Dodgers’ Bullpen Dilemma: A Look into Offseason Strategies

As the winter offseason approaches, Major League Baseball teams, particularly the Los Angeles Dodgers, are gearing up for potential roster upgrades. The Dodgers, fresh off two consecutive World Series appearances, are in a unique position. While their overall roster is solid, the bullpen, specifically the closer’s role, remains a focal point for improvement heading into the 2026 season.

Current Challenges with the Bullpen

A key driver for the Dodgers’ need to revamp their bullpen is the underperformance of Tanner Scott, whose $72 million contract last offseason marked a significant investment in relief pitching. Unfortunately, Scott’s results were disappointing; he recorded a 4.74 ERA during the regular season and converted only 23 of 33 save opportunities. In addition, his postseason participation was limited due to health issues, further complicating the team’s strategy. Coupled with Kirby Yates, who faced a tumultuous season that ended prematurely due to injuries, the Dodgers are left with questions about their bullpen’s effectiveness as they eye a third straight championship.

Considering Alternative Relievers

Despite the setbacks, the Dodgers still have a roster filled with potential. Scott will return, accompanied by key arms like Alex Vesia, who has proven to be one of the top left-handed relievers in the sport. Additionally, Blake Treinen is viewed as a candidate for a bounce-back season after struggling with injuries. The return of Brusdar Graterol and Evan Phillips also adds depth, with Graterol expected to make a full recovery from shoulder issues.

Yet, for a team with championship aspirations, these internal options may not suffice. As conversations heat up during the general managers’ meetings in Las Vegas, the Dodgers have set their sights on high-profile targets such as two-time All-Star Devin Williams. Despite a less than stellar 2026 season with the New York Yankees, his underlying metrics suggest he could be a game-changer for the team’s ninth inning.

The Williams Gamble: A Risky Investment?

The prospect of acquiring Williams presents a double-edged sword for the Dodgers. Historically, they prefer shorter-term contracts for relievers, recognizing the innate volatility of the position. Williams is expected to attract multiple suitors, with estimates suggesting he could land a multi-year deal worth over $20 million annually. The Dodgers must weigh their willingness to match these offers against their past experiences with high-priced bullpen contracts.

General Manager Brandon Gomes captured this sentiment, indicating that while the bullpen is not an immediate need, enhancing it could significantly benefit the team. The Dodgers will have to navigate complex market dynamics—matching other teams’ aggressiveness for relievers like Williams and Edwin Díaz, the latter of whom brings the complication of a qualifying offer.

Exploring Lesser-Known Options

As they strategize, the Dodgers have viable alternatives. Several other free-agent relievers, like Pete Fairbanks and Raisel Iglesias, could provide the short-term upgrades the team is looking for in the bullpen. Fairbanks boasts an impressive 2.98 ERA over the past three years, while Iglesias has amassed 96 saves with a 2.62 ERA, making both players worth considering.

Additionally, familiar names linked to the Dodgers in rumor mills, such as former Padres closer Robert Suarez and Cardinals’ Ryan Helsley, could also comprise a developing trade market strategy. The question remains whether the Dodgers will explore trades or stick to their internal candidates, especially given that their current bullpen depth allows them some leeway.

Strategy and Risk Management

In conclusion, the Dodgers’ predicament illustrates balancing risk and reward in the volatile landscape of bullpen investments. With an eye on making another championship run, they need to strategically assess their options, weighing both short-term fixes and long-term commitments. As they continue their search for the right fit, the choices they make this offseason will significantly impact their roster moving into 2026.

Maintaining competitive performance in the bullpen is essential for the Dodgers’ pursuit of a World Series title. Whether through high-profile acquisitions or focusing on their established roster, the decisions made now could define the next chapter of this storied franchise. With the offseason unfolding, fans eagerly anticipate how the front office will navigate these challenging but exciting waters.