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LOS ANGELES — The Dodgers have traded right-hander Dustin May to the Boston Red Sox in exchange for outfielder James Tibbs III from the Red Sox, just minutes before the trade deadline on Thursday afternoon.
Tibbs III, 22, was playing for the Red Sox Double-A affiliate, Portland Sea Dogs. But it wasn't long before he was traded to Boston about a month ago in the Rafael Devers deal to the San Francisco Giants. Tibbs III was the 13th overall pick in the 2024 MLB Draft by the Giants. This is the third organization he's been part of this season, and he has a combined .232 batting average, 13 home runs, and 39 RBI and five stolen bases with a .760 OPS this season in Double-A.
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James Tibbs III hits a single for the Emeralds during the Eugene Emeralds home opener Wednesday, April 9, 2025, at PK Park in Eugene, Ore
While May's departure from Los Angeles marks the end of a nearly decade-long relationship between the fiery right-hander and the Dodgers — a franchise that drafted him, developed him, and stood by him through multiple injury setbacks.
May was drafted by the Dodgers in the third round of the 2016 MLB draft. With his long red hair and devastating sinker, he quickly rose through the minor league system. From the start, May stood out — not only for his electric stuff but for his fearless presence on the mound.
-544x306.jpg "Los Angeles Dodgers starting pitcher Dustin May (85) pitches against the Boston Red Sox during the first inning at Fenway Park.")
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Los Angeles Dodgers starting pitcher Dustin May (85) pitches against the Boston Red Sox during the first inning at Fenway Park.
May pitched at Fenway Park last Friday, throwing five innings and allowing five hits and four runs in his last start as a Dodger.
The Dodgers, widely expected to make a splash to bolster their bullpen and bench depth this year, instead dealt the 27-year-old May, once considered a foundational piece of their rotation.
May, who returned to form this season after competing for a rotation spot in spring training and winning it. May posted a 4.85 ERA in 18 starts with the Dodgers in 2025, flashing the elite velocity and movement that made him one of the most electric arms in baseball.