Dodgers Trade Dustin May to Red Sox for Prospects

The Dodgers and Red Sox reportedly made a deal just before Thursday's trade deadline, sending Dustin May to Boston for two outfield prospects

Photo by Gene Wang - Capture At Media/Getty Images

July 31, 2025

The Los Angeles Dodgers and Boston Red Sox reportedly made a deal to trade Dustin May to the Red Sox in return for outfield prospects James Tibbs III and Zach Ehrhard. May, 27, was a third-round pick by the Dodgers in the 2016 MLB June Amateur Draft. Debuting as a 21-year-old, May brought nasty stuff with him, but went through periods of control issues, injuries, and unfortunate mishaps. One such mishap occurred when a piece of lettuce lodged in the hurler’s throat, requiring emergency surgery to save his life. Throughout it all, May showed flashes of brilliance. But the Dodgers seem to be tired of waiting and sent the righty starter packing as he heads into free agency in 2026.

Dustin May’s season is good enough for a -0.4 war, pitching to an ERA of 4.85 (84 ERA+) in 18 starts and a relief appearance. His ERA is currently the highest of his career. But in 104 innings in 2025, May struck out 97 batters, which amounts to an 8.4 K/9. Additionally, May is in the midst of the healthiest season of his career, already throwing almost twice as many innings as his second-healthiest season (56 IP). But his WHIP (1.346) is the highest of his career by far, stemming from a high H/9 (8.4) and BB/9 (3.7). Having stated the negatives about May’s season, Red Sox fans should know that this trade took Dodger fans by surprise. This is due to his flashes of brilliance. Dodger fans generally thought he would put it all together at some point. But that has not been the case yet.

Dodgers Return in Dustin May Trade

James Tibbs III, 22, is an outfield and first base prospect. The San Francisco Giants drafted Tibbs in the first round (13th overall) of the 2024 MLB June Amateur Draft. A slugger in college for Florida State, Tibbs smashed 55 homers in three seasons. He finished his third season with 28 bombs and a .363 average. His OPS that season was 1.264, and his OPS increased each season in college. His minors career is not as flashy, however. Across two seasons in the minors, Tibbs hit 15 homers in 112 games (427 AB). But his combined batting average is .234, and his OPS is .733. For Dodger fans, you should know that his OPS increased by .127 from 2024-25. If he can keep that pattern of improvement, he could end up being a slugger in the majors. But he’ll likely have to work on his power stroke before then.

If you think the James Tibbs name sounds familiar, it should. Tibbs was a part of the surprising deal that sent star third baseman Rafael Devers to the Giants. Prior to that move, Tibbs was the No. 4 prospect in the Giants’ system. After the trade, he was the No. 5 prospect in the Red Sox system.

Zach Ehrhard

Zach Ehrhard, 22, was drafted by the Red Sox in the 13th round of the 2021 MLB June Amateur Draft. Ehrhard has speed and has shown an ability to hit for average. After a miserable first pro season at High-A Greenville, where he batted .156 with an OPS of .459, Ehrhard has turned it around in 2025. This season, he’s batting .270 while splitting time between High-A and Double-A Portland. His OPS is up to .805. He’s launched nine homers, 23 doubles, and swiped 23 bags. Additionally, he’s had zero fielding errors during his pro career (110 games). Ehrhard is the No. 27 prospect in the Red Sox system.

Which Team Won the Dustin May Trade?

This trade looks like it can be good for both teams. The Red Sox get a starting pitcher with nasty stuff, and the Dodgers get a couple of 22-year-old outfield prospects, one with pop and the other with speed. But the Red Sox would probably have to re-sign May, and whether they do or do not do that, he would have to perform well in order for it to be a good trade.