Coming off a World Series win in 2024, the Dodgers leveraged their reputation and resources to secure Japanese star Aki Sasaki. They also brought in Blake Snell and top reliever Tanner Scott, causing a noticeable gap between them and other teams in the league.
“People were saying the Dodgers were ruining baseball before the season started,” manager Dave Roberts remarked after a sweeping victory in this year’s National League Championship Series. “Let’s aim for four more wins and truly ruin baseball.”
Once those four wins are achieved, will the Dodgers continue on their destructive path?
A team that spends and wins like the Dodgers can keep strengthening its lineup, potentially crafting a dynasty. With hopes pinned on winning their fourth World Series title in six seasons, they could retain a strong core including Shohei Ohtani, Mookie Betts, Freddie Freeman, Will Smith, and a solid starting rotation. There’s speculation about adding Kyle Tucker to take Michael Conforto’s place or perhaps even bringing in Munetaka Murakami to fill in for Max Muncy. And then there’s the chance of acquiring Edwin Diaz or Devin Williams to bolster the bullpen.
The Dodgers in 2025 have more star power than ever before, igniting both excitement and fears that they could chase down their own regular season record of 116 wins. Though that didn’t happen, they’ll take solace in the title instead.
Looking ahead, there’s reason to believe the Dodgers may only get stronger next season as they continue to spend. Some offseason storylines are beginning to emerge…
Feeling a Lockout Coming?
There’s a sense of uncertainty as the 2025-26 offseason approaches.
With the current collective bargaining agreement expiring on December 1, 2026, many believe owners will push for a salary cap, which likely means a lockout is on the horizon.
Any new measures, like changes to the luxury tax or stricter penalties for exceeding it, would certainly impact teams and players, so preparation is essential.
Given the unknowns, might teams look to negotiate one-year contracts to avoid disrupting future salaries? Amidst this uncertainty, will players seek longer agreements to dodge the free agency cycle again?
Of course, some players’ appeal may outweigh these concerns.
Tucker’s Prize
Just last winter, we saw Juan Soto sign for an eye-popping $765 million, and before that, Ohtani fetched $700 million. No doubt, this year’s top free agent prize will likely be Kyle Tucker.
The 28-year-old outfielder has been an All-Star for the past four years. With a .875 OPS since 2019, he stands among the best in the league. He demonstrated his power with 30 home runs and 25 stolen bases last season, displaying consistent proficiency—especially valuable as the postseason nears.
While he’s bound to be the prime attraction this offseason, there will also be alternative options.
Free Agents Seeking Second Chances
Other notable free agents this year might include hitters who have struggled in the past.
Take Pete Alonso, whose first experience with free agency extended to February before he re-signed with the Mets on a essentially one-year deal. Alex Bregman also faced challenges, eventually signing with the Red Sox on a deal that allowed for opting out. Cody Bellinger was cautious enough to bypass his opt-out option in 2025, playing the season at $27.5 million instead.
For both Alonso and Bregman, there were no qualifying offers this time, which should allow them to pursue better, longer contracts following solid performances.
MLB now has a handle on their potential. Less certain, however, is…
Attractive Japanese Free Agent
The market for 25-year-old Munetaka Murakami, projected to be posted by NPB’s Yakult Swallows, will be highly competitive. Unlike Sasaki, who came into MLB as an amateur, Murakami’s bidding could be steeper. He’s known for his power, evidenced by 56 home runs in 2022, although he does have strikeout issues that raise eyebrows.
Also in the mix are Yomiuri Giants standout Kazuma Okamoto and Seibu Lions right-hander Tatsuya Imai, who had an impressive 1.92 ERA last season.
Teams may also explore trade options if they feel the free agency prices are too steep, leading to a lingering question…
Who Will Be the Ace Candidate?
Could the Tigers, still without a Cy Young candidate, scoop up promising players by acquiring Tarik Skubal?
What about the Brewers with Freddy Peralta? Will the Reds snag Hunter Greene, who has a contract through at least 2028? And what will the Nationals’ new strategy mean for Mackenzie Gore? Will the Marlins consider moving Sandy Alcantara? The Twins and Joe Ryan might also be on the move.
The free agent pool will feature talents like Framber Valdez, Ranger Suarez, Dylan Cease, Michael King, and Zac Gallen. Though talented, will they have the impact needed?
AL MVP: Judge vs. Lowry?
The AL MVP debate heats up—who will take home the award this year?
Will it be Aaron Judge, the Yankees’ captain aiming for his third award in four seasons, boasting impressive statistics in batting average, on-base percentage, and slugging? Or perhaps the Mariners’ slugger, who hit 60 home runs and played a critical role in bringing Seattle close to the World Series?
We’ll know the answer on November 13.
Hall of Fame Watch
Could this finally be Carlos Beltrán’s year? Former Yankees and Mets star Andruw Jones will also return to the ballot as a strong contender for the Class of 2026, which the Baseball Writers Association of America will vote on in January.
With Ichiro Suzuki and CC Sabathia navigating through last winter’s ballot, newcomers like Cole Hamels and Ryan Braun will face tougher competition this time around.
Yankees’ Path Forward
The Yankees’ 2024 Plan A featuring Soto didn’t pan out. Was Plan B in 2025—featuring Max Fried, Bellinger, Williams, and Paul Goldschmidt—any better?
Will Hal Steinbrenner allow Tucker to join the team? Could Bellinger’s versatile defense make him an attractive target? Given the rotation’s injury issues, should starting pitchers be the priority? And can Anthony Volpe’s shoulder uncertainty make him more viable than Jose Caballero as a shortstop option?
Mets’ Road to Recovery
After a disappointing season with a staggering $340 million spent, the Mets find themselves needing to regroup.
Will owner Steve Cohen rein in spending, especially after a tumultuous season? Should he invest more in the roster, considering this might be his last chance to spend freely? Will David Stearns, cautious last season, now seek a prominent starting pitcher? What are the futures of Alonso and Diaz, and how might they fit into the plans?
