Dodgers seek the three-peat: Keys to success in MLB and key signings

Los Angeles Dodgers: Towards a Historic Three-Peat?

The Los Angeles Dodgers, after celebrating their championship on November 3rd, are already setting their sights on an ambitious goal: a three-peat. A feat that only two franchises have achieved since MLB established the division format in 1969: the Oakland Athletics of the early 70s and the New York Yankees of the late 90s.

“It’s not a matter of if we’re going to achieve it or how, but that we’re going to be extremely focused and do everything possible to be back in the best position to achieve it,” said Andrew Friedman, Dodgers’ president of baseball operations.

Andrew Friedman, Dodgers’ president of baseball operations

The question is clear: How to achieve it? The Dodgers have invested significant sums in recent seasons, adding nine-figure contracts to their payroll. This has made them a feared rival, generating anticipation in the industry. Agents use them as a reference to inflate prices and rival executives fear they will interfere in their negotiations. The general manager, Brandon Gomes, posed a key challenge: “How to win this year without falling into the void?” The directive seeks a balance between immediate success and long-term planning, a complex equation. In the last two seasons, they focused on the present, but now they seek a balance, although it remains to be seen to what extent. On the one hand, they are aware of the depth of their squad and the increasing age of their players. On the other hand, they are determined to maximize what Friedman considers the “golden era” of the franchise, aware that a third consecutive title would consolidate their legacy.

“I think, by definition, it’s a dynasty,” Friedman said. “But that, in many ways, limits it if you say, ‘OK, this is what it is.’ For me, it’s still evolving and growing, and we want to add to it and we want to continue it and do everything we can to take it to a level where people after us will find it difficult to reach.”

Andrew Friedman, Dodgers president of baseball operations

The success will depend on how they answer three crucial questions:

How to solve bullpen problems?

In the decisive Game 7 of the World Series, manager Dave Roberts employed six starters, reflecting the bullpen’s difficulties in 2025. Despite this, the management is confident in the depth of their bullpen for 2026. If everyone is healthy, seven of the eight bullpen spots are already filled. In addition, there are up to eight optionable relievers on the 40-man roster.

• Tanner Scott
• Blake Treinen
• Alex Vesia
• Evan Phillips
• Brock Stewart
• Brusdar Graterol
• Anthony Banda

However, the bullpen had an ERA of 4.27, ranking 21st in the majors. There are questions about the health of some pitchers, age, control issues, and performance in 2025. The Dodgers will look for a solid closer or a quality reliever for the ninth inning. The ideal option would be a trade, but free agency offers outstanding options. Edwin Díaz heads the list, although a long-term contract could be an impediment. Devin Williams, who has sparked interest in the team, is another option. Other relievers with short-term contracts are also being considered.

Do they need another bat?

The Dodgers struggled to hit at certain points last season. In a stretch of 33 games, they batted .235 and averaged few runs. In the last three rounds of the playoffs, their combined average was .213/.303/.364. They will likely need to add another bat to their lineup. The easiest option is to add a gardener. Kyle Tucker and Cody Bellinger are the main options in free agency. Although the Dodgers are not expected to be very aggressive for Tucker, they could consider him if his market collapses. They have also shown interest in Bellinger. The signing of Bellinger, who could play in center field, could improve the team’s defense. The Dodgers could also consider Harrison Bader or look for trade options, such as Steven Kwan and Brendan Donovan.

Do you need to rejuvenate the team?

The average age of the Dodgers’ position players was 30.7, the highest in the majors. Seven of their position starters are entering their age 31 season or older. The management is considering how to incorporate more youth into the team. They could be promoted to high-level prospects or make impactful moves through trades. The Dodgers have a large number of prospects in the outfield. They could use these players to obtain the desired closer or add young and controllable players at second base, shortstop, or center field. Pitchers River Ryan and Gavin Stone could be options for the bullpen. The Dodgers, after having set franchise records by using 40 pitchers in consecutive seasons, could send them to the minors and wait until they are needed.