I just made that up. For the record, I have no clue if that is true or not… the part about weed! I don’t partake, though this damn hand-and-elbow surgery is making me re-evaluate my position. It is, however, true about relievers. The best ones are homegrown… and come next year, the Dodgers will have a semi-load! Let’s look at what we might expect.
Left-Handed Relievers:
- Justin Wrobleski – (He can start, but I think he has the makeup of a closer. Controlled through 2031)
- Alex Vesia – (The Dodgers picked up his option – Free Agent in 2027)
- Jack Dreyer – (He has become a solid part of the bullpen – Arbitration Eligible 2028 – Controlled to 2031)
- Anthony Banda – (He resurrected his career in LA, arbitration eligible – controlled until 2028)
- Robinson Ortiz – (The Dodgers protected him, and here’s why:
- Strengths
- Fastball: Sits in the 92-94 mph range and plays up with life, reaching up to 95-97 mph.
- Changeup: Considered his best and most reliable pitch, with a low-80s offering that has good fade.
- Delivery: Smooth and repeatable, with a compact delivery that some compare to Julio Urías.
- Feel for pitching: Shows an advanced feel for pitching and commands his pitches well.
- Makeup: An eager learner with a good makeup conducive to improvement.
- Weaknesses
- Slider: It’s inconsistent, sometimes appearing as a “slurvy” breaking ball that lacks a sharp break.
- Command/Control: Has had some issues with command and control, particularly when under pressure.
- Past Injuries: Suffered forearm issues in 2021, and his recovery and future durability are key factors.
- Overall
- Ortiz has the “stuff” to succeed at the upper levels of the minors, but he needs to improve the consistency of his breaking ball and command.
- If he can stay healthy and harness his full potential, he could become a solid mid-rotation starter, but I think he has “bullpen” written all over him.
- Strengths
- Tanner Scott – (Signed for three more years. I feel that he will recover his mojo and be a top closer)
Right-Handed Relievers:
- Ben Casparius – (he can also start, but I see him as a reliever… maybe a bulk one)
- Nick Frasso – (2026 will be an essential year for Frasso. Injury is his middle name. Will he ever reach expectations? I am starting to doubt it)
- Paul Gervase – (At 6’10”, he has incredible extension for his 94-95 MPH fastball. He also has three other pitches, and if he can improve his command, he will be a nice bullpen piece)
- Brusdar Graterol – (If healthy, the Bazooka is the Dodgers’ 8th inning guy)
- Edgardo Henriquez – (I think he will be utilized in high-leverage situations in 2026)
- Kyle Hurt – (This guy should excite you the most – He is a high-leverage guy)
- Will Klein – (His outstanding performance in the World Series earns him a spot – 100 MPH can’t be taught)
- Landon Knack – (Landon Knack should be traded – he could be a nice #5 on most teams, but isd blocked in LA – He should be traded)
- Bobby Miller – (There’s an outside chance he makes a successful transition to relief – most likely he will get traded)
- Evan Phillips – (He should be back in August, and the Dodgers may try to work out a multi-year deal with him, or he could be non-tendered. When Healthy, he is a closer.)
- Brock Stewart – (If he recovers, he’s a great asset to the bullpen.)
- River Ryan – (This is his year. He has closer written all over him).
- Roki Sasaki – (Likely he goes back to being a starter, but there is a sliver of a chance he stays in the bullpen another year).
- Emmet Sheehan – (Most likely, he will be a starter, but read on)
The Starting Rotation
The Rotation might not look the way we think it. Injuries happen, Ohtani may be on a different cycle, and Jackson Ferris may be given the opportunity by mid-season because the Dodgers need a left-handed starter. I can also see the Dodgers going after Shota Imanaga in an effort to get another LHP into the rotation. Here’s what the rotation looks like:
- Yamamoto
- Snell
- Glasnow
- Ohtani
- Sasaki
- Sheehan
Imanaga might fare better with his Japanese countrymen and on a six-man rotation. It depends upon his price. The drawback may be that the Dodgers would lose another draft pick and International Bonus Pool Money. Jackson Ferris may be far more likely… maybe by mid-season.
Discussion (34)
Disagree, not disagreeable
after dustin may trade the sox may never trade with the dodgers again! And no matter who they trade for or sign, Teo needs, no , has to go to left field!
From AI:
Yes, the Red Sox would trade Wilyer Abreu, especially if it means acquiring a key player like an ace pitcher. Abreu is seen as a trade candidate due to the team’s outfield surplus, though he is considered more valuable than Jarren Duran by some executives due to his defense and longer club control. The Red Sox have been linked to several trade partners, including the Reds, Brewers, and Pirates.
Duran is not an RF’er, and the Dodgers need to move Teo to LF. Abreu makes more sense, plus he is a Gold Glove in RF.
Sheehan for Abreu?
If not, trade for Wilyer Abreu and platoon him with Kevin Call in RF.
Bellinger is probably not a good idea. His defensive metrics in CF are down significantly. He had -3 DRS in CF last year vs +7 DRS in LF and +8 in RF.
Also his hard hit rate is down. His offensive numbers are misleading- and I expect a reversion to the mean
His bat speed is in the 20th percentile
His hard hit rate is in the 26th percentile
His exit velo is in the 24th percentile
No to Jansen. No to Grisham – he’s really not the hitter that he was last year for NY. Of available relievers, I am hearing that they have interest in Devin Williams and his under the hood metrics show that he really wasn’t bad last year – most of his runs were allowed in a 5 game stretch.
The Dodgers don’t need another corner OF. And his batted ball numbers suggest a decline in offensive performance.
Tony Gonsolin Elects Free Agency
“The Dodgers announced Wednesday that right-hander Tony Gonsolin went unclaimed on waivers and elected free agency. He was designated for assignment last week. Gonsolin underwent a flexor repair and internal brace procedure on his right UCL back in August. The procedure came with a recovery timetable of eight to ten months”.
Reds Claim Ben Rortvedt
“The Dodgers announced that catcher Ben Rortvedt has been claimed off waivers by the Reds. There was no previous indication that Rortvedt had been designated for assignment, so this drops the Los Angeles 40-man roster count to 39”.
Kenley was a great dodger. Kenley is 38 years old! Trienan is 38 years old. While not a great dodger, he’s been very good at times. We talk about the dodgers getting younger. Well another 38 year old reliever ain’t gonna make them younger. Kenley at 34? absolutely! … Rumor is they have significant interest in Devon Williams. Tanner Scott has 3 more seasons unless they can find another team to take him. Unlikely! He was awful for a while in new york. maybe he’s fixed, maybe he ain’t! Don’t need 2 of them! Although i do believe Scott will bounce back in 26. I say sign Suarez or Fairbanks, or both . Agree with Mark, sign Cody and call it a day!
No Bellinger, not Jansen, they were already, they already had a chance and let them go, and now go for them again? No!
Don’t base your opinion on the numbers they had last season and on other teams, in other divisions and in another league. One was on a team with no pressure, and the other played in a minor league stadium and faced many teams with small, minor league-style stadiums.
But in the end, it’s just my opinion and nobody cares, besides, it’s not up to me.
The Athletic:
They could be motivated to go with a short-term solution anyway, with an eye towards their future. Arguably, the four best prospects in the Dodgers’ well-regarded farm systems are all outfielders, headlined by Futures Game MVP Josue De Paula, who finished the season in Double A and is the closest of the bunch to the majors.
Zyhir Hope, acquired from the Chicago Cubs ahead of the 2024 season, also closed out this past season at Double A and has exploded onto prospect lists. Eduardo Quintero, a converted former catcher from the 2023 international class, had perhaps the best season of the bunch, with a .923 OPS at High A at just 19 years old. Then there’s Mike Sirota, acquired from the Cincinnati Reds in the Gavin Lux trade, who raked in High A at 22 years old and could move up quickly.
That’s my advice and sign Belli
The three highest-paid relievers in baseball this season — Díaz, the Houston Astros’ Josh Hader, and Tanner Scott — combined to throw zero pitches this October. The Dodgers, of course, won the World Series anyway.
– Fabian Ardaya
he would be in the same division! big difference.
29 & 98? i believe that would be an excellent addition to the Dodgers! what was Conforto? 13 & 30 something. Plus the defense? what’s it gonna take? 4 for 120? Either that or tucker 6 for 250 with an opt out after 2? Tucker probably gives them 35 & 100. And the Kwan rumors won’t die! Great defensive outfielder, great bat to ball skills, lacks big power. probably gives them 15&70. Not bad choices there! Don’t be surprised if the Giants don’t throw the bankroll at tucker! and if they don’t get him, they might overpay for Cody. Then there’s the Grisham rumors that won’t die. excellent defender. but it’s possible offensively he could be another conforto. PASS!! Harrison Bader? PASS. Bottom line? i’m good with tucker, kwan or Cody. i would really hate to see Belli in a giant uniform!
From SI.com:
Bellinger eventually left Los Angeles and signed a one-year deal with the Chicago Cubs as he aimed to rebuild his standing in the game. He earned a Silver Slugger award in 2023 and finished 10th in MVP voting, which secured him a three-year deal with the Cubs.
However, after the 2024 season, Chicago traded him to the New York Yankees, where he delivered another impressive season, which was enough for him to decide to opt out of the final year of his contract and enter free agency.
Now on the open market, MLB insider Jon Heyman believes a reunion between the Dodgers and Bellinger could be in the cards since Los Angeles desperately needs outfield help.
“He’s basically erased those two subpar offensive years, especially after showing in The Bronx he is again a terrific two-way player,” Heyman wrote in a story for The New York Post.
“The Yankees want him back, but the Mets, Phillies and his former Dodgers team also fit. He only says he wants to play for a winner, but hard to know if that rules out the Mets, who have openings at both CF and 1B.”
Heyman predicts that Bellinger will land a six-year deal worth $180 million in free agency.
While that is worth $30 million per season, it would be substantially less than what Kyle Tucker will likely earn, which could be a 10-year deal worth around $400 million.
Belinger posted a .272/.334/.480 line last season, hitting 29 home runs and driving in 98 RBIs. If he can replicate that production while continuing to display excellent defense, Dodgers fans will be more than happy to welcome him back, and he could become a key factor in securing additional World Series titles.
Dodgers signed C Eliezer Alonzo, who was in the Tigers system in 25. Most likely a depth piece at AAA where only Frank Rodriguez is on the roster. Alonzo is 26 years old.
Ardaya thinks there more of a chance that Ryan Ward will actually get a look in the OF than I do.
It’s gonna be interesting seeing that play out, if it does.
I also think Devin Williams could be a potential target? Maybe? Will definitely be a value signing! No qualifying offer, good underlying metrics and the Dodgers were interested in him in the past.
If I were king for a day, I’d offer Tucker a two or three year contract with a crazy annual salary. This would give the Dodgers a very good player while not blocking the path of the plethora of young outfielders in our system.
i agree wholeheartedly on Edman. Move him around in several different positions. He’s the ultimate utility player. He can play anywhere in the outfield. he can play anywhere in the infield. Signing either Tucker or maybe even Bellinger , moving Teo to left shores up the outfield defense. Edman, Rojas, and Kim take turns at second base. Let’s go!
I’m with you on Jansen. I even stood up for him during his off momenrs. Mariano Rivera had off moments as well. Jansen overcame giant obsticles to become what he was and is. What he gave to us was special. I’m not so much of a “what have you given me lately” kind of a guy. Just don’t break my heart. I hold grudges a long time as well. Vin calling Jansen’s immaculate closings were a very unselfish gift. My personal hall of fame ain’t in Cooperstown.
Once again, the pitching depth just seems ridiculous. And in addition to the names on the roster, we can be certain that the Dodgers will churn through some temporary help in the bullpen during the season, and maybe find another unpolished gem or two. And honestly, if the brass thinks another reliever is needed, why not Kenley? He was terrific in ’25.
But there are always injuries and guys who just go sideways. In ’24, the Dodgers desperately needed starters down the stretch, and sometimes relied on bullpen games. In ’25, the front-line starters finished healthy–but Tanner Scott, Kirby Yates and Treinen all disappointed. And Brock Stewart showed up and got hurt. Thank goodness Roki rode in to the rescue.
I hope the Tigers keep Skubal, and I hear that he’s happy there. But if they can’t come to terms, I think the Dodgers should join the bidding. The pitching depth could be used to create a six-ace rotation.
More likely, the pitching depth could help bring in an upgrade for the OF.
Perhaps the Dodgers could send a care package of talent to the Angels for Taylor Ward to take over LF. The Angels need a lot of help.
You know what John Belushi’s name was on Animal House?
Maybe he has been reincarnated back on LADT!
i liked williams. hart is funny , but in moderation. you seen his elf commercial yet? pretty good. Carol Burnette was extremely talented. Tim conway helped make her show a hit!
Bochy hired as a special assistant by the Giants.
belushi, john candy, and chris farley. 3 of the funniest people ever. there are no “funny “ people really anymore. some of the best comedians came through SNL. The chippendale skit with farley and swaze, the blue oyster cult , more cowbell! classic comedy
spoke for yourself! i have passed the moronic stage! but i’m very happy! 3 out of the last 6 years? how’s about 4 out of 7? sound good? Who’s with me? God i miss john belushi!
We are all morons.
JF made a good point!
Agreed we are not legit until the moniker “moron” has been bestowed upon us.
I will need to try harder!
As to Kiki – that is a hard one. He has been great for the Dodger’s but sooner or later they must start getting a little younger. No clue which way the team goes on this.
Would we have won this World Series without Kiki? Maybe, but good chance no. I would resign him, but I may be a moron. Are any of us certified LADT members until Mark calls us a moron at least once? I’m still waiting for the honor. I’ve tried a couple of times to coax it out of him with a questionable take or two but still waiting to be certified
i think they get a long look. But does AF believe Scott rebounds from a terrible season? Yates more than likely is gone. Phillips won’t be ready. Kopech looks as if he’s gone. The only move i can possibly see is Suarez on the pitching side, and an outfielder on the position side. Rojas , call, Freeland? , rushing, kim, on the bench. Maybe Edman too if they sign an outfielder. gonna get interesting!
It wouldn’t surprise me if the Dodger’s stand pat to see how their young relievers pan out in the 1st half of next year.
How can you not give Wrobleski, Klein and Hernriquez a long-look.
Agreed that they don’t bring both Kiki and Rojas back, at least initially.
I also think Kim should be given a good look at 2nd as he has some good skill sets that the Dodgers need, speed, great defense and left-handed contact hitter.
You forgot Treinen
I don’t buy cheeba, I grow it
don’t forget about Skrubal!! dodgers can put a package together that will make the tigers stop and pay attention! I’m just speculating after reading a couple rumors out there. boy would the crowd cry if that happened! By the looks of it, they really don’t need much pitching, BUT, we are talking about the LOS ANGELES DODGERS here. …. I believe they will make a rather involved attempt to sign Kyle Tucker though. Rojas looks like he may not retire after all. I don’t think Kike gets an offer, may later after spring training. They will almost certainly look into moving a couple of pitchers. Bobby Miller is probably at the top of the list. And if the right deal comes along, possibly Emmit could be moved. …. Suarez might come into play for the dodgers. Wouldn’t the padres just love that?
we moved on from Turner, Barnes, Taylor. Will Kike and/or Rojas be gone next year?
Bullpen is stacked.
Grab an impact OF, a utility guy & a couple depth arms.
Threepeat on lock.
He’s my #1 fantasy back. Lovin the Colts this year!