The Los Angeles Dodgers have made a trade to shore up their outfield depth, acquiring right-fielder Alex Call from the Washington Nationals, according to Jeff Passan of ESPN. In return, the Nationals receive pitching prospects Eriq Swan and Sean Paul Linan, the No. 16 and 21 prospects, respectively, in the Los Angeles farm system. This move comes shortly after they shipped James Outman to the Minnesota Twins in exchange for right-handed reliever Brock Stewart.
Report: Nationals Trade Outfielder Alex Call to Dodgers
The Los Angeles Dodgers are acquiring outfielder Alex Call from the Washington Nationals, a source tells ESPN.
— Jeff Passan (@JeffPassan) July 31, 2025
Under the Radar Move
The Dodgers have had a hole in the corner outfield for most of the year. It has been reported that they were inquiring about outfielder Steven Kwan from the Cleveland Guardians, but the asking price was sky-high. As a result, Kwan was ultimately not moved by the deadline. The Dodgers pivoted to Call, who plays right field. A right-handed hitter, Call has a batting average of .279. He has one homer and 26 runs batted in. His OPS resides at .870 against left-handed pitching.
Filling A Gap
It is easy to see to see Call platooning with left-fielder Michael Conforto, who has struggled this season in a Dodger uniform. However, Conforto had a solid July and his on-base percentage was tops on a team who found itself in the offensive doldrums this past month. As an added bonus, Call can play all three outfield positions. Flexibility is a virtue the Dodgers value. It would not be a surprise for the Dodgers to put Teoscar Hernández in left field and Call in right field on occasion. There is no doubt that Los Angeles improved their depth off the bench as well. He could provide offensive production against a high-leverage reliever in October. It is important to note that as of now, there has not been a positive update on Kiké Hernández and his recovery from the elbow injury he sustained.
Proof is in the Pudding
Dodgers President of Baseball Operations Andrew Friedman has pulled off some great deals in the past. We will have to see if these moves pan out as the season goes on.
Main Photo Credit: Rafael Suanes-USA TODAY Sports
