Rumblings of a modest offseason for the Los Angeles Dodgers went by the wayside as they made a splash during MLB’s Winter Meetings in Orlando, Fla., by agreeing to a three-year, $69 million contract with Edwin Díaz.
The Dodgers reaching terms with Díaz came the morning after manager Dave Roberts voiced confidence in the team’s roster and said a “big splash” wasn’t necessary. Though, Roberts also noted, “Getting a high-leverage reliever is never a bad thing.”
Roberts additionally expressed optimism Tanner Scott will rebound from a disappointing first season with the Dodgers, shared an update on Tommy Edman, addressed Teoscar Hernández trade rumors and looked ahead to Shohei Ohtani playing for Team Japan in the 2026 World Baseball Classic.
Dodgers Winter Meetings news
Teoscar Hernández
Despite reports suggesting Hernández is on the trade block, general manager Brandon Gomes and Roberts both downplayed the potential of a move this offseason.
“Teo certainly fits. He’s helped us win two championships, he’s one of my favorites,” Roberts said.
Roberts did add it’s possible Hernández is moved back to left field, dependent on how the Dodgers’ search for an outfielder pans out.
Meanwhile, amid the public vote of confidence from the Dodgers, there continues to be a belief Hernández is seemingly available and the Kansas City Royals reportedly have interest in a trade.
Mookie Betts
Not that there was reason to believe otherwise, but Roberts confirmed Betts is going to remain at shortstop next season. Betts finished his first full year at the position as a Gold Glove finalist.
“Really proud of what Mookie did at shortstop. Even that last play in the World Series, he worked on that play a lot to not make that ball go arm side,” Roberts said.
“On the run, fielded, runner bearing down on you, to then throw it on the run and throw a strike to Freddie, that’s just a little snippet of his growth.”
Tanner Scott
Last offseason the Dodgers aggressively looked to fortify their bullpen by signing Scott to a long-term contract. But he had a career-high 10 blown saves this past season and didn’t throw a pitch for the Dodgers in the playoffs.
“I just think there were some things he kept under wraps about his body. I think the transition to L.A. and anything that could go wrong, went wrong,” Roberts said. “I just feel he works his tail off, he’s too talented, and his track record was nothing like last year. So I just think it was an outlier of a season.”
Shohei Ohtani
Ohtani is among the Dodgers’ confirmed participants for the WBC next year, and the team is hopeful that’s going to come only as a designated hitter.
But in terms of pitching for the Dodgers, Ohtani is in line to do so without limitations, although at times possibly receiving extra rest.
“I do feel that giving him six, seven, eight days off, to kind of allow him to continue to stay rested and build up, I think that’s something that’s in our process,” Roberts noted.
Tommy Edman
Edman continues to recover from offseason surgery on his right ankle that will likely have him limited at the start of Spring Training.
The operation, which Roberts said was intended to correct a “loose ankle,” should allow Edman to play center field more regularly if the Dodgers deem it necessary.
Gavin Stone, River Ryan
Given that the Dodgers will utilize a pseudo six-man rotation next season, it’s going to entail opportunities for the likes of Emmet Sheehan, Gavin Stone and River Ryan, among others. Stone (right shoulder) and Ryan (Tommy John) are both returning from respective surgeries.
“Two years ago Gavin threw the most innings as a starter for a championship team. River is very talented,” Roberts said. “I’m excited for River, excited for Gavin, because to see your teammates celebrate and go through what we went through, and not be able to participate, those are things we’re all betting on for their extra hunger to make an impact in 2026.”
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