The Los Angeles Dodgers are considering using right-hander River Ryan as a trade chip as he recovers from Tommy John surgery. With a stacked rotation for 2026, Ryan's spot is uncertain, prompting speculation about potential deals to bolster the outfield. Manager Dave Roberts remains optimistic about Ryan's return.
The Los Angeles Dodgers boast a deep starting rotation heading into 2026, featuring stars like Shohei Ohtani, Yoshinobu Yamamoto, Roki Sasaki, Tyler Glasnow, Blake Snell, and Emmet Sheehan. This crowded lineup leaves little room for River Ryan, who is rehabilitating after undergoing Tommy John surgery in 2024 and missing the entire 2025 season.
Ryan showed promise in his brief 2024 MLB debut, making four starts with a 1.33 ERA over 20.1 innings before landing on the injured list in August. MLB.com's Sonja Chen highlighted Ryan's potential as a trade asset, writing: "As someone with tantalizing potential, but a limited track record and the uncertainty that comes after Tommy John surgery, Ryan could be an interesting trade chip for the Dodgers. Or they could bet on the exciting young arm they saw in 2024 becoming a valuable part of their rotation in the foreseeable future."
The Dodgers' primary need lies in the outfield, particularly left field, where Michael Conforto struggled in 2025 before entering free agency. Potential trade targets include Cleveland Guardians outfielder Steven Kwan and Boston Red Sox's Jarren Duran, both known for strong defensive skills and offensive contributions.
Despite the trade buzz, Dodgers manager Dave Roberts expressed confidence in Ryan during the Winter Meetings. "I'm excited for River. I'm excited for Gavin," Roberts said. "Because to see your teammates celebrate and go through what we went through and not be able to participate, those are things that we're all betting on for that extra hunger to kind of make their impact in 2026."
As the Dodgers aim for a three-peat, Ryan's recovery and performance in spring training will determine whether he stays or becomes part of a deal to address outfield weaknesses.
