BALTIMORE, MD – SEPTEMBER 05: A general view of the Los Angeles Dodgers logo on an equipment bag in the dugout before the game against the Baltimore Orioles at Oriole Park at Camden Yards on September 5, 2025 in Baltimore, Maryland. (Photo by Scott Taetsch/Getty Images)
Getty Images
The Los Angeles Dodgers have made it clear that they plan to pursue a third straight World Series championship and they’re not afraid to make some tough decisions if it helps them get closer to that goal.
Shortly after hoisting their latest Fall Classic trophy, the Dodgers cut ties with some players who have helped them in recent years but who projected to become dead weight going forward. Shortly after he played a key role as Will Smith’s backup during the Dodgers’ playoff run, the team placed Ben Rortvedt on waivers and he was picked up by the Cincinnati Reds.
Similarly, the Dodgers designated pitcher Tony Gonsolin for assignment right after the season ended, even though he was an All-Star for the team in 2022. After he cleared waivers, Gonsolin opted to leave the organization as a free agent rather than potentially accept a minor league deal to stay with it.
“Dodgers also announced that Tony Gonsolin elected free agency,” The Athletic’s Fabian Ardaya reported in breaking the news.
Gonsolin had been a key member of the Dodgers for several seasons but some injury struggles derailed his career. After he missed all of the 2024 season, he returned in this past campaign to post a 5.00 ERA in just seven starts before undergoing surgery in August.
Facing a multi-month recovery window, Gonsolin was cut loose by the Dodgers and will be looking for a new contract elsewhere.
“Given that he’s now facing another lengthy rehab that will extend from somewhere between next April and June, he’ll be capped on a short-term deal,” Steve Adams projected for MLB Trade Rumors. “Opportunistic clubs may look to buy low on a one-year deal, and we’ve seen pitchers in similar situations command even modest two year pacts.”
Gonsolin might also choose to hold off on a new contract until he is healthy and can demonstrate that he’s recaptured some of the previous form that made him so promising as a member of the Dodgers.
“He could opt to increase his earning potential by waiting until he’s healthy to re-sign, but he should have interest from clubs this offseason and will be viewed as someone who could be a midseason reinforcement to a club’s pitching staff and/or a trade chip for a rebuilding club,” Adams added.
While there’s still a lot to be determined about Gonsolin’s playing future, it’s clear that he won’t have a chance to enjoy a Dodgers three-peat.