MLB free agency began the morning after the World Series concluded, which for the Los Angeles Dodgers amounted to eight players no longer being under contract.
The group comprised of Walker Buehler, Jack Flaherty, Kiké Hernández, Teoscar Hernández, Daniel Hudson, Joe Kelly, Kevin Kiermaier and Blake Treinen.
However, Hudson and Kiermaier have both announced their intention to retire after winning the World Series. Furthermore, Clayton Kershaw is now a free agent for the fourth consecutive offseason after declining his contract option for 2025.
Although free agency started on Oct. 31, it wasn’t until 2 p.m. PT on Nov. 4 that players could negotiate contract terms with all teams.
Current list of Dodgers free agents
Walker Buehler
Buehler returned to a Major League mound for the first time in nearly two years after recovering from a second Tommy John surgery and flexor tendon repair.
The right-hander struggled for most of the season but found a new gear in the playoffs, where he lived up to his reputation as a big-game pitcher.
At 30 years old, Buehler could be one of the most unique free agent cases this offseason. He’s thrown just 140.1 innings over the last three seasons but looked very much like the quality starter he used to be during the Dodgers’ previous trips to the playoffs.
Jack Flaherty
The Dodgers acquired Flaherty at the MLB trade deadline with the hope that he would stabilize their injury-plagued rotation.
Flaherty did just that and also continued throwing the ball well down the stretch, albeit with a few rough outings sprinkled in. The 29-year-old should have a robust market this offseason, but said his preference is to re-sign with the Dodgers.
Kiké Hernández
Hernández endured one of the worst offensive seasons of his career but turned things around in a big way during the playoffs.
The 33-year-old emerged as one of the Dodgers’ best hitters and helped improve his free agency stock. Given his ability to play all around the field, Hernández should be able to land a multi-year contract this offseason.
Teoscar Hernández
Hernández enjoyed one of the most productive seasons of his career and is now projected to receive one of the largest contracts for a position player this offseason.
The Dodgers extended the one-year, $21.05 million qualifying offer to Hernández, but he almost certainly will decline it to continue with his free agency. However, the 32-year-old has expressed his desire to remain with the Dodgers.
Joe Kelly
Kelly endured an injury-plagued 2024 season that saw him post some of the worst marks of his career. The 36-year-old will likely have to settle for a one-year contract in free agency to re-establish his value.
Clayton Kershaw
Kershaw was limited to just seven starts this season while recovering from shoulder surgery and later suffering a bone spur in his left big toe.
The three-time Cy Young Award winner is set to undergo surgery on his left foot and left knee this offseason, but already confirmed he will be returning to the Dodgers next year. It’s just a matter of when Kershaw will sign his new deal.
Blake Treinen
Treinen’s 2024 debut was delayed because of a lung injury, but ended up enjoying one of his best seasons ever after missing all of 2023 while recovering from shoulder surgery.
The Dodgers will likely try to retain the 36-year-old, but he should have strong interest from other teams in need of bullpen help.
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