The Los Angeles Dodgers are expected to make a few moves this offseason, but the defending champions have been quiet early in the winter.
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The Dodgers’ only signing thus far has been the return of World Series hero Miguel Rojas on a one-year, $5.5 million deal. However, the front office is expected to address the team’s biggest needs in the outfield and bullpen.
While the Dodgers are in the market for a closer, LA’s plan to reinforce the bullpen is somewhat tricky. The Athletic’s Fabian Ardaya and Katie Woo explained why.
The team insiders revealed a key aspect of the Dodgers’ preferences in signing a reliever: “With the Winter Meetings set to begin next week in Orlando, the Dodgers’ work is far from done. Addressing the bullpen is a top priority. The Dodgers are firmly in the mix on that front this winter, as always. But their relief pursuits, as of now, are trying to thread a tight needle. They want to be engaged on several of the top relievers available on the market, league sources said, but have tried to stick to shorter-term frameworks.”
The remaining top free agent closers on the market are Robert Suarez and Edwin Diaz, and both stars are looking to sign long-term deals. The Dodgers have been linked to both relievers, but their desire to keep a deal short-term could prevent them from landing one of the coveted closers.
While the Dodgers became the first back-to-back champions in a quarter-century, the team won the World Series in spite of their bullpen. Last offseason, president of baseball operations, Andrew Friedman, did what he never does and spent big on a reliever. Tanner Scott was given a four-year, $72 million deal ahead of the 2025 season.
The left-hander led MLB in saves blown with 10 and did not throw a single pitch for the Dodgers in the postseason.
The Dodgers are now looking to bring in an external option to help mend one of the worst bullpens in the majors throughout 2025. However, it appears the Dodgers are looking to avoid another Scott situation and keep the deal shorter.
Both Suarez and Diaz are looking to land longer-term contracts this winter, which could dissuade them from signing with the Dodgers.
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