The Los Angeles Dodgers are built to last. Despite numerous injuries this season, LA holds a commanding lead in the NL West as of this story's publication. However, they have World Series aspirations. Many question the legitimacy of their 2020 World Series which came during a shortened 60-game campaign. The Dodgers are proud of that World Series… but they certainly want to add another Fall Classic victory to the mantle.

However, the Dodgers are not a perfect team. Yes, they feature an incredibly deep lineup. But there are question marks on this roster. Let's take a look at the Dodgers 2 biggest needs ahead of the 2022 MLB trade deadline

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2 biggest Dodgers' needs ahead of 2022 MLB trade deadline

Bullpen

The Dodgers own the second best team ERA in MLB. Their starting pitching is elite despite Walker Buehler's injury. And the bullpen is solid as well. But they would benefit from relief help.

Closer Craig Kimbrel has an ERA north of 4.30 so far in 2022. He has gone 15 for 18 in save opportunities, but he isn't exactly dominating the competition.

The rest of the Dodgers' bullpen has been pretty good. But LA should look into bullpen depth. Acquiring a star closer would alleviate pressure for Craig Kimbrel as well.

Someone such as David Robertson or David Bednar would make sense for LA. The Dodgers' main competition in the postseason will be the Mets, Braves, Brewers, Cardinals, and Padres. All of those teams feature strong pitching staffs for the most part. Teams such as the Brewers and Braves have reliable bullpens.

So the Dodgers' motivation to upgrade their relief core could simply be attributed to potential playoff matchups.

Outfield

The Dodgers have a deep lineup overall. But their outfield is surprisingly underwhelming from an offensive standpoint.

Mookie Betts is a superstar in every sense of the word. He leads the team in home runs and plays solid defense. However, Cody Bellinger continues to underperform. Bellinger is slashing just .210/.271/.380 as of this story's publication. The main asset of his game keeping him in the lineup is his defensive prowess in centerfield.

Chris Taylor has also underperformed and dealt with injuries. Taylor has spent the majority of his time in left-field but features a versatile skillset.

The Dodgers have outfield depth. Trayce Thompson and Jake Lamb are outfield alternatives. But the Dodgers might be interested in adding a star.

Los Angeles has one of the best farm systems in baseball. So they possess the prospect capital capable of catching potential trade partner's interests.

Andrew Benintendi of the Royals, Bryan Reynolds of the Pirates, and Brandon Drury of the Reds are all viable options for Los Angeles. Juan Soto is the dream trade candidate but the Nationals seem unlikely to trade him ahead of the 2022 MLB trade deadline. Nonetheless, acquiring an outfielder will likely be something the Dodgers attempt to do.

Final thoughts

The Los Angeles Dodgers are a playoff-bound team with a World Series ceiling. But upgrading in the bullpen and outfield would help matters down the stretch. Pitching is their most pressing need. LA can survive with Bellinger and Taylor in the outfield. However, the last thing they want to happen is for Craig Kimbrel to blow a save in Game 7 of a playoff series.

It will be interesting to follow the Dodgers trade plans ahead of the 2022 MLB trade deadline.