Dodgers Get 'A' Grade for Offseason, Further Frustrating MLB

The champions got better and cheaper, cementing their status as World Series favorites.

Feb. 22, 2026 at 4:15pm

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The Los Angeles Dodgers have been awarded an 'A' grade for their offseason moves, which included signing star players Kyle Tucker and Edwin Diaz while also bringing back fan favorites Kike Hernandez and Miguel Rojas. Despite their success, the Dodgers managed to lower their payroll by $1 million, further frustrating the rest of Major League Baseball.

Why it matters

The Dodgers' ability to improve their roster while simultaneously reducing payroll is a testament to their savvy front office and deep pockets. As the reigning World Series champions, their offseason additions make them the clear favorites to win it all again, leaving the rest of the league struggling to keep up.

The details

The Dodgers addressed their two main needs this offseason - closer and left field - by signing the best available players in Edwin Diaz and Kyle Tucker. They also brought back key contributors Kike Hernandez and Miguel Rojas, as well as reliever Evan Phillips, all on reasonable deals. Despite these high-profile additions, the Dodgers' payroll is still down about $1 million from 2025.

  • The Dodgers won back-to-back World Series titles in 2025 and 2026.

The players

Kyle Tucker

An All-Star outfielder who the Dodgers signed this offseason to address their need in left field.

Edwin Diaz

One of the best closers in baseball, signed by the Dodgers this offseason to shore up their bullpen.

Kike Hernandez

A versatile utility player and World Series hero who the Dodgers re-signed this offseason.

Miguel Rojas

Another World Series hero who the Dodgers brought back on a new contract this offseason.

Evan Phillips

A relief pitcher the Dodgers re-signed to a reasonable deal this offseason.

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What they’re saying

“All that and the Dodgers payroll is still down about $1 million from 2025, according to FanGraphs. Geez, imagine if they tried a little harder to win.”

— David Schoenfield, ESPN writer

What’s next

The Dodgers will look to continue their dominance and win their third straight World Series title in 2026.

The takeaway

The Dodgers' ability to improve their roster while simultaneously reducing payroll is a testament to their savvy front office and deep pockets. As the reigning World Series champions, their offseason additions make them the clear favorites to win it all again, leaving the rest of the league struggling to keep up.