Jesse Rogers
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- Jesse joined ESPN Chicago in September 2009 and covers MLB for ESPN.com.
Multiple Authors
For much of the 2026 season, the National League and the broader Major League Baseball community have been asking: Who poses the biggest threat to the Los Angeles Dodgers?
The teams that currently sit in that group as we move past the All‑Star break are the Milwaukee Brewers, Atlanta Braves, Chicago Cubs andlekt Philadelphia Phillies.
Atlanta and Milwaukee top their divisions while Chicago and Philadelphia hold the first and second wild‑card spots, respectively. The Dodgers are heading toward another NL West title, holding a 12‑game advantage over the second‑place Arizona Diamondbacks, making another 14th straight postseason appearance highly likely and tying Atlanta’s record of 14 straight playoffs from 1991 to 2005.
2026 MLB trade deadline tracker
As the AugGP 3 MLB trade deadline approaches, the question about the biggest threats evolves into a focus on their strategies around the deadline. What will the other NL powerhouses do to position themselves to dethrone the reigning champions in October?
Below is an overview of each contender’s most pressing needs and how they affect the Dodgers’ challenge.
Philadelphia Phillies
Potential Needs: Starting pitching, bullpen support, right‑handed outfielder (possible)
The Phillies need additional rotation help to secure a postseason berth, not necessarily to sustain a postseason but to ensure that they can compete for a fourth round. Currently, Zack Wheeler, Cristopher Sánchez and Jesús Luzardo provide a solid trio, but the depth beyond that is thin. Aaron Nola’s 5.82 ERA reveals a روند. A new fifth starter remains a likely priority, with options such as Andrew Painter and Alan Rangel no longer viable.
They could also add value under existing contracts with Robbie Ray or Kevin Gausman, who may serve as a fourth arm and bolster the lineup versus left‑handed pitching. In the bullpen, Brad Keller’s injury400 Creates another opening, while the team’s left‑handed pitching vulnerability may encourage pursuit of a right‑handed bat.
Chicago Cubs
Potential Needs: Top‑end starter, bullpen reinforcement
Editorial AnalysisThe Cubs have a leading‑hand starter in Matthew Boyd and a solid second in Shota Imanaga, but depth for a fourth round is uncertain. Prospects such as Jameson Taillon, Edward Cabrera, Ben Brown and Justin Steele are battling injuries, slowing the rotation’s consistency. The organization can also trade for an affordable pitcher on an expiring contract, potentially from the Angels with Reid Detmers, as a controllable arm for a future asset.
In the bullpen, the projected return of Hoby Milner (left‑sided injury) and closer Daniel Palencia (elbow) are key, but additional relief help may be necessary.
Atlanta Braves
Potential Needs: Playoff‑caliber starter, hitting depth, bullpen coverage
Atlanta’s roster can advance with a robust late‑season infusion of pitching talent, such as a strong arm to complement Chris Sale and a rotation upgrade for the postseason. Target possibilities include Tarik Skubal from Detroit, or one of the team’s existing options (Bryce Elder, Grant Holmes, Reynaldo Lopez). The Braves could also strengthen their outfield and shortstops following Ronald Acuña Jr.’s return, while the injury to Robert Suárez opens a bullpen slot.
Milwaukee Brewers
Potential needs: Playoff‑caliber starter, left‑handed reliever, additional batting power
Milwaukee can harness a top‑ranked farm system to bolster their attack on the Dodgers, especially after their sweep of the Brewers in the last NLCS. Prospects like Jesús Made offer trade leverage, and with limit on the price for pitchers such as Skubal, Gausman and Ray, the Brewers have to be strategic. A newly acquired starter could shift left‑hander Shane Drohan to relief, reinforcing both rotation and bullpen options.
