Plan To Add High-Leverage Right-Handed Relief Pitcher

The Los Angeles Dodgers invested heavily into their bullpen last offseason, signing Tanner Scott and Kirby Yates, who were widely considered the top-two relievers available on the free agent market and across baseball overall.

Despite their additions, the bullpen was a major issue for the Dodgers throughout the season, both due to injuries and players underperforming. Scott, Yates, Michael Kopech, Brusdar Graterol, Evan Phillips, Brock Stewart and Blake Treinen all missed time due to injuries. Of that group, Treinen was the only one to pitch in the postseason.

The Dodgers would like to avoid another year of bullpen struggles, and they can expect some players to improve or return. But they are also on the hunt to add another quality option to their bullpen, according to Fabian Ardaya of The Athletic:

The Dodgers are looking to add at least one high-leverage right-handed bullpen arm, league sources told The Athletic.

The Dodgers have already been connected to Devin Williams and Pete Fairbanks, both of whom are free agents. Among other free agent right-handers include Edwin Díaz, Robert Suárez, Raisel Iglesias, Ryan Helsley, Kenley Jansen and Kyle Finnegan.

Of that group, Díaz would be the biggest investment, but also figures to make the highest impact as one of the top-three closers in baseball. He is reportedly looking for a deal similar to what he signed for last time, five-years and $102 million. But Díaz is entering his age-32 season and teams may be hesitant to offer five years to him.

The Dodgers will also explore the trade market for arms, and could end up taking both routes to improve their bullpen. In addition, some of the guys already on the 40-man roster should return to help patch things up, and they hope some of the younger arms can end up making an impact.

Will Klein showed what he is capable of in the 2025 World Series and could work his way into a larger role, and the team is also high on Paul Gervase, who was acquired at the trade deadline.

Dodgers interest in Devin Williams

The Dodgers’ interest in Williams dates back to last offseason before he was traded to the New York Yankees, and the closer even expressed his belief he would be going to L.A. during his press conference following the deal.

The Milwaukee Brewers and Dodgers discussed a trade centered around Gavin Lux for Williams, but could not agree on the second piece of the deal. The right-hander was instead sent for Caleb Durbin and Nestor Cortes.