The Los Angeles Dodgers are now two-time defending World Series champions, having won their second title in a row in dramatic fashion during a seven-game instant classic series with the Toronto Blue Jays this past October and November.
Some see big-bat hunting as a formality this offseason for L.A., but ESPN’s Jeff Passan believes the only move worth making to further the push for a three-peat in 2026 would be signing Edwin Diaz away from the New York Mets.
“The team that has everything -- the stars, the rings, the money -- doesn't need more. That's not how the Dodgers operate, though. Los Angeles is always hunting for improvements, and this winter they are unlikely to come via a massive financial splash,” Passan wrote.
“The Dodgers are not inclined to go 10-plus years on Kyle Tucker, they don't need Kyle Schwarber and their starting pitching, with the return of seven pitchers who contributed in 2025 along with River Ryan and Gavin Stone coming back from major surgeries, is a strength. While they have plenty of room to maneuver for a trade, the most obvious move is to hope the second time's a charm in spending big money on a closer after Tanner Scott's disappearing act this year. Sign free agent closer Edwin Diaz.”
The New York Yankees could also consider stealing Diaz from the cross-East River rival Mets as an insurance policy for David Bednar at the back of the bullpen, per NBC Sports’ D.J. Short.
While Short downplayed the Yankees’ Diaz pursuit as a “luxury,” the front office may be ready for a spending spree not seen in New York since 2014 after another disappointing early exit. If any team embraces luxury historically, it’s the Yankees.
Getting at the Mets by stealing their long-time closer and bolstering a bullpen that’s long been the bane of the Bronx Bombers’ existence would be a major win for Brian Cashman, but Andrew Friedman could further show the Yanks that Dodger blue is the new face of free agent spending by poaching the Pinstripes' poach plan.
The Dodgers could then continue to haunt Yankee fans’ dreams at night as they eagerly await World Series No. 28.