Fresh off the heels of their 2024 World Series win, the Los Angeles Dodgers are looking to retool for the 2025 season. Here are the four areas they need to address in order to repeat as champions.
The Dodgers’ Four Biggest Needs for 2025
1. An Infielder
This need may seem superfluous. After all, Mookie Betts is moving back to shortstop next year. This preserves Gavin Lux‘s spot at second, with Max Muncy at third, and Freddie Freeman at first. In addition, National League Championship Series Most Valuable Player Tommy Edman was signed to be the everyday center fielder.
Case closed? Maybe not. The reason Los Angeles is moving Betts back to the infield was to prevent “wear and tear” on the perennial All-Star’s body. Yet, he is moving to one of the most physically and mentally demanding spots on the diamond. Yes, they have Miguel Rojas to play backup shortstop, but it would be beneficial to explore other options if Betts continues to struggle defensively. Perhaps even moving him to second base would be the best answer. But time will tell.
2. Right-Handed Hitting Corner Outfielder
With Betts moving back to the infield, and Teoscar Hernández testing the free-agent market, Los Angeles has two outfield spots open.
They did sign Michael Conforto who is a nice addition capable of providing pop. However, he is a left-handed bat in a lineup that is now lefty-heavy. There is no doubt that Andy Pages will get some time in a corner outfield, which is his natural position, but it may be as a platoon player with Conforto.
If the Dodgers, who are said to be still in the market for Teoscar Hernández, don’t re-sign him, would they pivot and sign or trade for someone else?
3. A Bullpen Arm
The Dodgers just re-signed reliever and World Series hero Blake Treinen, who may be one of the top relief arms in baseball.
However, the rumor is they may not be done. Daniel Hudson, who retired at the end of 2024 needs to be replaced.
The pitchers they seem to be pursuing are high-leverage relievers. Devin Williams would cost the Dodgers more than money, as he is under contract with the Milwaukee Brewers. Another prime reliever is free agent left-hander Tanner Scott, who would be a reliable late-inning option.
It remains to be seen if Dodgers president of baseball operations Andrew Friedman would spring for the money to land Scott, as he has been reticent to spend lavishly on the bullpen in the past. But if Friedman can swing a deal, look for him to pounce.
4. At Least One Starting Pitcher
“You can never have enough pitching,” Dodgers general manager Brandon Gomes said in an interview with MLB Network. The Dodgers walked a fine line with a thin rotation and won a World Series this season.
It appears they don’t want to repeat the razor’s edge again.
Los Angeles just signed left-handed ace Blake Snell to a five-year contract.
They also have Yoshinobu Yamamoto and Tyler Glasnow at the top of their rotation. To further protect their quality arms, the Dodgers announced that they are going to a six-man rotation which means they’re going to need an extra starter or two, especially since Shohei Ohtani and Clayton Kershaw will not be ready at the start of the 2025 season.
It is also an open question how effective Dustin May and Tony Gonsolin will be coming off Tommy John surgery. The Dodgers are said to be “in” on Roki Sasaki, but until the Japanese phenom signs on the dotted line, look for the defending champs to continue to explore their options.
As good as the Dodgers were this season, chances are they could be even better the next. But we won’t know that until they take the field.
