After the Los Angeles Dodgers won the 2020 World Series they went out and signed Trevor Bauer to what was a record-setting contract at the time in effort to solidify their pursuit of becoming back-to-back champions.
The Bauer signing was ultimately done in by sexual assault allegations that cut his Dodgers career to just 17 starts, and the team later was eliminated by the Atlanta Braves in the National League Championship Series.
Following their 2024 World Series win, the Dodgers flex their financial might to add Blake Snell, Tanner Scott and Kirby Yates, while also re-signing the likes of Teoscar Hernández and Blake Treinen. On-field results from that group varied, but the Dodgers became MLB’s first repeat champion in 25 years and seemingly solidified themselves as a dynasty.
Now as the Dodgers look to three-peat, general manager Brandon Gomes shed some insight into the deliberate approach the front office will take when evaluating additions for their 2026 roster, per Jack Harris of the L.A. Times:
“By being aggressive over the last couple offseasons, we do have a very, very good core in place,” Gomes said. “So it’s continuing to fine-tune and look at what the weaknesses on the roster are and try to address those … It’s being very targeted in who we go out and look to acquire. I think that holds true across the board, without many glaring holes.”
As it currently stands, the Dodgers’ biggest areas that need to be addressed are left field and their bullpen. Decisions also need to be made with their bench, as Kiké Hernández and Miguel Rojas are free agents.
Ryan Ward is thought to be among the internal options under consideration, as he could form a platoon with Alex Call.
As for the bullpen, the Dodgers appear to have their sights set on acquiring a right-handed relief pitcher for late-game situations. Yates is a free agent and doesn’t figure to return, and Treinen is coming off an inconsistent season.
Brusdar Graterol should be recovered from right shoulder surgery, though the Dodgers won’t have Evan Phillips until some time in the middle of the season or later as he rehabs from Tommy John surgery.
Dodgers bullpen targets
The Dodgers reportedly are among the teams interested in New York Yankees free agent Devin Williams, and there’s widespread belief they may be involved for Pete Fairbanks after the Tampa Bay Rays declined their $11 million team option for 2026.
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