Relievers are like Weed: The Best are Homegrown
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…
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.
The Old Bear Will Be Posting This Week… Stay Tuned!
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Discussion (91)
Disagree, not disagreeable
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!