Dynasty: The 2025-2026 Offseason Thread

Matthew

Matthew

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Well, much like last year, I start this thread much later than I intended to because I got sick. But thankfully, also like last year, the Dodgers won the World Series, so perhaps it's a new tradition. I'm not sure.

In any event, as we begin the offseason, I think I still remain in shock that this team managed to win it again. The 2025 regular season was by and large not all that fun to watch. It felt like a season of underachieving, a team seemingly lacking any hunger. As late as September, this team didn't look like they were worthy of the playoffs much less another World Series appearance. It was a frustrating year, to say the least.

But, somehow, this team literally flipped the switch and gave us one of the most thrilling (and heart attack inducing) postseasons ever. I'm still rather speechless about the World Series. I'm still not sure how they won, but they did. This team was a lot of things this year, good and bad, but one thing you can never take away from this 2025 team: they were resilient. And it was that resiliency that paid off in the most critical moments and ultimately gave them another World Series.

I had to think about what I wanted to call this offseason thread. There was a lot to work with, including some of the great ones that were suggested. I could have gone with "We Ruined Baseball" (and I nearly did go with that one), or "What Are We Going to Complain About Now?!" But sometimes simple is best and, in this case, I wanted us to at least have one opportunity to enjoy the winter looking repeatedly at the word that has never been applied to this franchise in all its history: dynasty.

And as I like to do each year, I want to thank each and every one of you for your participation here. You all contribute greatly to this site and, while I know we are by far not the most popular Dodgers site, I truly believe we remain the best. Yes, I get it, we can be a grouchy bunch here at times, but two points on that. One, we're all Dodger fans, so I think there's a built in PTSD that comes with that. But, two, that's also one of the consequences of having a forum that allows people to speak freely about the team. Remember, this site was founded precisely to escape a forum that never allowed you to criticize the team or speak honestly about it. We may not always see eye to eye on the little things, but that's precisely the point. The goal is to exchange, and, if necessary, defend our ideas. That's how you learn something. And when push comes to shove, no matter what differences we may have, everyone here all shares in the same goal of ultimately wanting this team to win. Thus, in a world now where nearly all Dodger communities are basically one big Auld Board, never more do I appreciate our ability to have this place than now. And, again, that's because of all of you and what you all bring. I just supply the Kate Upton pictures.

We've come such a long ways from the days from how this organization was being run 15-25 years ago to where we're at now, the most successful period in franchise history. These things don't last forever, so let's all enjoy it, celebrate another fantastic World Series victory, and the official cementing of this franchise's first dynasty.

So, with that, let us officially begin the offseason thread.
 
Matthew,

All the thanks go to you for putting this site together and keeping it running smoothly. It's like my home away from home and there is a kind of kinship and family atmosphere here that is unmatched.

Glad you're feeling better. If it's of any solace, I remember coming down with flu-like symptoms during the 1981 playoffs and World Series. I think I caught some dread disease in the Astrodome watching the Dodgers lose the first two playoff games to the pre-cheating Astros. By the time the Dodgers vanquished the Yankees in Game 6, I was doing much better and able to enjoy it.

Thanks again!
 
Matthew said:
Well, much like last year, I start this thread much later than I intended to because I got sick. But thankfully, also like last year, the Dodgers won the World Series, so perhaps it's a new tradition. I'm not sure.

In any event, as we begin the offseason, I think I still remain in shock that this team managed to win it again. The 2025 regular season was by and large not all that fun to watch. It felt like a season of underachieving, a team seemingly lacking any hunger. As late as September, this team didn't look like they were worthy of the playoffs much less another World Series appearance. It was a frustrating year, to say the least.

But, somehow, this team literally flipped the switch and gave us one of the most thrilling (and heart attack inducing) postseasons ever. I'm still rather speechless about the World Series. I'm still not sure how they won, but they did. This team was a lot of things this year, good and bad, but one thing you can never take away from this 2025 team: they were resilient. And it was that resiliency that paid off in the most critical moments and ultimately gave them another World Series.

I had to think about what I wanted to call this offseason thread. There was a lot to work with, including some of the great ones that were suggested. I could have gone with "We Ruined Baseball" (and I nearly did go with that one), or "What Are We Going to Complain About Now?!" But sometimes simple is best and, in this case, I wanted us to at least have one opportunity to enjoy the winter looking repeatedly at the word that has never been applied to this franchise in all its history: dynasty.

And as I like to do each year, I want to thank each and every one of you for your participation here. You all contribute greatly to this site and, while I know we are by far not the most popular Dodgers site, I truly believe we remain the best. Yes, I get it, we can be a grouchy bunch here at times, but two points on that. One, we're all Dodger fans, so I think there's a built in PTSD that comes with that. But, two, that's also one of the consequences of having a forum that allows people to speak freely about the team. Remember, this site was founded precisely to escape a forum that never allowed you to criticize the team or speak honestly about it. We may not always see eye to eye on the little things, but that's precisely the point. The goal is to exchange, and, if necessary, defend our ideas. That's how you learn something. And when push comes to shove, no matter what differences we may have, everyone here all shares in the same goal of ultimately wanting this team to win. Thus, in a world now where nearly all Dodger communities are basically one big Auld Board, never more do I appreciate our ability to have this place than now. And, again, that's because of all of you and what you all bring. I just supply the Kate Upton pictures.

We've come such a long ways from the days from how this organization was being run 15-25 years ago to where we're at now, the most successful period in franchise history. These things don't last forever, so let's all enjoy it, celebrate another fantastic World Series victory, and the official cementing of this franchise's first dynasty.

So, with that, let us officially begin the offseason thread.
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A very heartfelt thanks once again, Matthew, for what you have done for all of us by creating and maintaining this site. Yes, it gets heated here occasionally, but I'm sure I'm not the only one to realize how much I need this outlet to learn and also to let off steam and keep my sanity.

I didn't realize you were sick but am happy you are feeling better.

Finally, we're all spoiled now so hopefully 2026 will end up as the season of the three-peat.
 
Matthew said:
Well, much like last year, I start this thread much later than I intended to because I got sick. But thankfully, also like last year, the Dodgers won the World Series, so perhaps it's a new tradition. I'm not sure.

In any event, as we begin the offseason, I think I still remain in shock that this team managed to win it again. The 2025 regular season was by and large not all that fun to watch. It felt like a season of underachieving, a team seemingly lacking any hunger. As late as September, this team didn't look like they were worthy of the playoffs much less another World Series appearance. It was a frustrating year, to say the least.

But, somehow, this team literally flipped the switch and gave us one of the most thrilling (and heart attack inducing) postseasons ever. I'm still rather speechless about the World Series. I'm still not sure how they won, but they did. This team was a lot of things this year, good and bad, but one thing you can never take away from this 2025 team: they were resilient. And it was that resiliency that paid off in the most critical moments and ultimately gave them another World Series.

I had to think about what I wanted to call this offseason thread. There was a lot to work with, including some of the great ones that were suggested. I could have gone with "We Ruined Baseball" (and I nearly did go with that one), or "What Are We Going to Complain About Now?!" But sometimes simple is best and, in this case, I wanted us to at least have one opportunity to enjoy the winter looking repeatedly at the word that has never been applied to this franchise in all its history: dynasty.

And as I like to do each year, I want to thank each and every one of you for your participation here. You all contribute greatly to this site and, while I know we are by far not the most popular Dodgers site, I truly believe we remain the best. Yes, I get it, we can be a grouchy bunch here at times, but two points on that. One, we're all Dodger fans, so I think there's a built in PTSD that comes with that. But, two, that's also one of the consequences of having a forum that allows people to speak freely about the team. Remember, this site was founded precisely to escape a forum that never allowed you to criticize the team or speak honestly about it. We may not always see eye to eye on the little things, but that's precisely the point. The goal is to exchange, and, if necessary, defend our ideas. That's how you learn something. And when push comes to shove, no matter what differences we may have, everyone here all shares in the same goal of ultimately wanting this team to win. Thus, in a world now where nearly all Dodger communities are basically one big Auld Board, never more do I appreciate our ability to have this place than now. And, again, that's because of all of you and what you all bring. I just supply the Kate Upton pictures.

We've come such a long ways from the days from how this organization was being run 15-25 years ago to where we're at now, the most successful period in franchise history. These things don't last forever, so let's all enjoy it, celebrate another fantastic World Series victory, and the official cementing of this franchise's first dynasty.

So, with that, let us officially begin the offseason thread.
Click to expand...
Matthew, love the new title. Dude, if you are sick, let us know. I told Herself and she wanted to send you some lingica soup. The recuperative properties of that stuff is amazing, especially with the very spicy lingica. I would be remiss if I didn’t say thank you for all you do.
 
Matthew is the GOAT for having this place for us to shit all over the team then clean it off and shower them with champagne.

I'm so ready to open up the brown stinkstar and shit all over the rest of baseball again during the offseason hot stove..
 
grabarkewitz said:
Matthew, love the new title. Dude, if you are sick, let us know. I told Herself and she wanted to send you some lingica soup. The recuperative properties of that stuff is amazing, especially with the very spicy lingica. I would be remiss if I didn’t say thank you for all you do.
Click to expand...
Send him some of that and drop in a chopped Carolina Reaper to spice it up.
 
Let’s get into it. Jeff Passan refutes Heyman on our interest in Kyle Tucker but with the caveat if the Dodgers can interest Tucker in a less years, more money deal, they could work something out. I figure opt outs would play into the deal as it sounds like Andy doesn’t want to block Davalan, Hope, Quintero, Tibbs, Sirota or JDP. Maybe a five year deal at $200MM and opt outs after years two, three and four. That would dovetail into when our six top outfield prospects should be ready for the bright lights.

Fabian Ardaya made my heart happy by saying the Blue have shown interest in Devin Williams. Thank God! The Diaz talk worried me. Williams is the preference because less years, less money, no draft pick compensation. If Tucker ends up signing with us, good bye two draft picks and a sizable amount of international money. Adding Diaz doubles that penalty. As for the names thrown out as Tucker replacements, none give me a chubby. Getting Kwan still keeps Teo in right. Same with Nootbar and Donovan (even though I see Donovan at 2B). Abreu would move Teo to LF but Abreu needs to find first base more often. Rushing might be in the outfield mix. He has decent wheels, for a catcher, and a gun, but it’s asking a lot to think 300 innings in the outfield deems him ready. There is also the Murakami gambit. The price appears to be falling (5/$80MM) and it is being reported he’s been in a crash course to improve his outfield skills. The swing and miss is frightening, but there are some who feel that can be fixed with some mechanical adjustments. That numbers on pitches over 93 mph are worrisome, also.
 
grabarkewitz said:
Let’s get into it. Jeff Passan refutes Heyman on our interest in Kyle Tucker but with the caveat if the Dodgers can interest Tucker in a less years, more money deal, they could work something out. I figure opt outs would play into the deal as it sounds like Andy doesn’t want to block Davalan, Hope, Quintero, Tibbs, Sirota or JDP. Maybe a five year deal at $200MM and opt outs after years two, three and four. That would dovetail into when our six top outfield prospects should be ready for the bright lights.

Fabian Ardaya made my heart happy by saying the Blue have shown interest in Devin Williams. Thank God! The Diaz talk worried me. Williams is the preference because less years, less money, no draft pick compensation. If Tucker ends up signing with us, good bye two draft picks and a sizable amount of international money. Adding Diaz doubles that penalty. As for the names thrown out as Tucker replacements, none give me a chubby. Getting Kwan still keeps Teo in right. Same with Nootbar and Donovan (even though I see Donovan at 2B). Abreu would move Teo to LF but Abreu needs to find first base more often. Rushing might be in the outfield mix. He has decent wheels, for a catcher, and a gun, but it’s asking a lot to think 300 innings in the outfield deems him ready. There is also the Murakami gambit. The price appears to be falling (5/$80MM) and it is being reported he’s been in a crash course to improve his outfield skills. The swing and miss is frightening, but there are some who feel that can be fixed with some mechanical adjustments. That numbers on pitches over 93 mph are worrisome, also.
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I don't see Tucker being worth that compensation and his injury history sucks. We already have guys like Edman who can't stay healthy, FF is getting older, Muncy usually goes on the list every year too. I feel like they need that table setter bat like Kwan or Donovan. The reason Donovan appeals over the others is that he plays 4 positions. He's a perfect guy to have after Kike eventually shuts it down. I do think that Kike and Rojas are coming back. Too much history and clubhouse chemistry to let them walk and they both will be affordable and know their roles. They just want another run.

Why on Earth would anyone want Nootbar? He absolutely sucks. He hit .239 and had as many K's and he did hits (119). That many K's with only 13 bombs is just terrible. He would be that last guy I'd want of all being mentioned.

Agree on Williams. To pay all that money to Diaz and give up the compensation would be very anti-AF. Williams still won't come at a discount though and he will want a long deal. He won't do a Yates style contract.

Murakami seems like just another Teo clone. Bad Defender, K's all the time and hits a bunch of bombs. Plus, he's unproven. Let him be someone else's overpay. Might as well just throw Rushing out there if they're that desperate or play Ward who's earned it.

I still want Donovan, a closer, a high leverage guy and maybe one more BP dude just to stock up. If they go after a SP, then they obviously have one in mind and don't feel they have the legs for the season. I don't want a pure OF because we have some serious studs down on the farm who will be worth the wait. We're bound to hit on at least 2 of them.

I feel like Kim is going to be moved for the arm. They aren't playing that kid and he's just collecting dust.
 
Gomes is all but saying that Ryan Ward is trade bait. This from mlb.com.

Will Ryan Ward get a shot?
Fresh off a Pacific Coast League MVP campaign, Ward was added to the Dodgers' 40-man roster last Thursday. Gomes said Tuesday that the 27-year-old had been on the Dodgers' radar amid some team-wide offensive slumps this past season, although they ultimately never called him up.
"He's done everything he possibly can in Triple-A," Gomes said. "He's got power. He controls the zone. He can play a solid corner outfield. He can mix in at first base if needed. Wardo has put himself in a position to help us at some point, and we're excited to see him get in there and get some reps."

He can do all that, but they kept trucking Conforto out there all summer??? Hey, maybe DePodesta likes him...kind of like Hee-Seop Choi? Ward had a .380 OBP last year and that turns DePo on. The Rockies just don't have much to offer in exchange. In fact, Ward would be a starter for the Rockies and can't even get a late call-up from the Dodgers.
 
grabarkewitz said:
Let’s get into it. Jeff Passan refutes Heyman on our interest in Kyle Tucker but with the caveat if the Dodgers can interest Tucker in a less years, more money deal, they could work something out. I figure opt outs would play into the deal as it sounds like Andy doesn’t want to block Davalan, Hope, Quintero, Tibbs, Sirota or JDP. Maybe a five year deal at $200MM and opt outs after years two, three and four. That would dovetail into when our six top outfield prospects should be ready for the bright lights.

Fabian Ardaya made my heart happy by saying the Blue have shown interest in Devin Williams. Thank God! The Diaz talk worried me. Williams is the preference because less years, less money, no draft pick compensation. If Tucker ends up signing with us, good bye two draft picks and a sizable amount of international money. Adding Diaz doubles that penalty. As for the names thrown out as Tucker replacements, none give me a chubby. Getting Kwan still keeps Teo in right. Same with Nootbar and Donovan (even though I see Donovan at 2B). Abreu would move Teo to LF but Abreu needs to find first base more often. Rushing might be in the outfield mix. He has decent wheels, for a catcher, and a gun, but it’s asking a lot to think 300 innings in the outfield deems him ready. There is also the Murakami gambit. The price appears to be falling (5/$80MM) and it is being reported he’s been in a crash course to improve his outfield skills. The swing and miss is frightening, but there are some who feel that can be fixed with some mechanical adjustments. That numbers on pitches over 93 mph are worrisome, also.
Click to expand...
For all the heat Devin Williams took in the Bronx, he had a very good 2.68 FIP. That wipeout change is nasty and he kind of lost the feel for it early and then struggled. His ERA didn't improve over the second half of 2025, so it remains to be seen if he's back to his pre-2025 form.
 
DodgerSSR said:
Gomes is all but saying that Ryan Ward is trade bait. This from mlb.com.

Will Ryan Ward get a shot?
Fresh off a Pacific Coast League MVP campaign, Ward was added to the Dodgers' 40-man roster last Thursday. Gomes said Tuesday that the 27-year-old had been on the Dodgers' radar amid some team-wide offensive slumps this past season, although they ultimately never called him up.
"He's done everything he possibly can in Triple-A," Gomes said. "He's got power. He controls the zone. He can play a solid corner outfield. He can mix in at first base if needed. Wardo has put himself in a position to help us at some point, and we're excited to see him get in there and get some reps."

He can do all that, but they kept trucking Conforto out there all summer??? Hey, maybe DePodesta likes him...kind of like Hee-Seop Choi? Ward had a .380 OBP last year and that turns DePo on. The Rockies just don't have much to offer in exchange. In fact, Ward would be a starter for the Rockies and can't even get a late call-up from the Dodgers.
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Sadly, I can’t see DePodesta chasing outfielders. He has Beck, Doyle and Fernandez locked in and Moniak getting the DH at bats. Add in that Tyler Freeman will get at bats between 2B and the outfield. 1B might have an opening. Togliia has great power but he’s a lousy switch hitter. He can’t hit right handers and that sinks his value. That might be where Ward fits on the Rockies. I think a better trade partner for Ward might be Kansas City. Their outfield is a barren wilderness and they have some nice pen arms who could be available.
 
grabarkewitz said:
Matthew, love the new title. Dude, if you are sick, let us know. I told Herself and she wanted to send you some lingica soup. The recuperative properties of that stuff is amazing, especially with the very spicy lingica. I would be remiss if I didn’t say thank you for all you do.
Click to expand...
Thanks, man, and of course, thanks to everyone for all the very kind words. I really appreciate it.

Yeah, I admit, I’m probably the worst when it comes to this stuff, as I'm typically inclined to want to avoid boring everyone by talking about myself. But the short of it: if anyone hasn’t seen too much of me lately, it’s because I wound up getting hospitalized sometime around the NLCS. Woke up in the middle of the night feeling short of breath, along with other symptoms that made me think I had a stomach flu, which I was intent to sleep off. However, when my alarm went off some hours later, my Apple Watch was firing off multiple high heart rate notifications and other health alerts. So, that convinced me to go to the hospital, and, short of it, what I thought was an abdominal infection somehow turned into severe sepsis. Thankfully they treated it literally just in time, and my body responded well, so I escaped ICU and dodged a serious bullet, to say the least.

Unfortunately, it’s left some side effects, so I’ve got a recovery ahead of me. However, the fact there is even a recovery to talk about is a blessing, as it’s a reminder of how precious and fleeting life can be. It's been a hell of a year, but I’m very lucky to be here and, thankfully, got to stick around to see another championship, even if the Dodgers did their best to send all of us to the hospital with that World Series.
 
BLUEFAN said:
Surprised you didn't close the season thread with a F@#$ the Padres banner.
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I know. Where are my manners? On that note, let's at least break this thread in with...



And now that the Dodgers have finally made up in count the three titles that the Giants won, let's also not forget:



mjdcelo6at491.jpg


There. I think this thread is now broken in.
 
grabarkewitz said:
I think a better trade partner for Ward might be Kansas City. Their outfield is a barren wilderness and they have some nice pen arms who could be available.
Click to expand...

KCR is definitely a place that could use Ward.

He could also be a fit in CLE, whose OF production has sucked for years, maybe as a secondary piece for Kwan.

TBR had probably the worst OF production last year and had zero power, plus we have a trade and AF history going there.

ATL could be a fit with a revolving door in LF and DH AB's available with Ozuna gone.

TEX could be a possibility with their qB and DH production being almost non existent last year and Garcia in RF on a big down trend.

I still think a trade for Jarred Duran (BOS) would be a good fit as he is young, cheap, can play CF, with Pages moving to RF and is under team control for the next 3 years, which lines up pretty well with when our next CF prospects (Quintero, Sirota, George) would be ready.
 
Norwegian Wood has been claimed off waivers by the Reds. Didn't know AF had put him on waivers, so I guess that ends the Rushing trade talk.
 
@Matthew, very sorry to hear about your illness, but very glad you recovered & on your way to feeling better. I echo the thanks of many here who appreciate your stewardship of this site. Living amongst the Giants faithful & no family around to share my heart & soul Dodger passion, this site has become a lifeline. I approve of @AKA Sparky sending you linguiça soup. It really isn't that spicy but sure is flavorful.
 
Attn: All
What damn preferences do I have on that prevent me from watching any YT videos posted? They also are stamped: This video is unavailable - Error code ...some #
 
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