UPDATE: The Los Angeles Dodgers are making bold moves just days after their 2024 World Series victory, kicking off a transformative offseason aimed at solidifying their status as a premier team in Major League Baseball. With a staggering $400 million invested in new talent, the Dodgers are determined to keep their championship window wide open.
The Dodgers made headlines by signing two-time Cy Young Award winner Blake Snell to a lucrative five-year, $182 million deal and securing Tanner Scott for four years at $72 million. They also won the bidding war for pitching sensation Roki Sasaki and added veterans Michael Conforto and Kirby Yates on one-year contracts. Additionally, they extended Teoscar Hernandez for three years at $66 million and Blake Treinen for two years at $22 million.
Dodgers President of Baseball Operations Andrew Friedman emphasized the need for careful roster evaluation moving forward, stating, “We have a lot of pitching coming back from injury, which automatically puts us in a position to be just way more selective on the pitching front.” This statement was made during the victory parade, highlighting the urgency of the decisions ahead.
With the General Manager Meetings commencing in Las Vegas on October 15, 2024, the Dodgers are poised to strategize on filling gaps in their roster, particularly in the bullpen and outfield, areas where they underperformed last season. Friedman pointed out, “We have to think through exactly how we want to attack that,” as he prepares for what could be a decisive offseason.
The postseason bullpen was often a patchwork of starting pitchers, including Yoshinobu Yamamoto, Tyler Glasnow, and others. However, next season, they are expected to return to starting roles. The challenge remains in strengthening the bullpen, as injuries plagued players like Evan Phillips and Brusdar Graterol.
Potential free-agent targets include top-tier relievers such as Edwin Diaz and Ryan Helsley. But Friedman noted the risk involved in committing further resources, given Scott’s disappointing 4.74 ERA last season.
The outfield remains a critical concern for the Dodgers, who ranked 18th in Major League Baseball with a negative WAR last season. With a tight market, Kyle Tucker, who had a WAR of 8.7, stands out as the most desirable free agent. The Dodgers are eyeing a long-term deal that could exceed $300 million.
Friedman is also preparing for potential labor changes impacting MLB before the 2027 season, which could alter salary structures significantly. He stated, “We want to create a destination spot where our players want to stay and players from other organizations want to be,” underscoring the emotional stakes involved in building a competitive team.
As the Dodgers embark on this critical offseason, they will need to act quickly and strategically to maintain their championship status. The upcoming days will be pivotal in shaping the team’s future as they seek to build on their recent success. Fans and analysts alike will be watching closely as these developments unfold.
