LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA – DECEMBER 03: Andrew Friedman of the Los Angeles Dodgers reacts during a press conference introducing Blake Snell as a Dodger at Dodger Stadium on December 03, 2024 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images)
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The Los Angeles Dodgers made it clear what their focus would be in the wake of their latest championship parade. As the players and executives addressed fans while celebrating their latest title, they indicated in no uncertain terms that they’d be seeking a “three-peat.”
But returning next year and winning it all once again won’t be an easy task. Yes, the Dodgers have plenty of superstar players coming back, including Shohei Ohtani, Mookie Betts and Freddie Freeman. But the roster is also in clear need of some reinforcement, particularly in one area.
“The bullpen is coming off of a season in which it posted a 4.27 ERA, 21st in the majors,” Alden Gonzalez reported for ESPN. “A solidified closer, or at least one leverage arm capable of handling the ninth inning on a championship team, will be what they spend the most time on in the coming weeks. And though the trade option remains their ideal path, free agency is primed with standout closers.”
Given that need, it might not be a surprise to learn that the Dodgers were among the finalists to add star free agent closer Raisel Iglesias this winter. But on Wednesday, the team lost him to the Atlanta Braves.
“Per sources, Raisel Iglesias received offers from the Dodgers and Blue Jays worth around $16 million, but ultimately chose to return to the Braves,” Major League Baseball insider Francys Romero reported.
Iglesias had a bit of a rocky campaign but ended this past season as one of the better closers in baseball once again. And in 2024, he logged a 1.95 ERA with 34 saves for the Braves.
So he likely could have served as the kind of high-leverage arm that the Dodgers are seeking. And even though they reportedly offered him his asking price of $16 million, he opted for the same amount of money from his former team instead, taking a one-year deal with the Braves.
The move not only took a significant relief option off the board for the Dodgers, but it also announced that the Braves won’t stand pat in the National League. After a down season marred by injuries, the return of Iglesias could signal that the recent league powerhouse is looking to square off with the Dodgers in some high-stakes playoff battles once again next year.
But, in the meantime, the Dodgers will be left to continue their search for some new bullpen options after their National League foe stole away their latest star pitcher target.