Two straight. Can they make it three? That is the question that every single Dodger fan hopes ends with a hell yes. I sincerely hope they do, but I take a cautious approach to saying stuff like that out loud since I know it is not that easy to repeat, let alone make it back to the playoffs and the Series.
On paper, LA has a very strong starting pitching staff with plenty of options for the starting six. You can pretty much count on LA using a six-man rotation with Sasaki, Ohtani and Yamamoto in the rotation. Snell and Glasnow, unless he is traded, are the other two locks in the rotation.
The competition for the sixth spot is wide open with guys like Sheehan, Stone, Ryan, Knack, Wrobleski and even Bobby Miller as possible candidates. Personally, I think Miller is better suited for short relief. He has a tendency to implode when bad things happen.
The bullpen added an experienced closer in Edwin Diaz. From everything I have read so far this off-season, the Dodgers fully expect Tanner Scott to rebound and be more like the 24 version than what he was last year. I am pretty sure he feels the same way.
Blake Treinen is back, and I hope he looks more like the 24 version. Roberts leaned on him a lot and he just was not the same pitcher. Age has to be part of it, but what I noticed was a definite lack of control in the strike zone. He pitched in 32 games but tossed just 26.2 innings.
There is a lot of experience in the pen, and several young arms. Casparius, Dreyer, Henriquez, Klein, and Hurt will all get looks in spring. There are also the vets, Stewart, Vesia, Banda, and Graterol. Plenty of arms to choose from. The roster also included Paul Gervase and Ronan Kopp.
I think one of the biggest challenges for Vesia will be his mindset after losing a child the way he did. Dodger fans hearts go out to his family. Those kinds of personal challenges are hard on anyone, especially when losing a child.
Offensively, LA is loaded at most positions as Mark showed in his preview of the positions on the field. Just how guys like Ward, Freeland, Siani, Kim and Rushing will perform is a big question mark. Kim impressed at first until the league adjusted to his style and found the holes.
Rushing had some good at bats, and some not so good, but did not play enough to show what he can really do. He is Smith’s back-up now and probably will get 2 starts a week. How he adjusts to being the back-up will be critical to his development. For now, it seems the Dodgers are more than content to keep Smith at catcher and not move him to another position.
At least one more year of Max at third most of the time. If Muncy stays healthy, he is a definite power threat offensively. He does not have great range at third, and early last season he made several errors that probably could have been avoided. He is not at third for his glove. He is on the roster for his ability to get on base and slug.
Freddie has two more years on his contract. I expect him to hit in the .280-295 range with at least 20 plus dingers and a bunch of doubles. He should be at least a 90 RBI guy. He has slipped a little defensively, and that can probably be attributed to age and the fact that I believe his ankle still bothers him some. Ward could back him up adequately.
Second base could be a revolving door with Kim, Freeland, Rojas, and Edman all seeing time there. I would prefer a full-time guy. Edman, a former Gold Glove at the position, fills that bill best. That is why I hope LA picks up a solid centerfielder so Pages can move to right and Edman does not have to play the outfield.
It is about six weeks until spring training starts with pitchers and catchers reporting. It should be an interesting spring with many players getting long looks. Just who will be on the 26-man when they break camp? Remember, the WBC also happens this spring, so some players will be away from the team for a time.
The guy who doesn’t get much respect from Dodger fans is Landon Knack.
Of course, he’s not worthy of a spot on the 40-man roster… right?
Oh, he’s on the 40-man!
Well, that’s because Andrew Friedman doesn’t know a damn thing about building a pitching staff… right?
Of course, I am being sarcastic.
Landon Knack is an MLB pitcher, and if he were not on the Dodgers roster, someone would swoop him up quickly.
He’s a bottom-of-the-rotation starter and an inning-eater who has been inconsistent… probably because he doesn’t know his role. He could start for some teams and likely will. He has value. In his 2 years in MLB, he has pitched 111 innings, allowing 98 Hits and struck out 111. His ERA is 4.13 and his WHIP is 1.213.
He could be useful. Don’t dis Landon!
He’s a 4th starter on several lesser teams.
There are levels to this and we are at the top.
Long may we reign.
He lacks composure
Dang Mark you are good.
You baited that hook with careful intent, and I bit hook, line and sinker!
Landon was a big innings eater with 2 or 3 quality starts. He deserved his ring. I smirk at all the haters.
Now onto my fanboy love for the dynasty that is the Los Angeles Dodgers.
They are by far the best run corporation in the USA….well other than the Deep State, but I digress. To accomplish what they have in the modern version of MLB is mind boggling. To be loved by few and hated by most is a testament to their greatness. Baseball is my first love and the Dodgers are a byproduct of that. I want to thank you again for your wonderful Dodger insight.
Go Kim, Knack, Freeland, Rushing et al. I love the kids!
Oh I love Bo toooo!
Book em
3 pete
Knack gave up 24 homeruns while with the Dodgers last year in 111 innings. That’s more than 2 per game on average. When he was optioned to Oklahoma City his ERA was 6.66. I’m not a Knack hater,but these are the facts. He reminds me a lot of Lance Lynn while with the Dodgers and we all know how that turned out. Just my opinion. I hope he gets a chance to pitch somewhere else because his chances of making our starting rotation with our young injured starters coming back are slim and none.
Landon has no chance at the rotation in LA. I think he gets traded.
He had a nice 2024: 3.65 ERA/1.101 WHIP, but found himself “passed” by power pitchers like Stone, Wrobleski, Casparius, Ryan, Hurt, et al. In 2025, I think he tried to be something he was not. While he doesn’t have much value, he could be a nice back-of-the-rotation starter for some teams… Just not the Dodgers.
If you love somebody, set them free
But first try to trade them….
There are a few guys on the Dodgers’ roster who could help small-market teams but likely have little future with the Dodgers.
Knack, Ryan Ward and Bobby Miller come to mind. Each could sweeten an offer for a front-line player, or get flipped for a teenage prospect.
Okamoto signed with the Blue Jays. Length of the contract not announced yet. He will probably share 3rd with Barger.
Do the Blue Jays still sign Bichette or Tucker or have they moved on from both?
Probably tired of waiting.
Bregman, Bichette, Tucker & Bellinger all somehow connected.
Hmm. I’m not sure this affects their interest in Bichette or Tucker.
But then again…
Okamoto’s contract is not that fat. If he passes muster, Barger shifts to RF, which owuld be Tucker’s position. So maybe they’ll focus more on Bichette, Vlad Jr’s good friend.
Or maybe not.
Anyway, kudos to the Jays. They’ve reinforced their pitching with Cease, Ponce, Tyler Rogers, and now they’ve added Okamoto. Their team is much stronger.
Seems like the Dodgers need to maake a move.
The Dodgers will make a move when it benefits them because we have the prospects, the best and smartest front office and lots of cash, something that 29 other teams don’t have. Prices are coming down on free agents and trades, the longer the off season goes. Remember “In Andrew Friedman We Trust”.
In Conforto he trusted….
In Tanner Scott and Kirby Yates he trusted….
Of course we trust in AF–we have no choice–and he has an excellent track record. But the mighty Dodgers were thisclose to LOSING the World Series to a team that had finished last in the AL East the season before. Shouldn’t the Dodgers aim for the best record and home-field advantage in ’26? (Yes, I’m a spoiled, greedy Dodgers fan.)
This offseason, Dodgers have improved their roster by adding Diaz. Nice!
The Blue Jays, meanwhile, have now added four significant players, which should put some distance between them and division rivals like the Yankees, Red Sox and Orioles. The Dodgers’ division rivals haven’t done much; the NL West seems weaker.
A lot can and will happen in the weeks and months to come, but right now it really does seem like the Dodgers and Jays could be heading for rematch.
With all that said Toronto is in a tough division and may not even win the American League East. Cease is NO sure thing to be healthy all season.
Maybe we could get Barger in a trade. He played well in the series.
I like Varsho
Great fielder. Good OPS. Some power. Doubt they trade him though.
Not to us!
Definitely not to LA. Just like San Diego is never going to trade anyone to LA who makes them better. Last trade with the Padres sent Matt Beaty to SD for River Ryan. Giants, D-Backs, and Rockies pretty much feel the same. Arcia signed to a minor league deal by the Twins.
Doubtful Bob. He will also play some outfield. Or he will move to second and Clement will play the outfield.
So from the above comments, if we don’t get Tucker, Belli or one if the lesser available players, we will stand pat with Kim, Call, Teo Freeland, possibly Ward and a few prospect pitchers. Anybody hear anything on The Bazooka:s health and return?
Dodgers general manager Brandon Gomes has stated that Brusdar Graterol will be “full-go” for spring training this year (2026). He has recovered from the shoulder surgery that caused him to miss the entire 2025 season.
Thanks for the update. He was one o my favorite players. Loved his fire!
Great news concerning Graterol! With Diaz , a healthy Tanner Scott, Vesia , Banda, and possibly Henriquez, bullpen should be stout! Not sure Trienan is a difference maker anymore though, maybe? Hopefully Evan Phillips comes back later. I didn’t forget about Ben or Jack. Not sure who’s staying or who’s going! Dryer is probably a keeper. Ben ? Maybe traded in a deal for an outfielder. Like them both!
Quiet on the free agent side and the trade market! What does AF and BG have in mind? Has Tucker’s value dropped? Could LA still be a contender for him if he wants to sign a shorter deal with opt outs? Bellinger seems like he won’t be coming back to LA . I wouldn’t count Duran out just yet. He’s a perfect fit for the Dodgers!
No love for World Series hero Will Klein? No mention of Casparius?
Seriously, the bullpen is VERY deep, with River Ryan and Gavin Stone as options too.
A few of these guys could fit into a deal for Duran.
I mentioned Ben! Klein? I’m not 100% sold, even though I would like to be!
Duran hit .211 against Righties with a 600 OPS. 800 OPS against lefties but definitely a platoon guy despite his defense. We’ve gots us a few farm boys that good that doesn’t cost us,a handful of prospects.
Prospects who are primed to break out in ’26 — one for each team
Dodgers: Adam Serwinowski, LHP (No. 13)
“Already possessing a fastball that touches triple digits and a high-spin slider, Serwinowski has sky-high potential, and the 21-year-old lefty gets added deception out of his funky delivery and impressive extension out of his 6-foot-5 frame. The big questions for him are about his fringy changeup and improving command. After he arrived via trade in July, his walk rate did improve from 11.7 percent to 10.1, but further progress is needed in the upper Minors. The Dodgers are a good system for him to land in, though, as they have plenty of pitching depth and he doesn’t need to be protected from the Rule 5 Draft for another offseason”.
He is presently at AA Tulsa and was part of the C Hunter Feduccia trade with the Rays along with RHP Paul Gervase, and C Ben Rortvedt received by the Dodgers, Another robbery pulled off by AF and BG without a mask. Brilliant move!!!
A complete heist
As I’ve just again got connected with the internet I can read comments here at ladt and thought I’d say my hoe-dee- doe’s friends. My isolation has caught me with only youtube through roku so it could be worse. I’m playing only music from the late and very great Dan Hicks all day today. How can you miss me when I won’t go away? Cheers friends and let the spring begain.
We got you, Q
Red Sox have made an aggressive offer to Bregman. DeJong signed a minor league deal with the Yankees. Yanks expressing an interest in Miami RHSP Edward Cabrera. As soon as one of the big chip’s signs, free agent market should speed up.
I just wanted to check something for laughs, so I went back and checked to see the last time LA traded with a division rival and received an MLB player in return. One of the reasons is because Bum suggested LA trade for Bogaerts and Merrill from the Padres or try to get Doyle from Colorado. Last time the Dodgers and Rockies made any kind of trade was when LA sent Justin Bruhl to the Rockies for cash in 23. Before that, the last trade with the Rocks brought them Juan Nicasio for a minor leaguer in 2014. In 2013, the Rockies and Dodgers swapped Ramon Hernandez to LA and Aaron Harang went to the Rocks. In 2022, LA got River Ryan from the Padres for Matt Beaty. Prior to that, the last deal came in Dec of 2014 when Kemp, and Federowicz were traded for Grandal, Elfin and Wieland. LA did sell Juan Zabala to SD in 22 not long after the Ryan trade. Since then, nada. Although they made trades for minor league players in 22 and 18, LA and the D-Backs have not made a transaction involving a major leaguer since 2014. LA purchased Mike Bolsinger from Arizona in December of that year. Before that, LA got Jon Garland for Tony Abreu in 2009. Believe it or not, the last trade the Dodgers made with the Giants was in 2007 when SF sent Mark Sweeney to LA for a PTBNL< who turned out to be Travis Denker, a minor leaguer. The last time the teams traded major leaguers was in 1985. LA sent Candy Maldonado to the Giants for Alex Trevino. That was their first trade since 1968 when Tom Haller came to LA for Ron Hunt and Nate Oliver. Do not hold your breath waiting for these teams to make trades with each other.
Watched an old Friar’s roast from the early 70’s the other night. They were roasting Milton Berle, who was a huge Dodger fan both in Brooklyn and LA. Low and behold one of the roasters on the dais was Don Drysdale. Big D held his own and got in some pretty good zingers on Berle. Big D towered over all of those guys.
Did he bean Berle?
No, he was wearing a tux, so he did not have any baseballs on him, and pretty sure he appeared after his retirement in 69.