The Los Angeles Dodgers head into the offseason with two clear priorities: reinforcing an outfield that thinned out over the course of the season and shoring up a bullpen that, at times, wavered when the team needed it most.
While the Dodgers’ lineup remains potent and their rotation boasts top-tier talent, the bullpen was an unexpected weak link in 2025. That’s why the early days of free agency have seen L.A. linked to several high-leverage arms, though the market is competitive and moving quickly.
Among the notable names hitting free agency this winter: Edwin Díaz, Devin Williams, Raisel Iglesias, and Robert Suárez. Pete Fairbanks joined that group when the Tampa Bay Rays declined his $11 million option for 2026, making one of the more electric - and, when healthy, dominant - late-inning arms available.
Fairbanks immediately drew interest across the league, with the Toronto Blue Jays and Miami Marlins emerging as two of the more aggressive suitors, according to league sources. While the Dodgers were previously tied to Fairbanks - they reportedly showed interest at this year’s trade deadline - they don’t appear to be in the thick of the current bidding.
That’s notable, considering Fairbanks’ track record. Since 2020, he’s quietly built a résumé that places him among the game’s most effective relievers.
He ranks top-20 in nearly every key metric for relievers with at least 200 innings over that span: 15th in FIP (2.95), 16th in WAR (5.5), 16th in saves (88), 17th in strikeouts per nine (11.2), and 19th in ERA (2.90). He finished his Rays tenure with 90 saves - third-most in franchise history, trailing only Roberto Hernandez (101) and Alex Colomé (95).
So why aren’t the Dodgers pushing harder for Fairbanks now? It could come down to fit, price, or simply timing. But L.A. isn’t standing still when it comes to bullpen upgrades.
They’ve reportedly had eyes on Devin Williams - a name that should sound familiar to Dodgers fans. L.A. nearly acquired the right-hander from the Milwaukee Brewers last offseason before the deal fell through and Williams was ultimately moved to the Yankees.
They’ve also made a run at Raisel Iglesias, extending a contract offer that reportedly mirrored the one-year, $16 million deal he signed to return to the Braves.
Clearly, the Dodgers aren’t just window shopping. They’re targeting proven late-inning arms with swing-and-miss stuff and postseason experience. That’s the formula they’ve leaned on in recent years - think Blake Treinen, Evan Phillips, and Joe Kelly - and it’s one they’re looking to replicate as they retool for another deep October run.
The bullpen might not have been the Dodgers’ calling card in 2025, but if this front office has shown us anything, it’s that they don’t let weaknesses linger. Whether it’s Fairbanks, Williams, Iglesias, or someone else entirely, expect L.A. to make a move - and likely a smart one - before the dust settles.