As the Los Angeles Dodgers set their sights on a potential three-peat, there’s no mistaking the urgency in the front office. Winning back-to-back World Series titles is rare air - pulling off a third straight would place this group among the most iconic dynasties in modern MLB history. But to get there, the Dodgers have some real work to do this offseason.
Let’s break down a three-part plan that could keep the Dodgers on top of the baseball world in 2026.
1. Sign Devin Williams: The Missing Piece in the Bullpen
The Dodgers’ bullpen has been a strength in recent years, but heading into 2026, there’s a clear need for a shutdown right-handed closer. With a projected bullpen heavy on lefties, the balance isn’t quite there - and that’s where Devin Williams comes in.
Williams, who’s logged time with the Brewers and Yankees, brings elite swing-and-miss stuff and a knack for limiting hard contact. Sure, his ERA last season might raise an eyebrow, but that’s where the surface-level stats don’t tell the whole story. Dig a little deeper, and you’ll find a pitcher who turned it on in the second half and still profiles as one of the most dominant late-inning arms in the game.
He won’t command the same price tag as someone like Edwin Díaz, but he offers a similar upside. For the Dodgers, this is a chance to add a proven closer who could thrive in high-leverage October situations - and do it without breaking the bank.
Plus, pitching in L.A. alongside a roster loaded with future Hall of Famers? That’s a compelling pitch for any reliever.
2. Add an Impact Outfielder: Time to Reload, Not Rebuild
The outfield is another area where the Dodgers need to get aggressive. Whether it’s via trade (which seems more likely) or free agency, the team has to plug at least one starting spot.
Free agents like Cody Bellinger, Harrison Bader, and Kyle Tucker are on the radar, but the trade market could offer more flexibility and better value. Names like Lars Nootbaar, Steven Kwan, Jarren Duran, and Wilyer Abreu have all been floated as potential targets - and with the Dodgers’ deep farm system, they’ve got the prospect capital to get a deal done.
This isn’t about filling a hole with just anyone. It’s about adding a dynamic presence - someone who can contribute both offensively and defensively, and ideally bring some speed and athleticism to the mix.
The Dodgers are known for playing the long game when it comes to value, and that’ll be the case here too. But make no mistake: this is a priority.
3. Address Infield Depth: Infuse Youth into an Aging Core
The Dodgers’ infield has been a cornerstone of their success, but age is starting to creep in. Max Muncy turns 36 next August and is entering the final year of his deal.
Miguel Rojas and Kiké Hernández - both in their mid-30s - are currently free agents. Freddie Freeman is 36.
Even Mookie Betts, who’s expected to spend more time in the infield, is now 33.
It’s time to get younger, more athletic, and more versatile.
Brendan Donovan has been mentioned as a potential trade target - a player who brings contact hitting, defensive flexibility, and a high baseball IQ. Tommy Edman, another Cardinals infielder, recently underwent ankle surgery and may not be ready to go at the start of the season, which could open the door for a new face at second base.
Internally, the Dodgers have options like Hyeseong Kim and Alex Freeland, but don’t be surprised if the front office looks outside the organization for a more immediate solution. The goal here is to inject some life into a veteran-heavy infield and build a bridge to the next generation of Dodgers stars.
The Bottom Line
The Dodgers aren’t just trying to stay competitive - they’re chasing history. And while the core of this team remains championship-caliber, the path to a three-peat runs through smart, strategic upgrades.
A lockdown closer like Devin Williams, a dynamic outfield addition, and a youth movement in the infield? That’s a blueprint for sustained dominance. And if the Dodgers execute it, they’ll once again be the team everyone’s chasing when October rolls around.