It has been a productive offseason for the Los Angeles Dodgers. They have plugged two significant roster holes, added to their depth, and tried to get healthy in abbreviated winter. Now, with Spring Training less than two weeks away, they have made it very clear that they are in pursuit of a three-peat. Here are the latest bits and pieces of news from Dodger Blue.

A Familiar Name

According  to Jon Heyman of the New York Post, the Dodgers have signed Ryder Ryan to a minor-league contract with a Spring Training invite. He will receive  an $800,000 bonus if he makes the roster during the season. He does have some big league experience as he has spent some time with the Pittsburg Pirates and posted an Earned Run Average just over 4.00. The right-hander features a moving fastball that hits above 94 miles per hour. Ryan joins his younger brother River in the organization. River made his own impressive debut with the Dodgers before being sidelined with Tommy John surgery. Don’t be surprised if we see them toeing the big league rubber in 2026.

 

Ryan Ryder to Dodgers. Minors deal for the RHP. MLB camp invite. $800K if in majors.

— Jon Heyman (@JonHeyman) January 30, 2026

Delayed Return

Blake Snell may miss Opening Day this season. Apparently, October baseball took a toll on the starter, and he may need more time to recover. This, however,  just may be a case of Los Angeles managing the veteran’s work load. Snell missed two months last year due to an ailing shoulder. However, when he came off the injured list, he was more than effective down the stretch run into October. While he may be ready at the start of the season, They may delay his return to preserve his arm for October. It appears the Dodgers pitching depth will be tested early.

A Definite Maybe

Dodgers President of Baseball Operations Andrew Friedman said that Tommy Edman is trending in the right direction. In an interview with Dodgers Territory, Friedman said everything looks good as far as Edman’s recovery from ankle surgery. Friedman added, they won’t know until the middle of February whether or not the 2024 NCLS M.V.P, will be ready for Opening Day. The utility player has battled an ankle injury for more than a year and a half.

Dodgers’ “Mr October”

The Los Angeles roster appears to be set, with one notable exception. Kike Hernandez will probably sign when the Injured List becomes available. With the roster already full, the Dodgers wouldn’t have to make room for him. Hernandez had off-season elbow surgery. The Dodgers will be patient in regard to his return as long as he’s ready for the stretch run later in the season.

Opting Out

Infielder Miguel Rojas will not play for his native Venezuela in the World Baseball Classic in March. The 37-year old was not granted the insurance needed. He joins Freddie Freeman who had previously committed to playing for Team Canada but withdrew for unspecified reasons.

NBC Appears Close to Getting their Man

NBC is hiring studio analysts for Sunday Night Baseball. They were reportedly interested in three-time Cy Young Award Winner Clayton Kershaw. The left-hander retired from the Dodgers last year after winning his third World Series Ring. Kershaw will remain busy as he welcomed his fifth child into the world, and committed to pitching in the WBC as well. Kershaw will be joining an All-Star Cast of Anthony Rizzo and Joey Votto on the set.

On paper, Los Angeles looks formidable. However, the season can be unpredictable. Let the games begin.

(Top Image Credit: JOE LUMAYA/SPECIAL TO THE STAR /

USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images)