The Los Angeles Dodgers remain one of the most fascinating teams in MLB as the Aug. 3 trade deadline continues to draw closer.

Rival executives continue to view Los Angeles as a sleeping giant capable of making another significant move at any moment despite already possessing the best roster in MLB.

The reasoning is easy to understand. The Dodgers are pursuing a place in history.

Winning a third consecutive World Series would place Los Angeles in exceptionally exclusive company. Only two franchises in MLB history have accomplished that feat: The New York Yankees, who achieved it on three separate occasions, and the Athletics.

Reaching that milestone would further strengthen the Dodgers’ legacy while enhancing one of MLB’s most recognizable global brands.

With those historic ambitions driving the organization, Los Angeles is expected to remain aggressive in its pursuit of roster upgrades before the trade deadline.

The Dodgers could use one more starter. Tyler Glasnow, Blake Snell, and Shohei Ohtani are sidelined, and Roki Sasaki and Emmet Sheehan struggled at times.

One player who has recently emerged as a potential target is New York Mets right-hander Clay Holmes.

According to Kiley McDaniel and Jeff Passan from ESPN, Holmes has a 90% chance of being traded before the deadline, with the Dodgers identified as one of the strongest potential landing spots.

McDaniel and Passan described Holmes as a postseason-caliber starter whose ability to generate ground balls makes him especially valuable in October. They noted that his ability to limit home runs would fit particularly well in the postseason. They also highlighted his outstanding performance before his injury as one of the few bright spots for the Mets.

“If he does move, Holmes is a playoff-caliber starter for all of the teams with interest, a groundball machine whose minuscule home run rate would play especially well in the postseason. Before he got hurt, Holmes’ 2.39 ERA was one of the bright spots in an eclipse of a Mets season,” McDaniel and Passan wrote.

Holmes is currently on the Injured List after fracturing his right fibula in May. He made his first rehabilitation start with Triple-A Syracuse on Thursday, an important step toward returning before the end of the regular season.

Before suffering the injury, Holmes had compiled a 2.39 ERA and a 1.10 WHIP in 52.2 innings over nine starts while recording 45 strikeouts against 18 walks. The two-time All-Star had developed into one of New York’s most reliable starters before being sidelined.

If the Mets become increasingly active ahead of the deadline, several veterans could become available.

However, Juan Soto, A.J. Ewing, Nolan McLean, and Carson Benge are all expected to remain untouchable, making Holmes one of the organization’s most realistic trade candidates.

His contract also makes him an attractive option.

Holmes is in the second season of a three-year, $38 million deal that includes a $12 million player option for the 2027 season. He is earning $13 million this season, making him a relatively affordable acquisition for a pitcher capable of performing near the top of a rotation.

Compared to someone like Tarik Skubal, acquiring Holmes would likely require a significantly smaller prospect package while still giving a contender a pitcher with considerable upside.

There is also the possibility that his financial commitment lasts only through this season if he declines his player option and tests free agency.

Holmes has earned respect throughout MLB because of his consistency, professionalism, and ability to perform under pressure.

He brings a calm presence to the mound regardless of the situation and has repeatedly demonstrated the confidence to challenge hitters in crucial moments.

Throughout his career, he has adapted to different roles while maintaining the same competitive approach, showing a willingness to do whatever his team needs to win.

Coaches and teammates frequently value his preparation, attention to detail, and commitment to continuous improvement. He’s a trusted veteran capable of contributing both on the field and inside the clubhouse.

Adding a pitcher with Holmes’ experience, leadership, and competitive mentality could provide benefits for World Series contenders that extend well beyond his production every fifth day.

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