Shohei Ohtani's return from Tommy John surgery has caught the attention of many, showcasing impressive pitches at 102 mph. However, the Los Angeles Dodgers still find themselves in search of a reliable starting pitcher. With options limited behind established stars like Clayton Kershaw and Yoshinobu Yamamoto, the team is eyeing potential trades. Tyler Glasnow, Blake Snell, and Tony Gonsolin are among the pitchers currently unavailable, complicating the Dodgers' pursuit for depth.

On the other hand, the Kansas City Royals, once playoff contenders in 2024, now struggle in the AL Central and wild card standings, prompting speculation around their key assets. Among those discussed is Seth Lugo, who has had a standout season and could be a prime target for the Dodgers. A proposed trade could see Lugo heading to Los Angeles in exchange for top outfield prospects Eduardo Quintero and Mike Sirota, enhancing the Dodgers' rotation as they gear up for a playoff push.