Dodgers Rumors: Dodgers “Prefer” Short-Term Fits Harrison Bader & Robert Suárez

ORLANDO, FL—While the Los Angeles Dodgers and their fans are riding high after securing back-to-back World Series championships, a feat that had not been accomplished in over 25 years, there is still always room for improvement.

While a majority of the Dodgers’ 2025 roster is returning, with minimal free agent movement, the team still has several needs they’ll need to address this winter, with the top two priorities being a late-inning right-handed relief pitcher and another outfielder.

While many expect Andrew Friedman and Co. to be linked to the top free agents such as Kyle Tucker and perhaps a reunion with Cody Bellinger, along with All-Star closer Edwin Díaz, the team looks to be going the opposite approach.

According to MLB insider Bob Nightengale of USA Today Sports, the Dodgers plan to monitor top free agents but favor a short-term approach, especially targeting outfielder Harrison Bader and former San Diego Padres closer Robert Suárez.

Oh, they’ll dip put their toes in the water for Tucker, Bellinger and Diaz, but they would prefer to grab outfielder Harrison Bader and Suarez.

While the short-term route may rub fans the wrong way, Bader and Suárez would be a massive addition to a team with already lofty expectations for the upcoming season.

Suárez, entering his age-35 season, is projected by FanGraphs to sign a two- or three-year deal worth approximately $15-16 million per year.

Over the past two seasons, Suárez has recorded 76 saves and 11 blown saves in 135 appearances, maintaining a 2.87 ERA. During this period, he has struck out 25.4% of batters while walking only 6.1%, and he has kept home runs under control.

Last year, the Dodgers also attempted to acquire outfielder Harrison Bader from the Minnesota Twins before he was ultimately traded to the Philadelphia Phillies.

The 31-year-old is finishing his best season yet, posting a .277/.347/.449 batting line with 17 home runs, 61 runs scored, and 54 RBIs over 146 games, earning a 3.2 WAR.

Bader probably performed better in 2025 than what might be expected in the future, considering he has a career line of .247/.313/401. However, his speed and defensive skills still make him a valuable player, even if his offensive numbers decline.

Another tidbit from the report from Nightengale is that the Dodgers won’t consider a play for a top free agent unless they can trade away fan-favorite Teoscar Hernández, who is owed over $26 million the next few seasons.

Should the Dodgers trade away Hernández, they have the roster and payroll space to get a deal done for a more long-term solution, but with multiple top prospects ready to graduate, that seems unlikely.

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