Dodgers Approach Offseason with Patience

ORLANDO, Fla. — At the onset of this offseason, the Dodgers expressed a desire to take a careful and calculated approach in shaping their roster for 2026.

As the MLB Winter Meetings begin this week, the team remains consistent with their strategy, having been relatively quiet compared to their previous bustling offseasons following back-to-back World Series titles. Their only significant move has been re-signing veteran infielder Miguel Rojas, while their only trade involved swapping minor-league pitchers with the Seattle Mariners. The most notable incident was their choice to non-tender reliever Evan Phillips, though they may consider bringing him back.

Exploring Trade Opportunities

There have been attempts to secure more moves behind the scenes, such as missing out on free-agent relievers Raisel Iglesias and Devin Williams. The team has actively explored the trade market, laying the groundwork for future transactions. However, the extent of their winter plans remains uncertain.

Ultimately, the direction they take may depend on which players they’re willing to trade as they reshape their lineup. The trade market appears to be a logical method for enhancing their roster, particularly for improving their bullpen and outfield without committing to long-term contracts for aging players.

Potential Trade Targets

The Dodgers have numerous potential trade targets, including players like Brendan Donovan or Lars Nootbaar from the St. Louis Cardinals, Jarren Duran or Wilyer Abreu from the Boston Red Sox, and potentially bigger names like Cleveland’s Steven Kwan or Minnesota’s Byron Buxton, although the latter’s trade is deemed unlikely this offseason.

They will also closely monitor the possible trading of two-time Cy Young award-winning pitcher Tarik Skubal from the Detroit Tigers. President of baseball operations Andrew Friedman and his team will need to devise suitable trade packages for any of these transactions.

Balancing Young Talent and Future Goals

The Dodgers possess a wealth of young pitching talent and a minor-league system considered among the best in the league, giving them strong bargaining power. However, they face challenges in balancing potential trade value with future needs. That’s why trade rumors have recently included not only young players but also veterans like Tyler Glasnow and Teoscar Hernández, even if their chances of being traded seem remote for now.

Despite their enduring importance to the team’s run for another World Series title, these veterans are reaching their mid-30s and carry hefty contracts. Thus, if opportunities arise that could allow the Dodgers to strengthen other areas or reduce payroll for free agency, it’s plausible that they could part ways with them.

Looking Ahead

As the Dodgers strive for a historic three-peat next season, they know they’ll also need to embrace a new generation of talent in the coming years to sustain their competitiveness. This offseason, they aim to keep their options flexible while closely monitoring developments in the free agency and trade markets. As they engage with other teams at the Winter Meetings, clearer intentions may emerge about their most serious pursuits.