The Los Angeles Dodgers have an abundance of starting pitching talent, making it easy to overlook some of their players, including Dustin May. Despite a solid 3.10 career ERA in 46 appearances, May has struggled with injuries, limiting him to just 191 2/3 innings since 2019. After missing the entire 2024 season, May isn’t expected to be part of the Dodgers’ 2025 rotation, prompting speculation that he could be traded in his final year of team control. Jim Riley of Ballcap Sports suggests that May could still be a valuable trade asset, proposing a deal where the Dodgers send May and minor-league third baseman Jake Gelof to the St. Louis Cardinals in exchange for Ryan Helsley.
Riley believes that May would slot into the Cardinals’ rotation, where they have a need, while Helsley, who had an impressive 49-save season in 2024, would strengthen the Dodgers’ bullpen, taking over as their closer. Helsley is also in his last year of team control, making him a short-term acquisition for the Dodgers, but he would immediately bolster their pitching depth. While this trade could benefit the Dodgers, there is some doubt about whether the Cardinals would be willing to trade Helsley for May and Gelof, given that May has just one year remaining and may not offer long-term value to a rebuilding Cardinals team. However, if St. Louis is open to the deal, the Dodgers should seriously consider pushing it through, as it would significantly improve their bullpen for the upcoming season.
