The Los Angeles Dodgers won back-to-back World Series titles and now have their sights on becoming baseball’s first three-peat champion in 26 years.
The team made a splash by signing one of the best relief pitchers in Edwin Díaz, who should shore up a bullpen that struggled with inconsistency this year.
The Dodgers figure to make additional moves before Spring Training begins in February, but the important thing is they are set to return most of their core players from the past few seasons.
President of baseball operations Andrew Friedman outlined the club’s goals for the 2026 season, which include winning the National League West, earning a first-round bye into the Division Series and pitching staff being effective on all levels, via SportsNet LA:
“First thing we have to do is do everything we can to win the West, get a bye. And then hopefully we can have our starters and our bullpen synced up at the same time, and have a way better quality of life.”
The Dodgers have won the NL West in all but one season since 2013, with the 2021 campaign being the only exception. They also earned an automatic bye to the Division Series in three consecutive seasons before 2025, which saw them play in the Wild Card round.
In terms of aligning their bullpen and rotation, that is something Friedman has previously mentioned as one of the Dodgers’ biggest goals for the 2026 season.
L.A. is counting on improved health and certain pitchers bouncing back in order for that to become a reality, and the signing of Díaz should also make things easier as he will be the team’s first dedicated closer since Kenley Jansen.
Andrew Friedman: Dodgers will continue being ‘aggressive’
Friedman recently said that the Dodgers have fewer needs this offseason, but noted they will continue to be aggressive with potential roster moves.
The Dodgers are now seemingly focused on someone who can be an upgrade on both offense and defense, and have some confidence they can land that player.
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