Dave Roberts' wild MLB trade-deadline idea for Dodgers isn't realistic

Of all of the Major League Baseball teams who could be selling at the upcoming MLB trade deadline, Los Angeles Dodgers manager Dave Roberts may be leading the most surprising one on that list. Yes, the Dodgers, the team that entered Tuesday's play just a half-game behind the Milwaukee Brewers for the best record in the National League, may entertain the thought of selling before the Aug. 3 MLB trade deadline. At least that's a possibility, according to Roberts. "Personally, I don't see any glaring needs. I really don't," Roberts told Dylan Hernandez of The California Post. "I could almost argue that we’re sellers more than buyers." It's a wild thought for a franchise that has gone big at the trade deadline in recent years to bolster areas of the team that could use an improvement or two. However, with a star-studded roster, Roberts seems to indicate that his Dodgers are ready to go for their third consecutive World Series title even without reinforcements. A Shohei Ohtani knee issue that is keeping him off the mound? An injury to catcher Will Smith that caused him to be moved to the 60-day injured list on Monday, delaying his return until Aug. 5 at the very earliest? Questions about the health of starters Tyler Glasnow and Blake Snell? None of those things seem to push Roberts from his mentality that his team is equipped for the upcoming postseason war. Sure, all of the players mentioned above could, in theory, be back for an October Dodgers run, and perhaps that's the thought that has Roberts quite comfortable with what he sees inside his clubhouse right now. But could a new face come into the clubhouse before the trade deadline? Well, Roberts wouldn't exactly say if Tarik Skubal or any other big name would be wearing Dodger blue in August and beyond. "I think we’re always kicking the tires," Roberts said. With the pitching injuries that have impacted Dodger veterans this season, there could be an extreme argument made that, with the experience gained by younger pitchers this season, Los Angeles could deal pitching before the postseason where the rotation shrinks. That, however, is a stretch. As is any thought that Miguel Rojas, Enrique Hernandez or another any Dodger position player with an expiring contract would be dealt. Los Angeles has already made one recent deal, swapping a pair of prospects to the Colorado Rockies in exchange for reliever Seth Halvorsen, who has MLB experience but will start his Dodgers career in Triple-A Oklahoma City. Could more deals that give the Dodgers depth without big money or contract commitments happen? That seems more likely than the Dodgers selling from their treasure trove of personnel riches. More must-reads: