Final yr’s World Collection win felt very totally different than this one. The Blue Jays put up a hell of a combat, however the Dodgers — one way or the other, a way — scrapped sufficient to say their ninth world championship.
And since we by no means relaxation round right here relating to rosterbating, it’s time to have a look at the place the 40-man rosters stands heading into the offseason.
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Free Brokers (7)
All groups have an unique, 5-day negotiating window after the World Collection. After that point, they’ll be free to signal wherever.
We already know Kershaw is retiring (well-deserved). Conforto — regardless of the Dodgers’ want for extra outfield manufacturing — gained’t be again. Kopech handled accidents after being a stable contributor to the 2024 championship squad. Yates was good to start out his Dodger tenure earlier than regressing and the damage bug biting him. Hernandez — whereas not as invaluable with the bat throughout the season and this postseason — ought to have a lifetime contract with the Dodgers if for nothing else however the vibes. Rojas, a Sport 7 hero, mentioned earlier within the season 2026 could be his last one. It’s exhausting to see him topping what he simply did, but when he desires yet one more go, he’ll get it — and certain from the Dodgers.
Choice (2)
Regardless of his struggles at instances throughout the 2025 season, that is as simple an choice train as there may be. The Dodgers don’t have anybody able to take the reigns at third base and their cash could be higher spent elsewhere within the offseason. Additionally, Muncy carried the offense for a stretch throughout the common season and had one other clutch homer within the postseason. Vesia signed a 2-year deal to keep away from arbitration final offseason. If Muncy’s choice is a no brainer, I’m undecided what you name Vesia’s, as a result of he’ll be again (so long as he desires to be).
Below Contract (12)
That is the core of the group — a back-to-back World Collection successful group. Nonetheless a number of the greatest assortment of expertise within the sport.
Arbitration-eligible (10)
- RHP Tony Gonsolin (Arb4, $5.4 million)
- RHP Brusdar Graterol (Arb 4, $2.7 million)
- RHP Evan Phillips (Arb 3, $6.1 million)
- LHP Alex Vesia (Arb 3, $4.1 million)
- LHP Anthony Banda (Arb 2, $1.7 million)
- C Ben Rortvedt (Arb 2, $1.3 million)
- OF Alex Name (Arb 1, $1.5 million)
- RHP Michael Grove (Arb 1, $800,000)
- OF Esteury Ruiz (Arb 1, no estimate)
- RHP Brock Stewart (Arb 1, $1.4 million)
Word: All arbitration estimates are through MLB Commerce Rumors.
All these guys determine to be again. Ruiz’s spot might be essentially the most not sure for 2026, however everybody else will likely be provided arbitration and/or conform to a deal to keep away from arbitration sooner or later.
Pre-Arbitration/Minor Leagues (18)
The next gamers don’t have sufficient service time to be arbitration-eligible or don’t have long-term contracts. They’ll be making peanuts in comparison with everybody else above.
All guys making the MLB minimal or barely increased. A few of them won’t make it by the winter on the 40-man, Some guys will go on the 60-day injured listing when Spring Coaching begins as they rehab from long-term accidents (and open up some roster spots). Nonetheless, there are quite a lot of gifted gamers right here who’re making peanuts, in comparison with everybody else. That is the way you construct a sustainable, championship-level roster.
Restricted Listing (1)
I’m at all times going to maintain a spot for Tolesy.
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Right here’s a breakdown of the place the 40-man roster stands.
- 18 Pre-Arbitration/Minor Leagues
- 12 Below Contract
- 10 Arbitration Eligible
- 2 Choice
As of at the moment, the 40-man roster is at capability. Vesia goes to be on the roster no matter his choice state of affairs, however Muncy’s choice resolution should be made earlier than free company begins. If the Dodgers train it, there should be a corresponding 40-man roster transfer.
Gamers will likely be eligible for the 60-day injured listing as soon as Spring Coaching begins in February. The Dodgers might not have as many gamers eligible as in years previous.
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Then, there are the Rule 5 Draft protections the Dodgers should make, all of which price 40-man roster spots.
Listed here are a number of the gamers who’re R5-eligible for the primary time. All gamers who have been beforehand eligible, nonetheless within the org and never added to the 40-man roster are additionally eligible.
Place Gamers
Pitchers
Truthfully, not quite a lot of guys the Dodgers may lose right here. Miller is most definitely on the place participant facet, whereas somebody like Kopp may entice groups. RHP Jose Rodriguez — not a first-timer — could possibly be a sneaky 40-man roster addition, however that might additionally require a corresponding roster transfer. Nonetheless, there’s in all probability nobody worthy of a 40-man spot on a roster as deep because the Dodgers’.
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If there’s one factor this championship run did, it was expose the shortage of hitting. Some guys had down years, some guys disappeared for a great portion of the playoffs. It’s a must to determine the Dodgers will likely be available in the market for an enormous bat — in all probability within the outfield. On the pitching facet, although, they is perhaps fairly OK. This may be a time they give the impression of being to maneuver a pair veterans to provide youthful guys an opportunity. We’ll see what occurs this winter, however let’s simply bask within the glory of this title and benefit from the parade later at the moment.
It’s a great time to be a Dodger fan.
