MLB trade rumors: Los Angeles Dodgers could sign $3,950,000 New York Yankees starting pitcher to improve squad rotation and Championship odds | MLB News

What Max Muncy and Freddie Freeman did to spark an extra-inning win for Los Angeles Dodgers (Image Source: Getty Images)

The Los Angeles Dodgers entered the 2026 season as the betting favorite to win the World Series with +200 odds. Despite the strong roster, their pitching staff already faces questions before the season settles in.One issue is the absence of Blake Snell, who is expected to miss the early weeks of the season because of a shoulder problem. His projected return is late April. That situation has led to speculation that the Dodgers could look at free-agent left-hander Nestor Cortes as a possible depth option later in the season.Cortes, 31, remains unsigned in mid-March 2026 after undergoing arm surgery. If he returns to full health, he could become a midseason addition for a team that may need extra pitching while it manages injuries and workloads.

Los Angeles Dodgers rotation dealing with early depth concerns

The Los Angeles Dodgers still have a strong group expected to start the season. The projected Opening Day rotation includes Yoshinobu Yamamoto, Tyler Glasnow, Shohei Ohtani, Emmet Sheehan, and Roki Sasaki.Even with that group, injuries remain a concern. Snell will start the year on the injured list. Depth pitchers Landon Knack and Justin Wrobleski could be used if needed.Other pitchers are also working through issues. Brusdar Graterol has dealt with shoulder problems that have affected his velocity. Brock Stewart is still recovering from surgery. Gavin Stone recently had another shoulder setback.Because of those situations, the Dodgers may need additional innings later in the year. Teams that expect to contend often add pitching depth during the season to manage fatigue and injuries.

Nestor Cortes could fill multiple roles in Los Angeles Dodgers if healthy

Nestor Cortes is listed at 5-foot-11 and 225 pounds and is from Hialeah, Florida. Before the 2025 season, he had built a solid record as a starter.From 2021 through 2024, Cortes posted a 25.2 percent strikeout rate and was a regular member of the rotation for the New York Yankees. His most recent season was limited by injuries.In 2025, he appeared in only 34.1 innings while splitting time between the Milwaukee Brewers and San Diego Padres. The Dodgers could initially use him in a long-relief role if he returns around midseason, with the option to move him into the rotation if needed.

Cortes has performed well in the past against teams in the NL West. He also has a strong record pitching at Dodger Stadium.

Possible contract structure for a deal

Nestor Cortes is currently a free agent, so a trade is not required. One option would be a one-year deal worth about $6-8 million with incentives. That would be lower than earlier projections that estimated a three-year contract worth about $36 million.Signing Cortes would give the Dodgers another experienced arm without giving up prospects. He could work behind Yamamoto and Glasnow and help reduce pressure on relievers such as Tanner Scott and Alex Vesia.

Pros and cons of the potential move

Pros for Los Angeles Dodgers

• Adds a left-handed pitcher while Snell is out • Career ground-ball rate of about 45 percent fits Dodger Stadium • Low financial risk for a contending team

Cons for Los Angeles Dodgers

• Recovery timeline from surgery could push his return closer to August • Allowed 13 home runs in only 34 innings during the 2025 season • Rotation depth later in the year could limit his role

Also read: MLB trade rumors: Atlanta Braves could land $7.6 million San Diego Padres starting pitcher to bolster rotation and improve championship oddsIf Nestor Cortes returns to form, the Los Angeles Dodgers would gain another reliable arm for the second half of the season. For Cortes, signing with a contender could provide an opportunity to rebuild his value while pitching for a team with championship expectations.