Dodgers Announce Trade For Former AL East Top Prospect

Sep 18, 2025; Baltimore, Maryland, USA; Baltimore Orioles pitcher Chayce McDermott (59) throws during the seventh inning against the New York Yankees at Oriole Park at Camden Yards. Mandatory Credit: Daniel Kucin Jr.-Imagn Images

The righty had a 6.75 ERA in Triple-A over five appearances, getting off to a rough start. He has not had an ERA below 6 since his time in Triple-A back in 2024.

The Dodgers, however, still believe that McDermott could become something in their system. In the trade, Axel Perez, another right-handed arm, was sent to Baltimore.

Los Angeles had a spot open on the 40-man roster, meaning they do not need to make another move.

What does Chayce McDermott bring to the Dodgers?

McDermott is only 27 years old, and he had impressive minor league numbers before his 2024 major league debut.

He had a 3.10 ERA in 119 innings of work in both Double-A and Triple-A in 2023, and then a 3.78 ERA in 2024 in Triple-A.

Following his MLB debut, it looked like the Orioles had found a member of their pitching staff, but 2025 was horrible: he was shelled in the minors and in his rare MLB appearances.

His biggest weakness as a pitcher is his command, something the Dodgers tend to be successful at developing.

McDermott has recently built an arsenal of fastball, slider, and cutter, with his changeup and curveball moving to the side as he moved from a starter to a bullpen arm.

FanGraphs still believes that his command could improve late due to his athleticism, and his pitches can be quite good, though there has been a notable decline in his overall pitching.

He will likely pitch for the Dodgers at the big league level if injuries come or he impresses, which should give him a shot at reasserting himself as a promising major leaguer.