Boston Red Sox acquire Dustin May from Los Angeles Dodgers ahead of 2025 MLB trade deadline

In a last-minute deal just before the July 31st, 2025 Major League Baseball trade deadline, the Boston Red Sox have acquired right-handed starting pitcher Dustin May from the Los Angeles Dodgers, sources confirmed to ESPN. The move aims to bolster the Red Sox pitching staff as they continue their push for a postseason berth.

Dustin May, who will turn 28 this September, has struggled to find consistency this season in Los Angeles. Through 18 starts and one relief appearance, May has posted a 4.85 ERA (84 ERA+) with 97 strikeouts and 40 unintentional walks over 104 innings pitched. This season marks a significant milestone as May attempts to rebound fully from Tommy John surgery sustained in 2023. Historically, May has maintained a strong career ERA+ of 113 across parts of six MLB seasons.

Despite these struggles, May has been durable this season, not missing a start for the Dodgers even as the team wrestled with injuries throughout its pitching staff. However, with Clayton Kershaw, Tyler Glasnow, and Blake Snell returning to the Dodgers' rotation, there was limited room for May going forward in Los Angeles.


Trade impact
The Dodgers, who hold first place in the National League West and are actively looking to strengthen their bullpen and rotation depth, decided to part ways with May as they prepared to integrate Blake Snell back into their starting rotation. May's inconsistent outings, combined with the Dodgers’ bullpen needs, led to the decision to trade him to the Red Sox.

Boston, on the other hand, sought to add a reliable arm to its starting rotation, particularly to address depth concerns in the No. 5 starter spot. May's upside and relative youth, alongside his recovery from injury, make him a potential asset for the Red Sox's pitching staff in the crucial run toward October.

Trade return and contract
Reports indicate the Dodgers received prospect James Tibbs III in exchange for May, although the full details of the trade package have yet to be fully disclosed. May is owed $2.14 million for the remainder of the 2025 season and will become a free agent this offseason, making his acquisition a rental-type move for Boston.