The Los Angeles Dodgers could have a quiet offseason and still enter the 2026 season as World Series favorites. That, however, is not how LA operates.
The Dodgers have a few clear holes to address on the roster, namely in the bullpen which was a clear pain point for the team all season long.
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The Dodgers were able to mitigate those struggles by using starting pitchers in relief roles throughout October. However, over the course of a 162-game season, that won’t be a viable solution.
Thus, the Dodgers will use this offseason to address their bullpen’s shortcomings, and according to ESPN’s Alden Gonzalez, the team will go one step further and look to get a true ninth-inning option.
“A solidified closer, or at least one leverage arm capable of handling the ninth inning on a championship team, will be what they spend the most time on in the coming weeks,” Gonzalez wrote.
The Dodgers thought they addressed that issue last year when they gave Tanner Scott a four-year, $72 million deal. Instead, he blew 10 saves in 2025 and didn’t throw a single pitch in the postseason.
While the team is expecting a bounce back year from Scott, they know they can’t enter the 2026 season relying on him as the closer. Thus, they’ll look to add, and have plenty of options.
Free agency is rich with relievers, starting at the top with All-Star closers Edwin Diaz and Robert Suarez. One step below them is Devin Williams or Pete Fairbanks, and there are plenty of other options such as Kyle Finnegan or Ryan Helsley, among others.
The Dodgers would likely feel very confident with Diaz or Suarez as their options in the ninth inning. They would feel better than they currently do with Williams or Fairbanks, who will be available on shorter-term deals.
While the Dodgers reportedly feel confident in their relief depth heading into next season, one big splash could turn their bullpen into a presumed strength heading into 2026.
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Photo Credit: Brad Penner-Imagn Images
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