The stove is sizzling and the temperature is rising. The offseason is officially here.
The Dodgers now own the exclusive mantra as the two-time defending champions of baseball, and they won their most recent championship with a glaring issue that the Dodgers tried to mitigate in the postseason. The Dodgers’ 2025 bullpen was undoubtedly the worst they’ve dealt with since the Frank McCourt era.
The Dodgers bullpen as a unit posted a 4.27 ERA in 2025, ranking in the bottom third in all of baseball. Among the 11 Dodgers relievers that pitched at least 25 innings in the regular season, six posted earned run averages over 4.50, with offseason signings such as Kirby Yates and Blake Treinen posting over a 5.00 ERA. And the $72 million contract they dished to Tanner Scott last offseason has failed to launch after its first year.
Jeff Passan of ESPN explains why the Dodgers don’t need to hand out an exorbitant contract to the likes of Kyle Tucker or Kyle Schwarber, but should rather address the current bullpen situation with a proven high-end closer, that being former New York Mets All-Star closer Edwin Díaz.
“While they have plenty of room to maneuver for a trade, the most obvious move is to hope the second time’s the charm in spending big money on a closer after Tanner Scott’s disappearing act this year.”
Last offseason, the Dodgers were in the mix for then-Milwaukee Brewers All-Star closer Devin Williams, but the Yankees got a deal done that sent left-hander Nestor Cortes and infielder Caleb Durbin to Milwaukee. After a tumultuous season that included a demotion from the closer role and the Yankees amending their facial hair policy due his grievances, Williams is now a free agent, and once again, the Dodgers are interested in him, reports Fabian Ardaya of The Athletic.
“Dodgers general manager Brandon Gomes affirmed Tuesday that the Dodgers could sign a reliever as they ramp up for a potential three-peat. Candidates include at least one familiar target already clear at this week’s annual general managers’ meetings in Las Vegas, sources said: two-time All-Star reliever Devin Williams.”
The Dodgers were interested in Cleveland Guardians outfielder Steven Kwan at the trade deadline this past season, and they will remain interested in him this offseason, notes Bob Nightengale of USA Today.
“They nearly traded him to the Dodgers at the trade deadline and Los Angeles will come calling again. The price-tag will be high, but the Dodgers certainly have the prospect capital.”