The Los Angeles Dodgers are poised to head into the upcoming season with a strong shot at securing a third consecutive World Series title.
A significant portion of their star-studded lineup will be back in action, featuring the likes of Mookie Betts, Freddie Freeman, and Shohei Ohtani leading a formidable batting lineup. In the pitching department, Yoshinobu Yamamoto, Blake Snell, and Tyler Glasnow are set to be key figures in the starting rotation.
Adding to the stability, the team has announced the return of seasoned utility player Miguel Rojas, indicating their commitment to maintaining the core group of talent as they look forward to another successful campaign.
Despite these strengths, the Dodgers face a pressing need for improvement within their bullpen.
“Their bullpen is coming off a season in which it posted a 4.27 ERA, 21st in the majors,” noted Alden Gonzalez for ESPN. “A solidified closer, or at least one leverage arm capable of handling the ninth inning on a championship team, will be what they spend the most time on in the coming weeks. And though the trade option remains their ideal path, free agency is primed with standout closers.”
Even with Raisel Iglesias rejoining the Atlanta Braves and Devin Williams heading to the New York Mets, the free-agent market still offers potential upgrades for the Dodgers’ closer role. Edwin Diaz, a recent All-Star, stands out as a top candidate after choosing to leave his contract with the Mets.
Even after late-inning pitchers Raisel Iglesias returned to the Atlanta Braves and Devin Williams opted to join the New York Mets, there are several available free agents who might serve as a closer upgrade for the Dodgers. Most notably, reigning All-Star Edwin Diaz is available after opting out of his contract with the Mets.
And while the Dodgers could be exploring a deal for an addition like Diaz, it seems they also have their sights set on a reunion for a reliever that they cut just a few weeks ago.
“Another reliever on the Dodgers’ radar, per a source: Evan Phillips, who the Dodgers elected to non-tender last month rather than pay him a projected $6.1 million in his final season of arbitration,” Major League Baseball insiders Fabian Ardaya and Katie Woo reported for The Athletic. “Since arriving in Los Angeles in a 2021 waiver claim, Phillips, 31, has been one of the better relievers in the sport, carding a 2.22 ERA in 201 appearances in a fireman role before undergoing Tommy John surgery this past summer.”
Despite his success with the franchise, Phillips was cut from the Dodgers because he is not expected to return from his surgery until well into next season at the earliest. But it seems the Dodgers could be searching for a way to bring him back at a discounted price. And, given their needs in the bullpen and expectations of a deep playoff run, that could be a major winter win.
