The Los Angeles Dodgers didn’t waste any time making their bullpen intentions clear. Less than a week after officially adding Edwin Díaz to the roster, the club has already handed him the keys to the ninth inning. President of Baseball Operations Andrew Friedman confirmed that Díaz will step in as the team’s closer heading into the 2026 season-a move that, given the state of the Dodgers’ bullpen, feels less like a surprise and more like a necessity.
Let’s be honest: the Dodgers’ relief corps had its fair share of question marks, especially in the late innings. With no clear-cut closer heading into the offseason, Díaz’s arrival fills a glaring hole.
And while he’s coming off a stretch that included injury setbacks, when healthy, Díaz is one of the most electric arms in the game. His high-octane fastball and wipeout slider give the Dodgers a legitimate ninth-inning weapon-something they sorely missed at times last season.
Díaz’s role as closer isn’t just about stuff, though. It’s about presence.
He brings swagger, experience, and a proven track record of locking down tight games. For a Dodgers team with championship aspirations, having that kind of stability at the back end of the bullpen is huge.
Meanwhile, Tyler Glasnow’s name has been floating in trade rumors, with one scenario suggesting he could be moved in a package for Tigers ace Tarik Skubal. The logic?
Glasnow is older, more expensive, and has a history of injuries. Moving him could open up financial flexibility for an extension elsewhere.
But Glasnow himself isn’t buying into the speculation. In a recent interview, he made it clear he’s not expecting to be moved-and his tone suggested he’s not particularly interested in the idea, either.
Glasnow’s value to the Dodgers goes beyond what he does every fifth day. Yes, health is always going to be a concern with him, but when he’s right, he’s a frontline starter with elite swing-and-miss stuff. The Dodgers knew that when they acquired him, and unless something changes dramatically, it looks like he’s staying put.
As for Evan Phillips, his time in Dodger blue appears to be over. After being non-tendered by the club, the former late-inning mainstay has found a new home in the American League, signing a one-year deal.
Phillips was a key piece of the Dodgers’ bullpen over the past few seasons, often stepping into high-leverage spots and delivering. His departure marks the end of a quietly effective run, and while the Dodgers are moving in a new direction, his contributions won’t be forgotten.
Around the organization, it was also a somber day as the Dodgers expressed their condolences following the passing of longtime fan Rob Reiner and his wife, Michele. The team shared its sorrow in a heartfelt message on social media-a reminder that baseball is more than just a game; it’s a community.
Elsewhere in Dodgerland, social media was buzzing with a mix of nostalgia and excitement. A throwback clip from 2023 resurfaced, showing a fiery exchange between Bobby Miller and Zach McKinstry-one of those moments that reminds fans just how intense things can get between the lines.
And, of course, Shohei Ohtani made headlines again, this time for a cold-blooded quote he dropped before his first postseason appearance. If there was ever any doubt about Ohtani’s competitive fire, that clip erased it.
The Dodgers also made another roster move, adding an outfielder to the mix. And while Friedman hasn’t tipped his full hand just yet, it’s clear the front office is far from done. With Díaz locked in as closer and Glasnow seemingly staying put, the Dodgers are shaping up to be one of the most intriguing teams to watch as the offseason rolls on.