Dodgers Could Pursue More Than Tarik Skubal This Offseason

The Dodgers enter the offseason with most of their championship-caliber roster intact for 2027, but their plans may extend beyond trying to bring back starting pitcher Tarik Skubal. The club’s nine regular starters are under contract, while Skubal is its most notable potential loss from the rotation. The bullpen and bench also need attention.

President of baseball operations Andrew Friedman said last month that he felt good about the team even if the season began immediately. He also emphasized that Los Angeles would look for opportunities to improve its talent and chances of winning a championship.

The longer-term picture is a concern for the club: the Dodgers had the oldest lineup in the majors, and more significant roster changes may arrive over the next two or three years. Andy Pages is the only established core player identified as entering his prime. The team could therefore seek younger players who can contribute now and help shape its next era.

Skubal, a two-time Cy Young Award winner who joined Los Angeles in a trade-deadline deal with Detroit, is the leading free-agent target. The Dodgers and Mets are viewed as co-favorites to sign him, though Los Angeles may prefer a shorter contract with a higher annual salary than the long-term deal projected to exceed $400 million.

The trade market could offer other possibilities, including Elly De La Cruz, Jeremy Peña, Gunnar Henderson, Zach Neto and CJ Abrams. Those names are speculative, and the market may move slowly while teams await clarity on a new collective bargaining agreement. The Dodgers have a highly regarded farm system and could also move players from their major-league roster to pursue a deal. The offseason’s direction will depend on which opportunities become available.