Riley O’Brien Could Boost Dodgers’ Bullpen

The Los Angeles Dodgers, who lead the league in wins, are looking to shore up a bullpen that’s been hit hard by injuries. With six relievers on the Injured List, including veter­ans Edwin Diaz, Brusdar Graterol, Bobby Miller and Blake Treinen, the team needs fresh arms for the stretch run. A potential addition could come from the St. Louis Cardinals in the form of right‑handed closer Riley O’Brien, who has posted a career‑high 22 saves this season.

Why the Dodgers Need a Stronger Bullpen

Los Angeles’ relief corps is currently anchored by left‑handed specialist Tanner Scott, but the depth has thinned dramatically this year. Right‑hander Edgardo Henriquez and lefty Alex Vesia are filling set‑up roles, yet Henriquez carries just 0.164 years of MLB service time, highlighting the inexperience behind the front‑line pitchers. The Dodgers have been searching for a reliable, high‑leverage arm to take pressure off their starters and close out games when needed. A trade for a proven closer could instantly improve their late‑inning efficiency.

The Cardinals’ Riley O’Brien fits that profile. He boasts a career‑high 22 saves for St. Louis and a four‑year club control deal that keeps him under contract through 2030, with arbitration eligibility arriving in 2028 and free agency not an option until 2031. According to si.com, O’Brien “has four years of club control left, so that alone makes him a good trade chip. He also can reach 100 mph with his fastball.”

Riley O’Brien’s Skill Set and Numbers

O’Brien relies on a straightforward two‑pitch mix: a sinker that tops out at 98.21 mph and a slider hovering around 81.92 mph. He throws his fastball 76.92 % of the time, a ratio that makes him difficult for hitters to anticipate. His 2.15 ERA and 1.09 WHIP in 67 innings at College of Idaho showcased a control‑oriented style long before he reached the majors.

After being selected by the Tampa Bay Rays in the eighth round, O’Brien signed for a $7,500 bonus and moved through several trades: to the Cincinnati Reds in 2020, then to the Seattle Mariners in 2022, and finally purchased by the Cardinals in 2023. He made his MLB debut with the Reds on September 28, 2001, and has spent the last three seasons posting steady relief work for St. Louis. His brief MLB service time of 1.129 years and his high‑velocity fastball make him an attractive asset for clubs looking for immediate impact without long‑term commitment.

According to mlbtraderumors.com in May, “O’Brien’s success is a big reason why the Cardinals are playing a bit above their heads right now.” The observation underscores how a reliable arm like O’Brien can lift a contender’s performance, a fact that resonates with the Dodgers’ current need for reliable late‑inning firepower.

Trade Deadline Outlook

The August 3 trade deadline presents a clear opportunity for the Cardinals to move O’Brien, a player who embodies the “solid reliever always in demand” profile. The Dodgers, already stacked with stars like Shohei Ohtani, still recognize that “pitching wins ballgames,” and a veteran closer who can reliably record outs could fill a critical gap. If the price is right for both clubs, the transaction could prove beneficial for St. Louis—departing with quality prospects—while instantly strengthening Los Angeles’ bullpen depth.

Entering the market with a four‑year club control contract and an emerging 100 mph fastball, O’Brien offers both present value and future upside. His blend of velocity, command, and cost‑controlled contract makes him a potential catalyst for any team seeking to tighten up its late‑inning options.

The potential acquisition of Riley O’Brien could instantly elevate the Dodgers’ bullpen, giving them a reliable arm who can hold his own in high‑pressure situations while the front office rotates prospects back to St. Louis. Both clubs stand to gain, as the Cardinals add talent for their rebuild and the Dodgers fill a critical void that has loomed larger with a roster already brimming with talent.