As spring training creeps closer and teams start locking in their rosters, the Los Angeles Dodgers once again find themselves at the center of the offseason spotlight. They've already made big splashes - signing Kyle Tucker and Edwin Díaz - but the story isn't just about who joined the Dodgers this winter. It's also about the familiar faces still floating on the free-agent market.
Some of these names are well-known in Dodger blue, players who once played key roles in October runs or flashed star potential in Chavez Ravine. Now, with camp just weeks away, they’re still waiting for the phone to ring. Let’s take a closer look at one former Dodger who seems destined to return - and four others whose futures remain cloudy heading into 2026.
Likely Return: Kiké Hernández
Let’s be honest - it’s hard to picture Kiké Hernández not in a Dodgers uniform. Even without a deal in place, he’s been hovering around the organization all offseason, staying close to teammates and staying involved. And now, with the news that Tommy Edman won’t be ready for Opening Day, the writing’s pretty much on the wall.
Hernández brings positional versatility, postseason experience, and a clubhouse presence that the Dodgers clearly value. He may not be the everyday player he once was, but he’s the kind of utility man who can quietly win you games over a 162-game grind.
This reunion feels less like a matter of if and more like *when. *
Still Waiting: 4 Former Dodgers Without a Team
Walker Buehler
Buehler’s journey over the past year has been a rollercoaster. After leaving the Dodgers, his stint with the Red Sox was rough - a 5.45 ERA across 112 innings and an early release before the season wrapped. But then came a late-season stint with the Phillies, where he flashed shades of the old Buehler, posting a microscopic 0.66 ERA in limited action.
That late surge might be enough to earn him a shot somewhere, but it probably won’t come with the kind of payday he might’ve envisioned a few years ago. The talent is still there - the question is whether a team is willing to bet on it holding up over a full season.
Justin Turner
Yes, Justin Turner is still out there, still looking to lace up the cleats for another season. At 41, he’s clearly in the twilight of his career, and his 2025 campaign with the Cubs didn’t exactly scream “run it back.” But Turner’s a pro’s pro - a veteran bat, a leader in the clubhouse, and a guy who knows how to grind out an at-bat.
Whether there’s a team willing to carve out a spot for him remains to be seen. But if this is the end, Turner walks away with a legacy that includes All-Star nods, postseason heroics, and a World Series ring in L.A.
Tony Gonsolin
Gonsolin once looked like the next big thing in the Dodgers’ rotation. He broke out in 2019 with electric stuff and the poise of a seasoned vet.
But injuries have been the story ever since. Now 31 and recovering from elbow surgery, Gonsolin is expected to miss a significant chunk of the 2026 season.
Still, he’s the kind of pitcher teams love to take a flier on - a low-risk, high-upside signing who could contribute down the stretch or in 2027. Don’t be surprised if he lands a minor-league deal with a club willing to play the long game.
Michael Conforto
Conforto’s 2025 season was, to put it bluntly, forgettable. He struggled to produce, and it’s not surprising that teams haven’t exactly been knocking down the door this winter. There are whispers that the White Sox might be interested - a team that’s clearly in a transitional phase and may be willing to take a chance.
But wherever he ends up, Conforto will need to show he still has something left in the tank. For now, he remains one of the more puzzling names on the free-agent board - a player with past success who just hasn’t been able to recapture it lately.
Final Thoughts
The Dodgers have already made their big moves, but don’t be shocked if they add at least one more familiar face before camp opens. As for the rest of these former Dodgers, their futures are far less certain. Each one brings a different set of questions - about health, production, or simply fit - and time is running out to find the right answer before the season kicks off.
Spring training is almost here. The clock is ticking.