Dodgers’ Bullpen Troubles Highlight Offseason Pursuit of Elite Closers
The Los Angeles Dodgers face an urgent need for improvement as they head into the offseason, with their bullpen emerging as the most pressing concern. Last season, the Dodgers’ relief corps struggled significantly, finishing with a reliever ERA of 4.27, ranking them among the bottom ten in Major League Baseball. This glaring deficiency has underscored the necessity for high-leverage arms as the team looks to bolster its roster.
A Call for Change
ESPN’s Alden Gonzalez reported that the Dodgers are set to take an aggressive approach in their pursuit of a top-tier reliever. The struggles of the bullpen were so severe that the team relied heavily on their starting pitchers throughout the postseason, with all four starters stepping up to secure a win in Game 7 of the World Series.
When discussing the potential acquisition of a seasoned closer, Dodgers general manager Brandon Gomes acknowledged the situation, stating, “I don’t think it’s a need, but it could be a ‘nice to have’ if that’s how it plays out.” The prevailing sentiment is that the organization is likely to secure a reliable closer, whether through trades or free agency.
Past Missteps in Closer Acquisition
The Dodgers’ attempts to shore up their bullpen last offseason with Tanner Scott did not yield the desired results. The left-hander struggled throughout the regular season, finishing with a disappointing 4.74 ERA over 61 appearances. This was a stark contrast to his impressive 1.75 ERA from the previous year. In 2024, Scott faced 33 save opportunities but converted only 23, marking a troubling trend as he had never before blown double-digit saves in a single season.
A Promising Free Agent Market
Fortunately for the Dodgers, the upcoming free agency period presents a wealth of high-caliber closers. Among the top names are Edwin Diaz and Robert Suarez, both of whom have demonstrated their prowess on the mound. Diaz, making his first All-Star appearance since returning from a season-long injury, showcased his elite skills with a stellar 1.63 ERA across 62 outings, while accumulating 28 saves.
Suarez, too, made an impact, earning his second consecutive All-Star nod. His strong performance will undoubtedly make him a target for teams looking to solidify their late-inning pitching.
As the Dodgers navigate the offseason, the emphasis on revamping their bullpen could be the key to reclaiming their status as perennial contenders. The pursuit of a standout closer is not just a matter of filling a need; it represents a crucial step toward restoring the team’s championship aspirations.
