The Chicago Cubs have been actively seeking improvements to both their starting rotation and bullpen throughout the offseason, and while they’ve made some solid moves, they’ve missed out on a couple of high-profile targets. The Cubs were reportedly in the running for top free-agent reliever Tanner Scott and the highly sought-after international pitching prospect Roki Sasaki, but both players ultimately chose to sign with the Los Angeles Dodgers. With the Dodgers’ recent roster additions pushing them over the 40-man limit, they now need to make some roster adjustments, creating an opportunity for the Cubs to make a strategic move. The Cubs should consider targeting one of the Dodgers’ surplus arms, particularly starting pitcher Dustin May, who could be available for trade.
Dustin May, a former third-round draft pick by the Dodgers in 2016, has had an up-and-down career, mostly marred by injuries. After making his MLB debut in 2019, May showed promise but has struggled to stay healthy, never surpassing 15 starts or 60 innings in a season. He was expected to return in 2024 after recovering from right flexor tendon surgery, but a freak esophageal tear kept him out for the entire year. However, with a full year to recover, May is expected to be healthy and ready for the 2025 season. Given his injury history, the Dodgers might be willing to move him, especially considering their need to clear space on the 40-man roster.
According to MLB insider Bob Nightengale, the Dodgers are actively shopping some of their pitchers, including veteran Ryan Brasier, to make room for their new acquisitions. With May not fitting into either the Dodgers’ starting rotation or bullpen, the Cubs could seize the opportunity to acquire him. Although May has not proven he can consistently handle the workload of a starting pitcher, his skill set could make him an excellent fit for a backend bullpen role. Baseball Savant ranks May in the 91st percentile for fastball velocity, with his fastball sitting at an impressive 96.9 mph. Along with his fastball, May also offers a sinker, curveball, cutter, and changeup, giving him a versatile arsenal that could allow him to thrive in a relief role, particularly when many relievers only have a two-pitch mix.
By moving May to the bullpen, the Cubs could pair him with emerging closer Porter Hodge to form a dynamic duo. May’s electric fastball and Hodge’s devastating sweeper could provide a formidable one-two punch in high-leverage situations. Additionally, transitioning May to a bullpen role, where he would be expected to pitch shorter outings rather than start every fifth day, could help him stay healthier and more consistent on the field.
From a trade perspective, May’s value is lower than it could be due to his injury history, which presents an opportunity for the Cubs to buy low. The Dodgers have been trading away many of their prospects in recent years and could use an influx of young talent to replenish their farm system. The Cubs might be able to acquire May by offering a low-ranking prospect, such as infield prospect Angel Cepeda, the Cubs’ No. 24 overall prospect who is currently playing in rookie ball. Trading for May could be a low-risk, high-reward move for the Cubs, bolstering their bullpen without breaking the bank.
May’s current contract, which is worth just $2.135 million for the 2025 season, is also an attractive factor for the Cubs, as it wouldn’t strain the budget, which is always a consideration for the Cubs’ ownership. By acquiring May, the Cubs could add a potentially impactful arm to their bullpen at an affordable price, addressing a key area of need without overspending. If May can stay healthy and perform at his peak, he could prove to be a valuable asset to the Cubs’ bullpen, helping them compete in the National League and beyond.
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