Dodgers fans are well aware of the bullpen failures during the 2025 regular season, in particular the awful performances of veteran relievers Tanner Scott, Blake Treinen, and Kirby Yates. Collectively, the Average Annual Value (AAV) of those three pitchers was $40M and they were responsible for 15 blown saves, 24 home runs allowed, 70 earned runs in 125 innings pitched, for a combined ERA of 5.04, and 0.00 Wins Above Replacement (WAR).
Yates is gone, but Scott and Treinen remain on the 2026 roster ($29.5M combined salary) hoping for much better results in the upcoming season. There is reason for optimism, as both have maintained their mid-90’s velocity. But, the Dodgers must have better performances from both relievers.
Returning bullpen arms were like a Forest Gump box of chocolates, never knowing what performances you were going to get last season. Ben Casparius, Jack Dreyer, and Justin Wrobleski established themselves as legit relievers who can consistently get Major League hitters out, and rookies Edgardo Henriquez and Will Klein flashed their talent and should be ready to step-up in 2026.
Relievers who struggled with uneven performances included: Anthony Banda, Landon Knack, and Bobby Miller. They will be fighting for spots on the active roster in Spring Training – if they are still with the team.
The bullpen took a major hit when Evan Phillips was lost to Tommy John surgery after only seven appearances last season: no earned runs allowed and pitching like he was going to grab the team’s closer role. With the potential of not pitching in 2026, the Dodgers did not offer Phillips a contract, making him a free agent. Reportedly, the team is hoping to work out a contract that will keep him in the bullpen for future years.
Brock Stewart was another major loss for the team after being acquired from the Minnesota Twins at the trade deadline. He had been counted upon to pitch major high-leverage innings for the remainder of the season and playoffs. Instead, he only pitched 3.2 innings before going on the IL and eventually had debridement surgery on his pitching shoulder. Dodgers will not count on his return any earlier than mid-season 2026.
Alex Vesia had an uneven season, at times pitching like a closer and others when he could not command his pitches; then his heartbreaking family tragedy. Dodgers will look for Vesia to regain his late-innings form at the back of the bullpen.
3.02 ERA, he and his wife Kayla went through what no couple should have to go through
with the horrific death of their newborn daughter Sterling. (Juan Ocampo)
Look for the return of right-handers Brusdar Graterol, River Ryan, and Gavin Stone from their respective surgeries to fortify the bullpen. And, the one-time top pitching prospect Bobby Miller could be a terrific reliever if he and the team can solve his command problems.
Nonetheless, the Dodgers will likely add at least one veteran reliever to the bullpen for added depth. High-profile / high-cost relievers Devin Williams or Edwin Diaz may be free agent targets, or less costly Pete Fairbanks.
Next up, our fearless forecast for the 2026 roster.
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