5 Moves the Dodgers Must Make to Stay MLB’s Top Contender

5. Decide Gavin Lux’s Future Role

Gavin Lux returned from injury in 2024 with a league-average offensive output, but his postseason struggles (.100 AVG in the World Series) raised questions about his future as a starter. With the infield market offering upgrades like Willy Adames and Ha-Seong Kim, the Dodgers must decide whether Lux fits better as a utility player.

If the Dodgers opt to keep Lux as their everyday second baseman, he must improve his consistency to avoid being a liability in high-stakes games.

2. Manage a Surplus in the Rotation

If the Dodgers land Sasaki, their starting rotation depth will require careful management. With Ohtani, Yamamoto, Glasnow, and potentially Clayton Kershaw returning, the Dodgers face a surplus of arms. Young talents like Bobby Miller, Landon Knack, and Ben Casparius also showed flashes of brilliance in 2024.

To maximize their assets, the Dodgers could explore trades to address other roster needs or lean on their depth to mitigate injury risks. Either way, they must develop a strategy to ensure their pitching resources are utilized effectively.

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3. Add a Proven Closer

While the Dodgers’ bullpen was among the league’s best in 2024, they lacked a definitive closer. With Daniel Hudson retiring and Blake Treinen potentially leaving in free agency, securing a reliable ninth-inning option could elevate their already elite relief corps.

Free-agent targets like Tanner Scott, who posted a 1.75 ERA with a 99th-percentile hard-hit rate, or Jeff Hoffman, a 2024 All-Star with a 2.17 ERA, could solidify the back end. Adding a top closer would make the Dodgers’ bullpen nearly untouchable.

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4. Fill the Outfield Gap

With Mookie Betts shifting to the infield and Enrique and Teoscar Hernández free agents, the Dodgers have a hole in the outfield. While Tommy Edman and Andy Pages offer internal options, a marquee addition could strengthen their lineup.

The Dodgers could pursue Juan Soto, but cost-effective alternatives like Anthony Santander or Tyler O’Neill would also make a significant impact. Re-signing Teoscar Hernández, who hit 33 home runs in 2024, remains a strong possibility.

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5. Decide Gavin Lux’s Future Role

Gavin Lux returned from injury in 2024 with a league-average offensive output, but his postseason struggles (.100 AVG in the World Series) raised questions about his future as a starter. With the infield market offering upgrades like Willy Adames and Ha-Seong Kim, the Dodgers must decide whether Lux fits better as a utility player.

If the Dodgers opt to keep Lux as their everyday second baseman, he must improve his consistency to avoid being a liability in high-stakes games.