Dodgers Winter Meetings Cheat Sheet
The annual MLB Winter Meetings are happening now in Orlando! Here’s a breakdown of the Dodgers' needs and important dates.
ORLANDO, FL—Although Sunday was officially Day One of the 2025-2026 Major League Baseball Winter Meetings in Orlando, Florida, it was mainly a travel day, with teams, coaches, front office staff, and media arriving at their hotels. The main events are expected to kick off on Day Two.
That said, here’s a breakdown of this year’s festivities and where the defending back-to-back World Series champion Los Angeles Dodgers stand in their quest to become the first team to three-peat since the 1998-2000 New York Yankees.
Hall of Fame Contemporary Announcement
On Sunday night, on Day One of the Winter Meetings, the National Baseball Hall of Fame announced the inductees from the Contemporary Baseball Era ballot, which includes multiple former Dodgers players.
Of the eligible names that included Barry Bonds, Roger Clemens, Carlos Delgado, Jeff Kent, Don Mattingly, Dale Murphy, Gary Sheffield, and Fernando Valenzuela, only Jeff Kent was elected to the 2026 Hall of Fame.
Dodgers left-handed legend Fernando Valenzuela received fewer than five total votes, making him ineligible for consideration until the 2031 ballot.
The 17-year veteran achieved a total of 290/.356/500 (123 OPS+) with 2,461 hits, 560 doubles, 377 home runs, 1,518 RBIs, 1,320 runs, and a 55.4 WAR. Kent also holds the record for most home runs by a second baseman.
Valenzuela’s Hall of Fame case is complex, since some of his stats don’t directly compare to those of established Cooperstown inductees.
However, what cannot be overstated — or ignored — is Valenzuela’s influence on the Dodgers franchise and the sport overall. In the 1981 season, “Fernandomania” emerged as the rookie left-hander posted a 13-7 record with a 2.48 ERA, 11 complete games, and eight shutouts. Valenzuela also led all pitchers with 180 strikeouts and was awarded the NL Cy Young Award.
But for now, Valenzuela’s time in Cooperstown is put on hold.
Winter Meetings Timeline
The 2025-2026 MLB Winter Meetings is a four-day event starting on Sunday (yesterday), December 2nd, and concluding on Wednesday, December 10th.
Sunday, December 7th: Winter Meetings begin in Orlando, Fla.
Sunday, December 7th: Hall of Fame Contemporary Baseball Era voting results are announced
Tuesday, December 9th: MLB Draft Lottery
Wednesday, December 10th: Rule 5 Draft takes place
Wednesday, December 10th: Winter Meetings conclude
Dodgers Free Agents
So far, it’s been a quiet offseason for the Dodgers with their lone signing being that of veteran utilityman Miguel Rojas, who re-signed with the team on a 1-year, $5.5 million deal.
Still, as the offseason continues, the Dodgers have several free agents seeking work for the 2026 season.
Starting Pitchers: Tony Gonsolin, Andrew Heaney
Relief Pitchers: Michael Kopech, Evan Phillips, Kirby Yates
Outfielders: Michael Conforto
Infielders/Outfielders: Kiké Hernández
The free agency pool grew larger when the team non-tendered right-handed pitcher Evan Phillips and DFA’d right-hander Tony Gonsolin in November.
Notable Rule-5 Eligible Players
Prior to the 40-man roster deadline, the Dodgers added multiple players to the roster that were Rule-5 eligible, including minor league outfielder Ryan Ward and left-handed pitcher Ronan Kopp.
Still, the organization has several players that could be taken in the draft on Wednesday.
Position Players
Pitchers
What are the Dodgers’ Needs?
Entering the offseason, the Dodgers have most of their 2025 championship roster returning for the 2026 season, but despite winning back-to-back titles, there is room for improvement.
So far, two needs have been identified and confirmed by the Dodgers brass: a late-inning right-handed hand for the bullpen and another outfielder.
The Dodgers have been connected to multiple key free agent relief pitchers, including Devin Williams, Ryan Helsley, and Raisel Iglesias, before they ultimately signed with other clubs.
While the big fish on the free agent market is All-Star closer Edwin Díaz, he appears to be out of the Dodgers’ price range, according to multiple reports.
However, the team is also open to re-signing recently non-tendered right-hander Evan Phillips, who is recovering from Tommy John surgery.
Regarding the outfield, the Dodgers are expected to dip their toe in the top free agent market for players such as Kyle Tucker and a possible reunion with 2019 NL MVP Cody Bellinger. Still, they will likely avoid another long-term commitment, with multiple top prospects set to graduate in 2027.
However, the team has also been connected to multiple trade candidates, including Steven Kwan of the Cleveland Guardians, Brendan Donovan of the St. Louis Cardinals, and Jarren Duran of the Boston Red Sox.
One benefit of the Dodgers trade needs is that they have a surplus of young controllable pitching, including right-handers Gavin Stone, River Ryan, and Emmet Sheehan.
Their top trade chip, Dalton Rushing, seems to be staying put, but could also be used in a trade.
Recent reports have also put Tyle Glasnow and Teoscar Hernández in trade conversations, although the Dodgers trading either of those two appears unlikely.
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