The Los Angeles Dodgers‘ bullpen was a major problem last season, and the team should look to shore it up this offseason.
In Game 7 of the World Series, Los Angeles only used starting pitchers out of the bullpen, showing the need for more bullpen help, especially if Roki Sasaki returns to the rotation.
The Dodgers have been linked to some of the top relievers available this offseason. MLB insider Tim Kelly of Bleacher Report predicts the Dodgers will sign Robert Suarez from the San Diego Padres to a two-year, $26 million deal.
“Robert Suarez didn’t reach the majors until his age-31 season in 2022. But he’s now been an All-Star in back-to-back years, including leading the National League with 40 saves this past year. … There will be other contending teams happy to have him join their bullpen,” Kelly wrote.
“The two-time defending World Series champion Dodgers, much to the chagrin of Padres fans, make quite a bit of sense for Suarez. As do the AL champion Blue Jays and the Braves, among others. There are going to be some limitations in terms of the amount of years Suarez can get since he’s going to turn 35 in March. The two-year, $22 million deal with a $13 million club option the Royals signed Carlos Estévez to last offseason could be a good baseline.”
Suarez can help shore up the Dodgers’ backend of the bullpen and potentially be the closer. The right-hander is a two-time All-Star and was the NL Saves leader last season, showing how dominant he can be.
Last season with the Padres, Suarez was 4-6 with a 2.97 ERA in 70 games.
Dodgers GM Said Bullpen Isn’t a ‘Need’
Despite Los Angeles likely moving Sasaki back to the rotation, the Dodgers aren’t considering bullpen help a major move.
Dodgers general manager Brandon Gomes said adding bullpen help would be nice, but isn’t a need.
“I don’t think it’s a need. But it could be a nice-to-have if that’s how it plays out,” Gomes said at MLB’s GM meetings in Las Vegas.
Los Angeles spent big on the bullpen last offseason, signing Tanner Scott to a $72 million deal, but he struggled. So, perhaps there is some hesitancy from the Dodgers to go after another high-priced bullpen arm.
LA GM Comments on Bullpen
The Dodgers have been linked to several bullpen arms this offseason.
Los Angeles will likely add at least one high-leverage reliever, but Gomes has full confidence that Scott will rediscover his form in 2026.
“I think we’ve seen it in the past with guys, there is reliever volatility. Unfortunately, we’ve seen this happen in the past with other great relievers,” Gomes said. “So our full belief is that Tanner is gonna come back and have a great year for us next year. And be right there in the mix to pitch at the back end of games.”
Scott went 1-4 with a 4.74 ERA in 61 games, but he went 23-of-33 in save opportunities.
Even if Scott does rediscover his form, the Dodgers will look to add a reliever or two this offseason.
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