The Los Angeles Dodgers are showing no signs of slowing down after their 2025 World Series victory, officially confirming the arrival of two powerhouse players this week. These seismic additions have already shaken the entire league to its core, cementing the Dodgers as the undisputed favorite for a three-peat.
The two key moves focus on filling the only two remaining holes on their roster: securing the outfield defense and bolstering the high-leverage bullpen:
1. The Power Arm: Closer Devin Williams Secured
The Dodgers officially signed two-time National League Reliever of the Year Devin Williams to a massive, multi-year contract, instantly providing the bullpen with an elite, proven closer.
- The Problem Solved: The Dodgers spent much of 2025 shuffling their closer duties, with Evan Phillips filling the role. Adding Williams (who finished the 2025 season strong after a rough start) provides a dedicated, high-strikeout arm known for his devastating “Air Bender” changeup.
- The Financial Commitment: While the contract details are still emerging, the deal is reportedly a four-year agreement approaching $70 million—a significant investment that beat out fierce competition from the Yankees, Red Sox, and Mets (Source 1.6).
- The Impact: Williams joins a bullpen that already features Tanner Scott, Alex Vesia, and Brusdar Graterol, immediately creating a bullpen that rivals the best in the sport and completely redefining their late-inning strategy.
2. The Elite Glove: Outfielder Steven Kwan Traded For
In a highly aggressive move, the Dodgers finalized a major trade to acquire Gold Glove-winning outfielder Steven Kwan from the Guardians (Source 2.5).
- Trade Details: The Dodgers reportedly sent a package centered around top catching prospect Dalton Rushing and highly-rated infield prospect Alex Freeland—two players whose path to playing time was blocked long-term (Source 2.5).
- The Strategic Fit: Kwan fills the Dodgers’ most critical, yet subtle, need: elite outfield defense and a high-contact bat. Kwan has won Gold Gloves in all four of his major league seasons and would instantly upgrade the outfield defense for the entire rotation (Mookie Betts, Shohei Ohtani, etc.) (Source 2.5).
- The Offensive Boost: Kwan, a disciplined hitter, would likely slot in as an overqualified No. 9 hitter in the deep Dodgers lineup, constantly setting the table for the top of the order (Source 2.5).
💥 MLB Panics: Instant Championship Favorites
These two signings signal that Dodgers President Andrew Friedman is willing to trade high-value prospects and spend top dollar to push the roster from “great” to “historic.”
- Redefining the Roster: By adding Kwan and Williams, the Dodgers have now solidified their defense and locked down the ninth inning, eliminating the only consistent question marks surrounding their 2025 World Series-winning team.
- Rivals are Panicking: These moves effectively pull two top free agent targets (Williams) and trade chips (Rushing/Freeland) off the board for rivals, forcing competitors like the Yankees and Giants to pivot to less certain targets.
The rest of Major League Baseball is now bracing for a potential dynasty, as these additions elevate the Dodgers to instant championship favorites for the 2026 season.
