6, 2025 — As the Los Angeles Dodgers gear up for the second half of the MLB season, a welcome sight looms on the horizon: Max Muncy, the veteran slugger and cornerstone of the Dodgers’ offense, is nearing a return from a nagging knee injury that sidelined him for several crucial weeks. Yet even with the power-hitting infielder expected to rejoin the lineup soon, the Dodgers’ front office remains unwavering in its original trade deadline strategy — a clear sign that the team has its sights firmly set on a deep October run.
Muncy, known for his left-handed power and patient approach at the plate, has been rehabbing a torn meniscus in his right knee that he suffered in late May. While his absence was keenly felt, the Dodgers maintained their dominance in the National League West, leaning on their depth, young talent, and a red-hot Mookie Betts to keep the ship steady.
After participating in several simulated games at Camelback Ranch and completing a successful minor league rehab assignment with Triple-A Oklahoma City, Muncy is expected to return to the Dodgers lineup in the coming days — potentially as soon as this weekend’s home series against the Milwaukee Brewers.
“It’s been a long few weeks, but I feel good,” Muncy said earlier this week during batting practice. “The medical staff has done a great job with my recovery, and I’m just itching to get back out there and contribute. Watching from the sidelines isn’t easy, especially when you know what’s at stake.”
Muncy’s return provides a boost not only to the lineup, but also to team morale. Before his injury, he was slugging .490 with 12 home runs and 34 RBIs, and his veteran leadership has long been an intangible asset in the clubhouse. But despite his return, Dodgers President of Baseball Operations Andrew Friedman is not altering the team’s aggressive posture heading into the July 30 trade deadline.
Sticking to the Blueprint
According to multiple sources within the organization, the Dodgers plan to remain active in the trade market, targeting pitching depth — especially in the bullpen — and possibly a right-handed bat to strengthen their bench. While Muncy’s return restores balance to the infield, team officials believe that insurance against further injuries and postseason matchups remains a top priority.
“We’ve always said that you build a roster not just for 162 games, but for the month of October,” Friedman said in a recent interview. “Max’s return is fantastic news, but we’re not going to let that change our approach. The goal is to put ourselves in the best position to win a championship. That means being opportunistic and aggressive at the deadline if the right deals are there.”
Friedman’s words underscore a sentiment that has defined the Dodgers’ front office over the last several seasons — a willingness to trust internal development while remaining unafraid to make bold moves. That strategy has paid dividends, including the blockbuster acquisitions of Mookie Betts and Trea Turner in past seasons.
Trade Targets Emerge
Among the rumored names linked to the Dodgers are Detroit Tigers closer Alex Lange, Chicago White Sox reliever Michael Kopech, and Pittsburgh Pirates right-hander David Bednar. Additionally, the Dodgers are reportedly monitoring the availability of switch-hitting infielder Jeimer Candelario and Miami Marlins slugger Bryan De La Cruz — both of whom would offer lineup flexibility and depth.
Though the Dodgers boast a talented rotation that includes Tyler Glasnow, Walker Buehler, and Yoshinobu Yamamoto, questions linger about durability and consistency, particularly with Buehler recently returning from Tommy John surgery. Reinforcements in the bullpen — especially after the struggles of Yency Almonte and the injury to Evan Phillips — appear to be a pressing need.
Muncy’s return does ease the urgency to add another bat. Still, sources indicate that the team would not hesitate to explore upgrades at second or third base if the opportunity arises, especially if Muncy requires more days at DH to manage his workload.
Clubhouse Confidence Grows
Inside the Dodgers’ clubhouse, the mood is optimistic. Muncy’s return is being viewed not only as the resurgence of a key bat but also a psychological lift for a team that has been in a dogfight with the San Diego Padres and Arizona Diamondbacks atop the division.
“It’s great to see Max back,” said shortstop Gavin Lux. “He’s one of our leaders. He brings intensity, a great eye at the plate, and a calm presence. When he’s locked in, our offense just feels different.”
Mookie Betts echoed that sentiment: “Getting Max back is like making a trade without giving anything up. But we also know that this front office is always looking to improve. We’re excited to see what’s ahead.”
Looking Ahead
With the All-Star break fast approaching, the Dodgers appear to be positioning themselves for another run at the World Series. The combination of star power, organizational depth, and a proactive front office gives them one of the strongest profiles in the league. Muncy’s return adds to that momentum, but the Dodgers aren’t content to stand pat.
As Friedman and his team survey the trade landscape, fans can expect movement — but it will be calculated, strategic, and with the postseason in full focus.
Whether it’s Muncy sending baseballs over the fence at Dodger Stadium or a newly acquired arm locking down the ninth inning in a playoff game, the Dodgers are betting that this blend of return and reinforcement is their ticket back to the Fall Classic.
Leave a Reply