The Los Angeles Dodgers always have high offseason expectations, with the ability to spend and a never-ending prospect pool, but things may not materialize.
The Dodgers are expected to fight hard for Tarik Skubal and entertain offers from key free agents Alex Vesia and Evan Phillips.
Other than those moves, the rest of their plan is uncertain.
Why the Dodgers may not be as active as expected
Some infielders may be attainable in the trade market, like Elly De La Cruz or CJ Abrams, along with some upper-mid-level pitcher options, an elite bullpen arm in Adrian Morejon, or some high-risk position players.
According to Alden Gonzalez of ESPN, offseason circumstances may leave the Dodgers without many clear paths to noticeably improve the roster.
“Outside of a pursuit of Skubal and a restocking of their bullpen — Alex Vesia and Evan Phillips are among their free agents, and the Dodgers will probably be interested in a reunion — there might not be a whole lot,” Gonzalez wrote.
“Even without Skubal, the Dodgers possess enviable pitching depth. Their entire starting lineup is under contract. And though their front office will spend a lot of time debating the merits of a younger position-player group, that might ultimately happen internally — with the likes of Josue De Paula, Alex Freeland and, when he recovers from elbow surgery, Dalton Rushing mixing in.
“Could a blockbuster deal for a young, controllable, upper-eschelon position player materialize? Certainly. But those are always difficult.”
Will the Dodgers really rely on their organizational depth?
James Tibbs, Zach Ehrhard, and Mike Sirota are all hitters who can provide slugging, improved speed, or both.
Then, Jackson Ferris, Adam Serwinowski, and Christian Zazueta are likely to be added to the 40-man roster and add some young life to the bullpen.
This is the crop of the most promising players who could legitimately step up and add different elements to an aging team, complementing their veterans.
The issue for the Dodgers becomes whether these players struggle to stick in the big leagues, or if some of their other veteran pieces continue to decline; the Dodgers will regret not doing more.
And with Shohei Ohtani pushing all his chips to defer his pay, the team faces consistent pressure and expectations to add highly prized players.
In 2027, however, as Gonzalez lays out, it may be easier said than done.
One Response
Morejon is a free agent, no trade required. He would be a terrific addition to the bullpen if Vesia doesn’t re-sign. If Vesia returns, adding Morejon puts the Dodgers in position to trade Tanner Scott, or Jack Dreyer. I think finding a RH hitting second baseman or shortstop should be at the top of the Dodgers to-do list.