Last year’s World Series win felt very different than this one. The Blue Jays put up a hell of a fight, but the Dodgers — somehow, some way — scrapped enough to claim their ninth world championship.
And because we never rest around here when it comes to rosterbating, it’s time to look at where the 40-man rosters stands heading into the offseason.
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Free Agents (7)
All teams have an exclusive, 5-day negotiating window after the World Series. After that time, they’ll be free to sign anywhere.
We already know Kershaw is retiring (well-deserved). Conforto — despite the Dodgers’ need for more outfield production — won’t be back. Kopech dealt with injuries after being a solid contributor to the 2024 championship squad. Yates was good to start his Dodger tenure before regressing and the injury bug biting him. Hernandez — while not as valuable with the bat during the season and this postseason — should have a lifetime contract with the Dodgers if for nothing else but the vibes. Rojas, a Game 7 hero, said earlier in the season 2026 would be his final one. It’s hard to see him topping what he just did, but if he wants one more go, he’ll get it — and likely from the Dodgers.
Option (2)
Despite his struggles at times during the 2025 season, this is as easy an option exercise as there is. The Dodgers don’t have anyone ready to take the reigns at third base and their money would be better spent elsewhere in the offseason. Also, Muncy carried the offense for a stretch during the regular season and had another clutch homer in the postseason. Vesia signed a 2-year deal to avoid arbitration last offseason. If Muncy’s option is a no-brainer, I’m not sure what you call Vesia’s, because he’ll be back (as long as he wants to be).
Under Contract (12)
This is the core of the team — a back-to-back World Series winning team. Still some of the best collection of talent in the game.
Arbitration-eligible (10)
RHP Tony Gonsolin (Arb4, $5.4 million)
RHP Brusdar Graterol (Arb 4, $2.7 million)
RHP Evan Phillips (Arb 3, $6.1 million)
LHP Alex Vesia (Arb 3, $4.1 million)
LHP Anthony Banda (Arb 2, $1.7 million)
C Ben Rortvedt (Arb 2, $1.3 million)
OF Alex Call (Arb 1, $1.5 million)
RHP Michael Grove (Arb 1, $800,000)
OF Esteury Ruiz (Arb 1, no estimate)
RHP Brock Stewart (Arb 1, $1.4 million)
Note: All arbitration estimates are via MLB Trade Rumors.
All these guys figure to be back. Ruiz’s spot is probably the most unsure for 2026, but everyone else will be offered arbitration and/or agree to a deal to avoid arbitration at some point.
Pre-Arbitration/Minor Leagues (18)
The following players don’t have enough service time to be arbitration-eligible or don’t have long-term contracts. They’ll be making peanuts compared to everyone else above.
All guys making the MLB minimum or slightly higher. Some of them might not make it through the winter on the 40-man, Some guys will go on the 60-day injured list when Spring Training begins as they rehab from long-term injuries (and open up some roster spots). Still, there are a lot of talented players here who are making peanuts, compared to everyone else. This is how you build a sustainable, championship-level roster.
Restricted List (1)
I’m always going to keep a spot for Tolesy.
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Here’s a breakdown of where the 40-man roster stands.
18 Pre-Arbitration/Minor Leagues
12 Under Contract
10 Arbitration Eligible
2 Option
As of toady, the 40-man roster is at capacity. Vesia is going to be on the roster regardless of his option situation, but Muncy’s option decision must be made before free agency begins. If the Dodgers exercise it, there will have to be a corresponding 40-man roster move.
Players will be eligible for the 60-day injured list once Spring Training begins in February. The Dodgers may not have as many players eligible as in years past. Then, there are the Rule 5 Draft protections the Dodgers will have to make, all of which cost 40-man roster spots.
Here are some of the players who are R5-eligible for the first time. All players who were previously eligible, still in the org and not added to the 40-man roster are also eligible.
Position Players
Pitchers
Honestly, not a lot of guys the Dodgers could lose here. Miller is most likely on the position player side, while someone like Kopp could entice teams. RHP Jose Rodriguez — not a first-timer — could be a sneaky 40-man roster addition, but that would also require a corresponding roster move. Still, there’s probably no one worthy of a 40-man spot on a roster as deep as the Dodgers’.
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If there’s one thing this championship run did, it was expose the lack of hitting. Some guys had down years, some guys disappeared for a good portion of the playoffs. You have to figure the Dodgers will be in the market for a big bat — probably in the outfield. On the pitching side, though, they might be pretty OK. This could also be a time they look to move a couple veterans to give younger guys a chance. We’ll see what happens this winter, but let’s just bask in the glory of this title and enjoy the parade later today.
It’s a good time to be a Dodger fan.
