The Los Angeles Dodgers have firmly established themselves as baseball’s team to beat, having clinched back-to-back World Series titles and sparking early chatter about a potential three-peat. Their recent success places them in rare company, as no team has won three consecutive championships since the Yankees accomplished the feat from 1998 to 2000. With a formidable MLB roster, an impressive farm system, an aggressive front office, and a financially committed ownership group, the Dodgers appear well-equipped to remain contenders heading into the 2026 season.
Manager Dave Roberts captured the spirit of the team’s ambition at the championship parade, expressing confidence that this group was never going to be denied another title for the city of Los Angeles. He even embraced the phrase “three-peat,” a nod to legendary basketball executive Pat Riley’s famous saying, signaling that the Dodgers are not only celebrating past success but are already looking ahead to adding a third consecutive championship banner.
However, despite their strengths, the Dodgers have clear areas that need attention before they can realistically aim for three straight titles. Their payroll situation is notable, as they ended the 2025 season with a hefty $415 million payroll that pushed them over the competitive balance tax threshold. Looking ahead, they have about $313 million committed for 2026, including arbitration projections, which means they will likely face tough financial decisions and a busy offseason to address roster needs while managing budget constraints.
Two areas stand out as priorities for improvement: the outfield and the bullpen. The outfield, in particular, was a weak point during the 2025 season. Michael Conforto, a key regular, struggled considerably at the plate, performing so poorly that the Dodgers left him off their postseason roster in favor of utility player Enrique Hernández. While Hernández proved serviceable in the playoffs, relying on him as a full-time left fielder over a grueling 162-game season is not viable, especially as he enters free agency. The team clearly needs a more reliable and impactful outfielder to strengthen both their offense and defense.
The bullpen presents a more complicated challenge. Despite significant investment last offseason—bringing in arms like Tanner Scott, Blake Treinen, and Kirby Yates—the relief corps underperformed. Scott and Yates struggled to replicate their prior success, and Treinen was notably untrustworthy during critical moments, including Game 7 of the World Series. Some of these players will return, such as Scott, Treinen, Alex Vesia, and Jack Dreyer, with young arms like Roki Sasaki potentially joining the mix. Still, the Dodgers are likely to pursue at least one top-tier bullpen arm to solidify late-inning pitching, especially given the aging core of their position players and the high stakes of pursuing a third straight championship.
The Dodgers’ dual strengths of financial muscle and a deep farm system give them a unique advantage in the offseason. They can afford to chase premium free agents and also have compelling prospects to use as trade assets. While there is no guarantee they will land their top targets, they will not lack options or leverage in negotiations.
Among free agents, Kyle Tucker stands out as a perfect fit for the Dodgers’ needs. As arguably the top available player this offseason, Tucker offers a rare combination of offensive prowess, defensive skill, and base-running ability. Adding him to the Dodgers' lineup would represent a significant upgrade, especially if the team shifts Teoscar Hernández to left field or moves on from him altogether. Tucker’s presence would bolster both the middle of the order and the outfield defense, complementing left-handed hitters like Freddie Freeman and Shohei Ohtani. While this could create a lefty-heavy lineup in the heart of the batting order, the offensive firepower of these players should mitigate any concerns.
Another player the Dodgers showed interest in during the 2025 trade deadline was Cleveland Guardians outfielder Steven Kwan. Although a deal did not materialize then, talks could resume this winter. Kwan is an elite defender with four Gold Gloves in as many seasons, making him a valuable asset to improve the Dodgers’ outfield defense. Importantly, Kwan is a right-handed hitter and a good fit as a lower-order batter—he could slot in at the No. 9 spot, allowing Ohtani to remain the leadoff hitter. This would provide the Dodgers with a pesky, overqualified hitter who can contribute both offensively and defensively.
If the Dodgers do not land a marquee outfielder like