The Dodgers' Bullpen: A High-Stakes Gamble or a Recipe for Dominance?
As the Dodgers gear up for spring training, all eyes are on their bullpen—a unit that, much like their outfield, has been significantly fortified with a blockbuster signing. But here’s where it gets intriguing: is this a masterstroke of roster building, or are the Dodgers setting themselves up for a high-pressure season? Let’s dive into the details and explore the stories behind the arms that could define their 2026 campaign.
The 40-Man Roster Relievers
- Edwin Díaz
- Tanner Scott (LHP)
- Blake Treinen
- Alex Vesia (LHP)
- Brusdar Graterol
- Brock Stewart
- Jack Dreyer (LHP)
- Will Klein
- Edgardo Henriquez
- Kyle Hurt
- Bobby Miller
- Paul Gervase
- Ronan Kopp (LHP)
Big Money, Big Expectations: Edwin Díaz
For the second consecutive offseason, the Dodgers have gone all-in on a reliever, this time signing Edwin Díaz to a three-year, $69 million deal. This move not only broke Díaz’s own record for the highest average annual value for a reliever but also underscored the Dodgers’ commitment to addressing weaknesses with top-tier talent. Díaz’s numbers speak for themselves: in four of his last seven seasons, his ERA began with a '1,' and his xERA has only once exceeded 2.66 in his nine-year career. Over the past two seasons, he ranks second among MLB relievers in strikeout rate (38.4%) and strikeout-minus-walk rate (29.7%). But here’s the controversial part: with such a massive investment, can the Dodgers afford for Díaz to have even a slight dip in performance? And this is the part most people miss: while Díaz’s stats are undeniable, the pressure of living up to this contract could be a wildcard factor.
Tanner Scott: Redemption or Repetition?
Last season was a nightmare for Tanner Scott, who led the majors with 10 blown saves and surrendered nearly double the home runs (11) compared to the previous two seasons combined (6). His tendency to leave the ball over the plate proved costly, but Scott expressed confidence at Dodgers Fest that he’ll turn things around this season. Dustin Nosler at Dodgers Digest has outlined potential strategies for Scott’s resurgence, but the question remains: can he truly bounce back, or will 2026 be more of the same? This is a pivotal year for Scott, and his performance could significantly impact the bullpen’s reliability.
Brusdar Graterol: The High-Octane Enigma
Since joining the Dodgers in 2020, Brusdar Graterol has been a standout reliever, boasting a 2.69 ERA and a 3.06 xERA, thanks in part to a 61.9% groundball rate—eighth-best in MLB among pitchers with at least 150 innings during that span. However, durability has been Graterol’s Achilles’ heel. Over the past six seasons, he’s only pitched 204 innings, including the postseason, and missed the entire 2025 season due to shoulder surgery. Now healthy, Graterol is poised to reclaim his role as a key reliever, but the Dodgers must tread carefully to avoid overworking him. If he stays healthy, his impact could be game-changing.
Depth and the Revolving Door
With Brock Stewart likely sidelined for most of the first half following shoulder surgery, the Dodgers currently have five healthy relievers on the 40-man roster who cannot be sent to the minors. This leaves three bullpen spots open for the inevitable roster churn, a necessity in today’s era of pitcher turnover. The Dodgers used 39 pitchers in 2023 and set franchise records with 40 in each of the last two seasons—expect a similar number this year. But here’s the silver lining: with seven pitchers on the roster still holding minor league options, plus starting pitching depth like Ben Casparius, Justin Wrobleski, and Landon Knack, the Dodgers’ cupboard is far from bare. Yet, the question lingers: can this depth withstand the rigors of a 162-game season?
Strikeouts Galore, But Will It Translate?
Díaz’s addition is the headline, but other arms like Paul Gervase and Ronan Kopp could be breakout stars. Gervase, a 6’10” right-hander acquired at the trade deadline, and Kopp, a 6’7” left-hander added to the 40-man roster in November, both bring impressive minor league strikeout rates (35.9% and 33.5%, respectively). However, transitioning to major league success is no guarantee. While their stuff is undeniable, the jury is still out on whether they can consistently dominate at the highest level. And this is the part most people miss: the Dodgers’ bullpen success may hinge as much on these unproven arms as it does on their established stars.
Final Thoughts: A Bullpen Built for Glory?
The Dodgers’ bullpen is undeniably stacked, but it’s also a high-wire act. From Díaz’s record-breaking contract to Scott’s quest for redemption and Graterol’s health concerns, there are plenty of variables at play. As we head into spring training, one thing is clear: this bullpen has the potential to be dominant, but it’s also a unit that could face significant challenges. What do you think? Is this bullpen a recipe for success, or are the Dodgers taking too big a risk? Let us know in the comments—we’d love to hear your take!
