Dodgers Weigh Options as 2026 Season Approaches

The Los Angeles Dodgers enter the 2026 MLB season largely intact, riding the momentum of back-to-back World Series titles and a strong offseason acquisition in closer Edwin Diaz. With a full 40-man roster, the team could technically head into spring training unchanged, though general manager Andrew Friedman faces decisions on pitching depth, outfield upgrades, and potential star additions.

Los Angeles returns seven of its eight regular-season starters, minus Michael Conforto, widely regarded as an underperforming addition last season. The starting rotation is overflowing with talent, featuring Yoshinobu Yamamoto, Blake Snell, Tyler Glasnow, and Shohei Ohtani, with Roki Sasaki, Emmet Sheehan, and Justin Wrobleski competing for the fifth spot. The surplus of starters highlights the Dodgers’ strength but also creates a need for strategic roster management.

Minor acquisitions remain on the table, with outfielders like Harrison Bader representing potential upgrades. Bader could provide more pop alongside Andy Pages and Teoscar Hernández, while former Dodgers World Series hero Kiké Hernández remains a free agent recovering from offseason elbow surgery. Such moves would enhance depth without disrupting the team’s core.

Beyond minor additions, the possibility of adding a star player looms. High-profile free agents such as Bo Bichette, Kyle Tucker, or even former Dodger Cody Bellinger could be considered, though luxury tax penalties and public perception are deterrents. Still, LA has shown a willingness to spend when it believes a player can push the team toward another championship.

1. Pitching Depth and the Brock Stewart Factor

One of the offseason considerations involves former Dodgers and Minnesota Twins reliever Brock Stewart. Acquired in the 2025 trade deadline, Stewart was expected to stabilize the bullpen but ultimately pitched only 3.2 innings over four games due to shoulder issues, finishing with a 4.91 ERA and spending part of the season on the injured list. Prior to joining Los Angeles, Stewart had posted a 2.33 ERA over 77.1 innings with the Twins and allowed just six home runs across two and a half seasons. On paper, he seemed like an ideal addition for a Dodgers bullpen that struggled when starters exited in 2025, especially given inconsistent production from free-agent signings like Tanner Scott and Kirby Yates. Despite underperforming, Stewart represents a flexible asset. With the Dodgers’ young bullpen talent—Paul Gervase, Justin Wrobleski, and River Ryan—and an elite starting rotation already in place, Stewart may be expendable unless another team offers value in exchange. His World Series experience and prior familiarity with Los Angeles increase his potential utility should a return arise. Ultimately, Stewart’s limited 2025 usage and injury history make him a candidate for trade or minor roster maneuvering. Friedman’s decision will likely weigh the cost of keeping Stewart against opportunities to strengthen other positions or maintain financial flexibility.

2. Outfield and Minor Upgrades

While the starting rotation provides depth and reliability, the Dodgers are also evaluating marginal improvements to the outfield and bench. With Conforto gone, adding a player like Harrison Bader would bolster both defensive coverage and offensive production. Bader’s speed and pop could complement Pages and Teoscar Hernández, providing versatility late in games. Kiké Hernández remains another potential piece, though his availability is uncertain following elbow surgery. A healthy return would enhance depth in key spots without requiring significant financial investment. Such moves could ensure that Los Angeles is prepared for inevitable injuries and the long grind of a 162-game schedule. Even minor acquisitions carry strategic implications. The Dodgers’ front office must balance roster flexibility with payroll limits, all while protecting the core of returning players who drove the team to consecutive championships. These smaller adjustments, while less glamorous than adding a marquee free agent, could prove critical in maintaining consistency and giving the Dodgers an edge against deep divisions in the National League West.

3. Star Power and Competitive Strategy

Beyond incremental upgrades, the Dodgers have options to pursue elite free agents if they believe a player could meaningfully impact their championship chances. While Alex Bregman has already signed elsewhere, stars like Bo Bichette, Kyle Tucker, and Cody Bellinger remain on the market. Adding such a player would require careful consideration of luxury tax penalties and public perception, but LA’s history suggests it will spend when necessary to preserve a title-contending roster. Free-agent acquisitions could also provide insurance in case of injuries or underperformance in key positions, particularly in the outfield or bullpen. Overall, the Dodgers face a balance between maintaining continuity and making strategic upgrades. With their 2025 World Series-winning core largely intact and a roster full of young pitching talent, Los Angeles can afford to wait and make calculated moves while keeping championship ambitions front and center. Decisions on Stewart, minor acquisitions, and potential star signings will define how the team enters spring training, setting the tone for another highly anticipated season.