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The Dodgers could look to move from within their own big league roster to address needs elsewhere before Tuesday’s trade deadline, and Eric Lauer appears to be a name in the mix. Per Dodger Blue, Lauer acknowledged he hopes to remain in Los Angeles but is realistic about the possibility of being dealt if it helps the organization fill holes heading into the stretch run.

Lauer joined the Dodgers in mid-May after spending the early portion of the 2026 season looking for an opportunity. The left-hander has quietly been one of the more interesting reclamation stories in the league this year. Before landing with L.A., Lauer had pitched for the Padres and Brewers, posting a solid stretch in Milwaukee from 2022 to 2023 before injuries and inconsistency derailed things. He’s a strike-thrower who works with a sinker-slider combination, and when he’s on, he keeps the ball on the ground and limits damage. His complete game shutout against the Mariners earlier this week was a reminder of what he’s capable of when everything clicks — nine innings, minimal stress, total command. That kind of outing raises your trade value considerably, especially for pitching-hungry contenders who need innings and stability in the back of their rotation.

From Lauer’s perspective, the comments feel genuine. He’s a veteran who’s been through the trade process before and knows how the business works. There’s no drama here — just a pitcher who’s found a good situation and would prefer to keep it, while also understanding that front offices have to make the moves they have to make. It’s a mature, no-nonsense approach, and honestly refreshing to hear a player be that straightforward about it.

For the Dodgers, the calculus is pretty simple. Lauer has value — both as a back-end starter and as a trade piece. With the rotation in flux thanks to the Ohtani pitching shutdown and Glasnow still working his way back, moving a reliable arm might seem counterintuitive. But if Andrew Friedman can flip Lauer for a meaningful upgrade at another position — catcher depth, bullpen help, or a prospect haul that addresses the future — it could make sense. The Dodgers have organizational pitching depth to backfill, and Friedman has never been shy about dealing from a position of relative strength to shore up a weakness.

I think Lauer has earned a longer look with this team, but the deadline is the deadline. If a deal makes the Dodgers better in October, you make it. Lauer seems to get that, and so should we. Keep an eye on this over the next four days.

Source(s): Staff (Dodger Blue) | First reported: July 30, 2026 4:57 PM UTC

God Bless and Go Dodgers