The Dodgers’ offseason could be shaped by a wave of free-agent decisions, with eight players now on the market and several potential outcomes that would change the roster in a big way.
Dodgers Nation’s Noel Sanchez laid out predictions for all nine players, and a few of them point toward a familiar bullpen core staying put. One of those is Alex Vesia, who Sanchez expects to return to Los Angeles on a two-year, $14 million deal.
“He’s projected to land a two-year, $14 million deal and there’s motivation on both sides to keep this relationship going,” Noel said. “Plenty of teams will want a lefty reliever like him but I think LA wins.”
Evan Phillips is also projected to be back with the Dodgers, while Kris Bubic is expected to leave and sign with the St. Louis Cardinals.
Eric Lauer’s next step may take him elsewhere after a season in which he worked both as a reliever and a starter. Sanchez said Lauer will test the market as a starter “after proving he can eat innings with the Dodgers,” and predicted he’ll sign a two-year deal with the Mariners.
“I see him signing a two-year contract with the Mariners,” Noel said.
Brusdar Graterol’s future is more unsettled. Injuries have slowed him down, and if he returns to Los Angeles, Sanchez believes it would likely come via a minor league deal. He also floated the Angels as another possible landing spot.
Kiké Hernández could be back too, though Sanchez thinks the process might drag out. His prediction has Hernández taking a one-year deal and eventually announcing it will be his last MLB season.
“He’ll wait the entire offseason and accept any role to stay with LA,” Noel said.
Blake Treinen’s situation is even more uncertain. At 38, and after injuries limited him to only29 innings during the 2026 season, retirement is very much on the table.
“A great career and good chance he hangs it up,” Noel said.
And then there’s the biggest swing of all: Tarik Skubal. Sanchez believes the Dodgers will re-sign him for $350 million, which would make it the largest contract ever for a pitcher in MLB. He also thinks the deal gets done before the lockout, with a December 1 target.
“Tarik Skubal will re-sign with the Dodgers for $350 million, giving him the biggest contract for a pitcher in MLB and I think they get it done by December 1 before the lockout,” Noel said.
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