The Los Angeles Dodgers entered the Winter Meetings with major needs in their bullpen and outfield. One of those was filled by signing Edwin Díaz to a three-year, $69 million contract.
But even when the team still faced those question marks, the Dodgers already remained the betting favorite to win the World Series in 2026 because of their uber-talented roster.
While their group is full of All-Stars, it was also the oldest in the Majors last season and much of their core is getting up there in age. Dodgers president of baseball operations Andrew Friedman said it is something the organization is mindful of as they make decisions this offseason.
But Friedman noted because of the high expectations the Dodgers face going forward, they will have to strike a balance between a youth movement and building the best possible roster in the short-term, according to Bill Plunkett of the Southern California News Group:
“It’s front of mind for us as we look out. I wouldn’t necessarily say in 2026,” Friedman said. “But it is definitely something that we’re going to have to be thoughtful with how to bring along some of our talented young players and incorporate them into our core.
“That being said, it’s a constant challenge because we have the highest of expectations going into each season. But I do think it’s something we’re going to have to be deliberate and thoughtful about as we look out. That doesn’t necessarily mean Opening Day 2026.”
Friedman’s comments on the timeline for incorporating more young players onto the roster help explain why the Dodgers made a move to add Díaz.
He will be 32 years old by the time Opening Day rolls around in 2026, but the short-term nature of the contract doesn’t impede the Dodgers from finding a successor down the line.
The move signals L.A.’s willingness to further capitalize on their championship window while also building for the future.
Dodgers veterans still performing at a high level
While an aging core often signals the end of a team’s championship opportunity, the Dodgers have decided to continue to go all in while many of them are still performing at a high level.
Freddie Freeman, Max Muncy and Mookie Betts are some of the oldest players on the roster, and yet were still among the league’s best this past season.
At 36 years old, Freeman was ranked 10th in the Majors in terms of wRC+. The 35-year-old Muncy would have been mentioned in the same breath as Vladimir Guerrero Jr. in terms of wRC+ had he qualified.
At 33 years old, Betts regressed at the plate but put up a Gold Glove-caliber season at shortstop.
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