Offseason Needs that the Dodgers Should Address

The Los Angeles Dodgers are the reigning World Series Champions. However, they are already making moves with an eye towards 2026. Here are the three of the most pressing needs as they look to retool for next season, and maybe another to keep in mind as they go for another ring next year.

Offseason Needs that the Dodgers Should Address

The Outfield

If one had any questions about the need for another outfielder next year, all they had to do was look at the late-defensive construction in this year’s postseason. It wasn’t exactly full of All-Stars. The Michael Conforto signing last winter had underwhelming results as he hit for a .199 batting average, and his defense was on and off. The Dodgers were so unsure of his production that they left him off the postseason roster.

Furthermore, Teoscar Hernández moved from left field to right in 2025, and to say that his defense was an adventure, is putting it kindly. It is still unclear whether or not his defensive lapses were due to an injury or lack of concentration. Whatever it was, he was usually replaced in the late innings of high-leverage games. Look for Hernandez to move back to left field in 2026, and for the Dodgers to sign or trade for a good defensive outfielder.

The Bullpen

In 2024, the bullpen stabilized the starting rotation during the Los Angeles Championship run. In 2025, the roles reversed themselves. No one could have predicted that the signings of Blake Trienien, Kirby Yates, and Tanner Scott turn out the way they did, based on their past track record. They cumulatively accrued an Earned Run Average above 5.00. As a whole, the relief core had an E.R.A. well over 4.00. As a result, Dave Roberts leaned on Emmet Sheehan, Clayton Kershaw, Tyler Glasnow, and Yoshinobu  Yamamoto to get pivotal outs in the postseason. The good news is that Evan Phillips and Kyle Hurt should be healthy. However, the Dodgers are looking for another high-leverage arm as they head into next season.

A Starter or Two?

The year of a starting pitcher throwing 200 innings appears to be a thing of the past. However, the Dodgers are known for a rotation full of many options. They are also known to have as many as five starters on the Injured List. In addition, Future Hall of Famer Clayton Kershaw has retired . It is true that Emmet Sheehan will be returning to the starting rotation. And Gavin Stone along with River Ryan will also be options. However, it remains to be seen whether or not the latter two will be fully healthy after surgery. Or how many innings their arms can handle. The Dodgers will most likely proceed with caution. As a result, don’t be surprised if they pursue an arm or two to get them through the regular season.

A Infielder

An infielder would probably be considered a luxury more than a need at this point. The Dodgers will probably resign Miguel Rojas and, they still have Hyeseong Kim. And it will be interesting to see where Tommy Edman plays once he recovers from ankle surgery. The veteran could spend the majority of next season roaming the outfield, if he is fully healthy.