TL;DR
- The Los Angeles Dodgers, despite being World Series favorites, identified roster weaknesses in 2025.
- They are targeting six premier free agents to address needs in relief pitching and outfield.
- Potential acquisitions include Devin Williams, Munetaka Murakami, Cody Bellinger, Robert Suarez, Kyle Tucker, and Edwin Diaz.
- The Dodgers aim to bolster their bullpen and outfield for a third consecutive championship run in 2026.
The Los Angeles Dodgers could make no moves in the 2025 offseason and likely still be the World Series favorite.
The two-time defending champions were pushed to the brink of elimination in Game 7 of this year's Fall Classic against the Toronto Blue Jays, but they still found a way to ride their ultra-talented roster to another title. In 2026, the Dodgers will again have Blake Snell, Yoshinobu Yamamoto and Tyler Glasnow anchoring the rotation, Mookie Betts, Freddie Freeman and Will Smith among the stars in the lineup, and the game's biggest star, Shohei Ohtani, shining in both aspects.
Nonetheless, the Dodgers have also conveyed a consistent message in recent times: They won't settle for anything less than pursuing championships and victory. Los Angeles revealed numerous weaknesses in 2025, even while aiming for Consecutive World Series championships.
Considering the Dodgers' pursuit of a third consecutive championship in 2026, who might they recruit to address roster gaps? This offseason, Los Angeles has six premier free agents on its radar.
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6. Devin Williams, RP/CL
- 2025 stats: 67 games, 18 saves, 62.0 IP, 33 ER, 45 H, 25 BB, 90 SO, 4.79 ERA, 1.129 WHIP
The two-time defending World Series champions clearly have a need for right-handed relief pitching. The Dodgers acquired Kirby Yates and Tanner Scott in 2024, also re-signing Blake Treinen. Their bullpen was anticipated to be a strong point, yet by The World Series, manager Dave Roberts was relying heavily on his skilled starting pitchers for relief innings.
L.A.'s left-handed relief pitching doesn't appear to be a significant concern, with Scott, Justin Wrobleski, Alex Vesia, Anthony Banda, and Jack Dreyer all slated to return in 2026, especially regarding right-handers, Yates and Michael Kopech are set to become free agents, Blake Treinen experienced a difficult 2025 season, and Evan Phillips is expected to miss the entire 2026 season following Tommy John surgery.
Roberts will require additional reliable right-handed relievers next season, even though the dynamic Roki Sasaki demonstrated in the playoffs his capability to handle the closer position. Nevertheless, a potential free agent acquisition might be Devin Williams, who played the 2025 season with the New York Yankees.
Williams' 4.79 ERA in 2025 marked his poorest performance since his 2019 debut. However, factors suggest he could be a strong comeback contender, offering a more affordable choice among available right-handed relief pitchers — though the Dodgers aren't known for holding back financially. At his peak, Williams earned two All-Star selections, highlighted by a 2023 season in Milwaukee where he recorded 36 saves and 87 strikeouts over 58.2 innings.
Although Williams isn't presently in the "elite" tier of available relievers this offseason, he's demonstrated in the past that he can achieve that status. It's possible L.A. Might gamble on him regaining his dominant form as a high-leverage option in 2026.
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5. Munetaka Murakami, 1B/3B
- 2025 stats (between JPCL, JPEL): 69 games,.286/.392/.659, 1.051 OPS, 10 2Bs, 24 HRs, 52 RBIs, 5 SB, 38 BB, 71 SO
While the Dodgers aren't in immediate need of an infielder, with Max Muncy, Tommy Edman, Mookie Betts, and Freddie Freeman still solid at their respective spots—crucial players from Both World Series victories—the team might consider its infield prospects for the future. This is particularly true for the corner infield positions, as Freeman is 36 and Muncy is 35, placing them past their prime.
Consider Japanese star Munetaka Murakami, who was formally made available to MLB clubs this past November. This 25-year-old holds the single-season home run record for a Japanese player in Nippon Professional Baseball, with 56 dingers in 2022. Murakami's power hitting is expected to attract attention in MLB's free agent pool, notwithstanding some reservations about his strikeout tendencies and defensive limitations.
Japan's premier athletes are increasingly choosing the Dodgers. Shohei Ohtani selected the club in December 2023 as a free agent, departing the Angels, and Yoshinobu Yamamoto followed on a record $325 million contract after his move from Japan. Roki Sasaki, a pitcher known for his high velocity, was the latest prominent Japanese player to sign with The Dodgers in January 2025.
Should the Dodgers limit Murakami's role in 2026, potentially letting him assume Muncy or Freeman's starting positions by 2027, numerous factors suggest their pursuit of the left-handed slugger. If an environment exists where Murakami can contribute as a power hitter while adapting to MLB in 2026, the Dodgers would be that place.
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4. Cody Bellinger, OF
- 2025 stats: 152 games,.272/.334/.480,.813 OPS, 25 2Bs, 29 HRs, 98 RBIs, 13 SB, 57 BB, 90 SO
Is a Dodgers reunion possible? Bellinger, who was the 2019 NL MVP while with Los Angeles, left the team in 2023 on a decline, becoming more of a weakness at bat beyond his home run ability. However, in the three years since, Bellinger has positioned himself for a lucrative contract as he enters free agency this offseason.
Between the Cubs in 2023 and 2024, then the Yankees in 2025, Bellinger has maintained his status as a strong outfield defender while cleaning up his swing; this past season, his WAR (5.1) and home run total (29) were his bests since his 2019 MVP season with the Dodgers.
The Dodgers' outfield, much like their bullpen, presents another area ripe for enhancement. While Teoscar Hernandez's offensive contributions are notable, his defensive performance in right field ranks among the league's weakest. Michael Conforto is now a free agent following a lackluster year with The Dodgers. Furthermore, Andy Pages, despite showcasing some impressive defensive plays, faced significant offensive challenges at multiple junctures during the 2025 season.
Despite how unusual it may seem for such a top-tier club, the Dodgers could benefit from a more potent bat in their outfield. Bellinger not only addresses this requirement, potentially securing a solid right field position while Hernandez shifts to left, but he's also a recognizable player to Dodgers supporters who has successfully revitalized his career.
L.A. Has "expressed interest" in Bellinger, per ESPN's Jeff Passan, as it seeks an outfielder this offseason.
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3. Robert Suarez, RP/CL
Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-Imagn Images
- 2025 stats: 70 games, 40 saves, 69.2 IP, 23 ER, 47 H, 16 BB, 75 SO, 2.97 ERA, 0.904 WHIP
Regarding right-handed relief pitchers, two premier free agents stand out. Robert Suarez is among them, having established himself as one of MLB's most dependable bullpen arms over the last several seasons.
The Dodgers could have used Suarez's swing-and-miss capability during the 2025 postseason, particularly from the bullpen. He'd form a formidable eighth and ninth inning duo with Sasaki.
Acquiring Suarez would undoubtedly be a positive move for L.A., as they'd be taking him from their current primary competitor in the NL West, the San Diego Padres. Outspending the Padres for Suarez's commitment would further solidify the Dodgers' financial dominance during this exceptional period in their franchise history.
Suarez, the sole reliever boasting at least 75 saves since 2024 began, stands as one of the premier closers or late-inning pitchers the Dodgers could acquire. It might be there's too much bad blood for him to come to L.A., yet he'd seamlessly fit in.
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2. Kyle Tucker, OF
- 2025 stats: 136 games,.266/.377/.464,.841 OPS, 25 2Bs, 22 HRs, 73 RBIs, 25 SB, 87 BB, 88 SO
A 2027 MLB lockout could be on the horizon if this potential pairing materializes. While the Dodgers are known for acquiring premier free agents and already carry significant financial obligations, their spending has largely fueled the discussion about whether Major League Baseball needs a salary cap. Should they then acquire Tucker, the top free agent and hitter available, it could lead to widespread pandemonium.
To provide some context, Tucker's fit with The Dodgers is reasonable. It's improbable they'd offer him the lengthy contract he might desire at 28, given their existing constellation of stars and future payroll obligations. Nevertheless, Los Angeles could be a suitable destination for the ex-Cub and Astro if he's amenable to a shorter, high-paying contract, particularly if his aim is to join a championship-contending team.
Tucker has quietly developed into one of baseball's premier all-around players, excelling as an outfielder with strong defensive skills, capable of hitting for both average and power, drawing walks, and providing speed. As previously noted regarding Bellinger, the Dodgers are in significant need of a dependable outfielder who is also a strong defender, which would help offset Teoscar Hernandez's difficulties.
While it might annoy other fan bases, the Dodgers remain a contender for Tucker, the premier free agent hitter on the market. They've consistently demonstrated a willingness to spend big to enhance their roster, and they have positions where Tucker's skills would be beneficial.
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1. Edwin Diaz, RP/CL
- 2025 stats: 62 games, 28 saves, 66.1 IP, 12 ER, 37 H, 21 BB, 98 SO, 1.63 ERA, 0.874 WHIP
Should the Dodgers opt against a significant expenditure on a lineup reinforcement, their funds would be better allocated to the bullpen, an area that proved to be a deficiency in 2025. Among the available free agents, no right-handed pitcher is poised to secure a more lucrative contract than Edwin Diaz.
In 2024, the 31-year-old experienced a slight dip but quickly recovered for the New York Mets in 2025, achieving his third All-Star selection with 28 saves and 98 strikeouts. He stands out as one of baseball's premier relievers, particularly among right-handed pitchers. Diaz would immediately fill the crucial high-leverage role for The Dodgers, a team poised for numerous victories in 2026.
Recently named the NL Reliever of the Year for the second time, Diaz has said there's a chance he doesn't return to the Mets next year. Realistically, the Dodgers can give him everything he'd want: a winning team, the established closer role and a hefty contract.
The Dodgers have established themselves as baseball's leading club in acquiring top-tier talent to address their requirements. This offseason, a reliable relief pitcher is their primary objective, and Diaz stands out as the premier available choice.
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