{"id":838731,"date":"2026-10-27T05:33:14","date_gmt":"2026-10-27T05:33:14","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.rawchili.com\/mlb\/838731\/"},"modified":"2026-10-27T05:33:14","modified_gmt":"2026-10-27T05:33:14","slug":"dodgers-free-agent-predictions-who-stays-who-goes","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.rawchili.com\/mlb\/838731\/","title":{"rendered":"Dodgers Free-Agent Predictions: Who Stays, Who Goes"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">LOS ANGELES, CA \u2014 The Dodgers entered the season chasing a third straight World Series title. That was always going to be difficult.<\/p>\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Many of the issues that hurt them during the regular season followed them into October, especially an offense that struggled to deliver timely hits. The starting rotation carried the club for long stretches, but even that group appeared to feel the pressure of pitching with almost no room for error.<\/p>\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Now comes an offseason that could change the look of the roster. Nine Dodgers are headed for free agency, six more are eligible for arbitration and the organization has already acknowledged the need to work younger players into an aging lineup.<\/p>\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Some choices appear straightforward. Others will hurt.<\/p>\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The largest decision involves <a href=\"https:\/\/www.baseball-reference.com\/players\/s\/skubata01.shtml\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener nofollow\">Tarik Skubal<\/a>, who cost the Dodgers premium prospects at the trade deadline and helped make starting pitching the clear strength of the roster. Bringing him back would likely require another major contract for a team that already has a significant amount of money committed to its rotation.<\/p>\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Here is who I believe the Dodgers are likely to keep, who they may let leave and which players sit somewhere in between. Arbitration salary projections come from <a href=\"https:\/\/www.truebluela.com\/dodgers-roster\/124780\/dodgers-roster-breakdown-2026-offseason\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener nofollow\">MLB Trade Rumors, as compiled by True Blue LA<\/a>.<\/p>\n<p>Dodgers free-agent predictions<a rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\" href=\"https:\/\/www.baseball-reference.com\/players\/s\/skubata01.shtml?utm_medium=linker&amp;utm_source=dodgersbeat.com&amp;utm_campaign=2026-10-20_br\">Tarik Skubal<\/a>: Make a serious offer<\/p>\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Skubal <a href=\"https:\/\/dodgersbeat.com\/skubal-and-kike-headlight-dodgers-2027-free-agent-class\/\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">headlines the Dodgers\u2019 free-agent class<\/a>, and the rotation would clearly be better with him. A full season of Skubal alongside <a rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\" href=\"https:\/\/www.baseball-reference.com\/players\/o\/ohtansh01.shtml?utm_medium=linker&amp;utm_source=dodgersbeat.com&amp;utm_campaign=2026-10-20_br\">Shohei Ohtani<\/a>, <a rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\" href=\"https:\/\/www.baseball-reference.com\/players\/y\/yamamyo01.shtml?utm_medium=linker&amp;utm_source=dodgersbeat.com&amp;utm_campaign=2026-10-20_br\">Yoshinobu Yamamoto<\/a>, <a rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\" href=\"https:\/\/www.baseball-reference.com\/players\/s\/snellbl01.shtml?utm_medium=linker&amp;utm_source=dodgersbeat.com&amp;utm_campaign=2026-10-20_br\">Blake Snell<\/a> and <a rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\" href=\"https:\/\/www.baseball-reference.com\/players\/g\/glasnty01.shtml?utm_medium=linker&amp;utm_source=dodgersbeat.com&amp;utm_campaign=2026-10-20_br\">Tyler Glasnow<\/a> would give Los Angeles another rotation built for October.<\/p>\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Still, the Dodgers do not appear to be in a position where they have to win the bidding at any cost. Their existing starters give the front office the ability to set a limit, make an aggressive offer and walk away if another club pushes the contract far beyond that number. Skubal should be a priority. He should not consume the entire offseason.<\/p>\n<p><a rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\" href=\"https:\/\/www.baseball-reference.com\/players\/v\/vesiaal01.shtml?utm_medium=linker&amp;utm_source=dodgersbeat.com&amp;utm_campaign=2026-10-20_br\">Alex Vesia<\/a>: Bring him back<\/p>\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">This one looks fairly simple. Vesia has pitched in leverage, misses bats and gives <a rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\" href=\"https:\/\/www.baseball-reference.com\/search\/search.fcgi?pid=roberda07,roberda05,roberda03,roberda06&amp;search=Dave+Roberts&amp;utm_medium=linker&amp;utm_source=dodgersbeat.com&amp;utm_campaign=2026-10-20_br\">Dave Roberts<\/a> a left-handed reliever who can stay in the game against right-handed hitters.<\/p>\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">His <a href=\"https:\/\/dodgersbeat.com\/alex-vesia-message-dodgers-future-free-agency\/\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">message after the season suggested some uncertainty about his future<\/a>, and another club could always offer more than the Dodgers are comfortable paying. But if the terms are reasonable, Vesia appears to be the bullpen free agent they should work hardest to retain.<\/p>\n<p><a rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\" href=\"https:\/\/www.baseball-reference.com\/players\/p\/phillev01.shtml?utm_medium=linker&amp;utm_source=dodgersbeat.com&amp;utm_campaign=2026-10-20_br\">Evan Phillips<\/a>: Bring him back with some protection<\/p>\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Phillips was uneven after returning from <a rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\" href=\"https:\/\/www.baseball-reference.com\/players\/j\/johnto01.shtml?utm_medium=linker&amp;utm_source=dodgersbeat.com&amp;utm_campaign=2026-10-20_br\">Tommy John<\/a> surgery. That was not unusual. His command improved as the season continued, the slider began producing awkward swings again and Roberts said in August that <a href=\"https:\/\/dodgersbeat.com\/dave-roberts-evan-phillips-turned-corner\/\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Phillips appeared to be turning the corner<\/a>.<\/p>\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">A reunion likely makes sense if the medical reports are encouraging and the contract protects the Dodgers against the risk that naturally follows a recent elbow reconstruction. They know how effective Phillips can be. They also know the recovery may not move in a straight line.<\/p>\n<p><a rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\" href=\"https:\/\/www.baseball-reference.com\/players\/t\/treinbl01.shtml?utm_medium=linker&amp;utm_source=dodgersbeat.com&amp;utm_campaign=2026-10-20_br\">Blake Treinen<\/a>: Likely move on<\/p>\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Treinen\u2019s seven-out performance in Game 5 of the 2024 World Series will always be part of Dodgers history. It also should not decide what happens next.<\/p>\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The combination of age, recent health concerns and the need to create opportunities for younger relievers suggests this may be the right time for both sides to move on. A short, low-risk reunion cannot be completely dismissed, but it does not appear to be the most likely outcome.<\/p>\n<p><a rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\" href=\"https:\/\/www.baseball-reference.com\/players\/g\/gratebr01.shtml?utm_medium=linker&amp;utm_source=dodgersbeat.com&amp;utm_campaign=2026-10-20_br\">Brusdar Graterol<\/a>: Likely move on<\/p>\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The arm still makes Graterol difficult to give up on. Availability remains the problem. He has spent too much time injured for the Dodgers to know what they can reasonably expect, and the club may decide that the 40-man roster spot is better used on a reliever with a clearer path through the season.<\/p>\n<p><a rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\" href=\"https:\/\/www.baseball-reference.com\/players\/b\/bubickr01.shtml?utm_medium=linker&amp;utm_source=dodgersbeat.com&amp;utm_campaign=2026-10-20_br\">Kris Bubic<\/a>: Do not make him a priority<\/p>\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Bubic gave the Dodgers another option after joining the team, although the current rotation makes his fit less obvious going into 2027. If his market falls and he is open to a short, team-friendly contract, the Dodgers could revisit the conversation. Otherwise, those innings will likely go elsewhere.<\/p>\n<p><a rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\" href=\"https:\/\/www.baseball-reference.com\/players\/l\/lauerer01.shtml?utm_medium=linker&amp;utm_source=dodgersbeat.com&amp;utm_campaign=2026-10-20_br\">Eric Lauer<\/a>: Move on<\/p>\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Lauer gave the Dodgers useful innings when injuries created openings. He did what they needed him to do. With the rotation in a different place now, Los Angeles will probably try to fill that role internally or look for a pitcher with more upside.<\/p>\n<p>Kik\u00e9 Hern\u00e1ndez: The difficult goodbye<\/p>\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">This decision will not be popular if the Dodgers make it. Hern\u00e1ndez has been instrumental during this run, particularly in October, and his value inside the clubhouse is difficult to measure from the outside.<\/p>\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">But the Dodgers had one of baseball\u2019s oldest starting lineups, and their comments since the season ended suggest they understand that has to change. Creating legitimate opportunities for <a rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\" href=\"https:\/\/www.baseball-reference.com\/players\/f\/freelal01.shtml?utm_medium=linker&amp;utm_source=dodgersbeat.com&amp;utm_campaign=2026-10-20_br\">Alex Freeland<\/a>, <a rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\" href=\"https:\/\/www.baseball-reference.com\/players\/k\/kimhy02.shtml?utm_medium=linker&amp;utm_source=dodgersbeat.com&amp;utm_campaign=2026-10-20_br\">Hyeseong Kim<\/a> and <a rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\" href=\"https:\/\/www.baseball-reference.com\/players\/d\/depaujo03.shtml?utm_medium=linker&amp;utm_source=dodgersbeat.com&amp;utm_campaign=2026-10-20_br\">Josue De Paula<\/a> may require moving on from a fan favorite. Unless another move creates a clear role, Hern\u00e1ndez appears more likely to leave than return.<\/p>\n<p><a rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\" href=\"https:\/\/www.baseball-reference.com\/players\/r\/rojasmi02.shtml?utm_medium=linker&amp;utm_source=dodgersbeat.com&amp;utm_campaign=2026-10-20_br\">Miguel Rojas<\/a>: Retired<\/p>\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">There is no prediction required here. Rojas retired after 13 major-league seasons and is expected to remain with the organization in a player-development role.<\/p>\n<p>Arbitration and non-tender predictions<\/p>\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The six arbitration-eligible Dodgers are projected to earn $12.9 million combined. Five of the decisions appear routine. The other is less about money than a place on the 40-man roster.<\/p>\n<p><a rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\" href=\"https:\/\/www.baseball-reference.com\/players\/p\/pagesan01.shtml?utm_medium=linker&amp;utm_source=dodgersbeat.com&amp;utm_campaign=2026-10-20_br\">Andy Pages<\/a>: Tender a contract<\/p>\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Pages is projected to make $4.9 million as a Super Two player. He established himself as an everyday outfielder and earned an All-Star start. Easy call.<\/p>\n<p><a rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\" href=\"https:\/\/www.baseball-reference.com\/players\/s\/sheehem01.shtml?utm_medium=linker&amp;utm_source=dodgersbeat.com&amp;utm_campaign=2026-10-20_br\">Emmet Sheehan<\/a>: Tender a contract<\/p>\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The $2.1 million projection is a reasonable price for a controllable starter who can miss bats. The Dodgers have learned repeatedly how quickly their rotation depth can disappear, which makes giving up Sheehan difficult to justify.<\/p>\n<p><a rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\" href=\"https:\/\/www.baseball-reference.com\/players\/s\/stewabr01.shtml?utm_medium=linker&amp;utm_source=dodgersbeat.com&amp;utm_campaign=2026-10-20_br\">Brock Stewart<\/a>: Tender a contract<\/p>\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Stewart\u2019s injury history creates some risk. At a projected $1.8 million, it appears worth taking. He can handle hitters from both sides when healthy, and keeping him would prevent the bullpen from losing too much experienced depth at once.<\/p>\n<p><a rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\" href=\"https:\/\/www.baseball-reference.com\/search\/search.fcgi?pid=callal02,call--001ale&amp;search=Alex+Call&amp;utm_medium=linker&amp;utm_source=dodgersbeat.com&amp;utm_campaign=2026-10-20_br\">Alex Call<\/a>: Tender a contract<\/p>\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Call posted a .349 on-base percentage in 88 games and is projected to earn $1.9 million. His role may become smaller if De Paula receives a longer opportunity, but his defense, plate discipline and remaining minor-league options give the Dodgers useful flexibility. Tendering him would not guarantee an Opening Day roster spot. It would keep the depth in place.<\/p>\n<p><a rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\" href=\"https:\/\/www.baseball-reference.com\/search\/search.fcgi?pid=stonega01,stone-001gav&amp;search=Gavin+Stone&amp;utm_medium=linker&amp;utm_source=dodgersbeat.com&amp;utm_campaign=2026-10-20_br\">Gavin Stone<\/a>: Tender a contract<\/p>\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Stone is projected at $1.2 million. After waiting through his recovery, the Dodgers are unlikely to give up a controllable starting pitcher over that salary. He may begin camp behind several rotation candidates, but the depth is still valuable.<\/p>\n<p><a rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\" href=\"https:\/\/www.baseball-reference.com\/players\/c\/cousija01.shtml?utm_medium=linker&amp;utm_source=dodgersbeat.com&amp;utm_campaign=2026-10-20_br\">Jake Cousins<\/a>: Non-tender<\/p>\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Cousins is projected at only $1 million, so the decision is not really about the salary. The Dodgers need space to protect prospects and evaluate younger relievers, and Cousins appears to be the most likely casualty. A return on a minor-league agreement could still be possible. A guaranteed 40-man spot feels less likely.<\/p>\n<p>Skubal could shape everything that follows<\/p>\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The Dodgers are likely to explore reunions with Skubal, Vesia and Phillips while allowing several familiar names to reach the market. That would not mean those veterans failed. It would suggest the organization is finally acting on its need to get younger.<\/p>\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">That change will require uncomfortable decisions. Hern\u00e1ndez is the clearest example. The Dodgers cannot create real opportunities for younger players if every roster spot continues to go to someone who was part of the previous championship teams.<\/p>\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Skubal remains the move with the power to shift the entire plan. If he returns, less money may be available for the lineup and bullpen. If he leaves, the Dodgers still have a strong rotation and more room to address everything around it.<\/p>\n<p>More Dodgers Coverage:<\/p>\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Have you subscribed to the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/@BleedLosPodcast\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener nofollow\">Bleed Los Podcast YouTube channel<\/a>? Ring the notification bell for player interviews, live shows, promotions and the latest Dodgers news and rumors.<\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" alt=\"Los Royers\" src=\"https:\/\/www.rawchili.com\/mlb\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/1793079194_112_b470f8af6718ad37354c896f3f75b33053baf989581bb0a09ff08d7af29474e0.png\"  class=\"avatar avatar-100 photo\" height=\"100\" width=\"100\" itemprop=\"image\"\/><\/p>\n<p>Related<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"LOS ANGELES, CA \u2014 The Dodgers entered the season chasing a third straight World Series title. That was&hellip;\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":838732,"comment_status":"","ping_status":"","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[2406],"tags":[101550,909,7526,1384,17431,5,6440,39,101551,101552,101553,101510,7907,2271,1523,2283,1165,4332,4333,774,57,3224,4331,4,61343,382],"class_list":["post-838731","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","category-los-angeles-dodgers","tag-2027-dodgers-offseason","tag-alex-call","tag-alex-vesia","tag-andy-pages","tag-arbitration","tag-baseball","tag-brock-stewart","tag-dodgers","tag-dodgers-arbitration","tag-dodgers-free-agents","tag-dodgers-non-tender-candidates","tag-dodgers-offseason","tag-emmet-sheehan","tag-evan-phillips","tag-gavin-stone","tag-jake-cousins","tag-la","tag-la-dodgers","tag-ladodgers","tag-los-angeles","tag-los-angeles-dodgers","tag-losangeles","tag-losangelesdodgers","tag-mlb","tag-non-tender","tag-tarik-skubal"],"share_on_mastodon":{"url":"https:\/\/channels.im\/@mlb\/117511245235022026","error":""},"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.rawchili.com\/mlb\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/838731","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.rawchili.com\/mlb\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.rawchili.com\/mlb\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.rawchili.com\/mlb\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/2"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.rawchili.com\/mlb\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=838731"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/www.rawchili.com\/mlb\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/838731\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.rawchili.com\/mlb\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/838732"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.rawchili.com\/mlb\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=838731"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.rawchili.com\/mlb\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=838731"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.rawchili.com\/mlb\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=838731"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}