Waiting for Andrew Friedman to put his final touches on the Dodgers 2026 roster can be a frustrating time for fans of the team.
While Friedman’s deliberate process can be frustratingly slow to some (most?), his patience has rewarded fans with three World Championships – a fourth was stolen by the cheating practices of the Houston Astros in the 2017 October Classic.
The team’s number one priority after signing free agent closer Edwin Díaz is an outfielder to replace Michael Conforto in the lineup. Internal candidates are either unproven (Ryan Ward), underwhelming (Alex Call and Michael Siani), or talented prospects who require more development time in the minors.
What players should the Dodgers acquire to finish their roster for 2026 and beyond?
In one fan’s opinion:
Don’t overthink it. Sign Kyle Tucker, who is one of the best all around right fielders in MLB, Teoscar Hernández moves to LF, with Andy Pages in CF. This would give the Dodgers one of the best outfields in MLB.
several great plays during the 2025 season and postseason. (Jayne Kamin-Oncea)
Trade for Washington Nationals LH starting pitcher MacKenzie Gore and second baseman CJ Abrams. Starting pitcher Emmet Sheehan, reliever Anthony Banda, infielder Alex Freeland, catcher Dalton Rushing, and pitching prospect Peter Heubeck go to the Nationals.
Tommy Edman takes the super utility role – second base, shortstop, third base, left field, and center field.
Sign soon-to-be 31-year-old backup catcher Reese McGuire, an excellent defensive catcher
That’s one fan’s opinion.
What do you think, Dodgers fans? How would you retool the Dodgers 2026 roster?
* * * * * *
OhioDodger
January 10, 2026 at 9:19 am
I would not give up that package for Gore and Abrams. I like the Reese McGuire idea.
I would sign Harrison Bader to play CF, move Pages to RF and Teo to LF.
Jesse Pearce
January 10, 2026 at 10:28 am
Fair point about my package of players for Gore and Abrams. Here is my thinking. Gore is the National’s ace and Abrams their starting SS – together they are a combined 6 WAR for their team. Gore is team controlled for two more seasons, Abrams for 3 seasons (he is only 25).Sheehan (the Dodgers fifth or sixth starter) and Banda together were 3 WAR last season — Freeland and Rushing were a combined 0. Heubeck is lower middle pitching prospect. The Nats may not even accept that package.
I like Bader in a platoon role, but that is an all right hand hitting outfield. I think the team needs an additional, proven lefty run producer.
Stevenbendodger
January 10, 2026 at 3:55 pm
Much like they did for Ohtani are the Dodgers positioning themselves to get Skubal next yr in free agency?
I would like to see us either sign Bader or trade for an outfielder.
Everybody needs pitching so bad and we have tons of it.
Jesse Pearce
January 10, 2026 at 4:15 pm
I think Skubal is a real long shot for Dodgers, main reason I would like to see them acquire Gore (not as good, but pretty close). Skubal is from Northern California and reportedly was an A’s fan growing up — Barry Zito favorite pitcher. SF Giants have a lot of money and I think they will be the favorites to sign Skubal in free agency. Jarren Duran would be a terrific acquisition, but unless Boston becomes more reasonable in their trade demands for the 29 year old OF’er, I don’t see the Dodgers trading for him.
Jesse Pearce
January 13, 2026 at 9:54 am
Reportedly, Mets are offering Tucker 3 years at $40+M AAV. Dodgers would likely match that amount, perhaps using the years to 4 or 5 — but no higher. If things get really crazy from the Mets (or Yankees), I think the Dodgers will be more aggressive in a trade for Duran (Red Sox)