“I’m ready to get another ring next year. Let’s go!” Those were the words of two-way star Shohei Ohtani after winning it all this past season. It appears the same hunger is echoing throughout the Dodgers organization! While most clubs are still mapping out their 2026 strategies (we wouldn’t be surprised if they hadn’t even begun), Los Angeles already has its blueprint ready.

The Dodgers’ willingness to spend has once again become a topic of discussion. The front office is preparing to make moves that could position them for the first three-peat since the Yankees accomplished it in 2000.

Dodgers Tailgate’s recent update on X laid out the organization’s priorities. “Per @BNightengale, the Dodgers will look to acquire a top-tier closer with the $87M from players off the books. They’re likely to re-engage trade talks with the Guardians for Steven Kwan. Nightengale also confirmed the Dodgers will pursue OF Kyle Tucker. He also reports that the Tigers will listen to trade proposals for all-star ace Tarik Skubal this offseason, but need to be overwhelmed or else he’ll stay put until the 2026 trade deadline.“

Tucker enters free agency after another stellar season, becoming the most sought-after pick. At the same time, Kwan remains under team control through 2027, making him a trade target rather than a free agent signing. Tucker delivers power and clutch production in high-leverage situations. He forces pitchers into uncomfortable counts and rarely expands the zone. His 14.6% walk rate ranked eighth in baseball this year, almost identical to his 14.7% strikeout rate.

On the other hand, Kwan brings elite contact ability and on-base skills that set the table for power hitters behind him. Landing both would signal the Dodgers’ intentions for the summer of 2026.

The current pursuit of a closer addresses an immediate need. Los Angeles lacked a defined ninth-inning option during their championship run, rotating multiple relievers in save situations rather than relying on a single closer. According to Nightengale’s report, the front office is looking for a traditional closer. While Roki Sasaki has emerged as a potential option, the Dodgers appear intent on adding multiple late-inning arms rather than relying on a single acquisition.

The $87 million in payroll flexibility came from Clayton Kershaw’s retirement, combined with the departures of players like Michael Conforto, Chris Taylor, and Kirby Yates, creating significant financial breathing room. For a franchise with championship ambitions, the timing aligns perfectly with available talent!

Kyle Tucker’s offense and consistent production would help an aging core of Hall of Fame-caliber players, Freddie Freeman (36) and Mookie Betts (33). Next summer will also mark Shohei Ohtani’s 32nd birthday. Notably, Teoscar Hernandez could seamlessly move back to left field and clear a spot for Tucker at Dodger Stadium, where he could blend in and instantly make an impact.

While the offensive additions generate buzz, analysts point to the bullpen as the more critical piece for sustaining championship-level performance.

The Dodgers’ offseason focus shifts to reliable late-game arms

Beyond the outfield upgrades, the Dodgers face a pressing need in their bullpen. The back end of their pitching staff enters the offseason with more questions than answers, and championship windows don’t stay open forever.

Alden Gonzalez of ESPN identified a critical vulnerability: “They need trusted arms late in games, particularly right-handed ones. Brusdar Graterol (coming off shoulder surgery), Blake Treinen (37 and coming off a rough year), Edgardo Henriquez, and Will Klein (hard throwers with command issues) are the incumbents there, and they all have questions. So look for the Dodgers to be really aggressive in that space, either through free agency or via trade, or both.”

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The current bullpen situation presents genuine concerns. Graterol’s recovery timeline remains uncertain and as distant as it can get. Treinen showed signs of decline last season and even admitted to it after losing to the Phillies in September. Henriquez and Klein lack the command consistency required in October baseball.

With so much back and forth going on in the rumor mill, it will be interesting to watch what the Dodgers’ front office decides this offseason.