Despite winning back-to-back World Series titles, the Los Angeles Dodgers have significant deficiencies they need to address before the start of the 2026 season.
Armed with around $87 million in freed-up salary, the Dodgers are on the hunt for outfield and bullpen help.
They have several irons in the fire on both fronts, with reported interest in Steven Kwan, Kyle Tucker, Devin Williams and Pete Fairbanks, among others.
It has previously been reported that adding at least one high-leverage right-handed reliever is high on the Dodgers’ list of priorities.
With such a large amount of money to spend, the Dodgers are expected to come away with one high-priced reliever at the very least, according to Bob Nightengale of USA Today:
They’ll still be aggressive as anyone and will come away at the least with a high-priced closer.
Given their need and available options, it’s plausible one of Williams, Fairbanks, Edwin Díaz or Robert Suárez are with the Dodgers at the start of the 2026 season.
The Dodgers invested heavily into their bullpen last offseason, with the additions of Tanner Scott and Kirby Yates. While neither signing worked out in 2024, there is still plenty of time for Scott to improve, and a new role as a seventh- or eighth-inning pitcher could be beneficial.
While the bullpen was a major issue due to injuries and players underperforming, there is a decent chance both are corrected in 2026. A full season of Brusdar Graterol and Brock Stewart, improved performance from Scott, and the addition of a free agent could lead to a quick turnaround.
Dodgers rumors: Pete Fairbanks interest
Fairbanks became available in free agency after the Tampa Bay Rays declined to pick up his 2026 club option worth $11 million.
Fairbanks had a solid 2025 season, going 4-5 with a 2.83 ERA, 3.63 FIP, 1.04 WHIP and 27 saves in 60.1 innings pitched over 61 appearances.
The Dodgers are rumored to be among the teams expected to pursue Fairbanks this offseason. This is not the first time L.A. has been linked to the right-hander, as they reportedly had interest in acquiring him at the trade deadline.
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