As free agency heats up, the big question looms: Will Miguel Rojas return to the Dodgers or walk away from Los Angeles for good?.NL

nhat long2 hours ago

0 5 2 minutes read

The Los Angeles Dodgers are coming off back-to-back seasons that ended with a World Series parade celebration.

As the Dodgers look ahead to their pursuit of a third consecutive title during the 2026 season, the team entered the free agency period with several of its players from the past season no longer under contract.

The Dodgers’ payroll situation (as of Nov. 24) is $58 million under what it was in 2025, according to ESPN.

Among the list of departures is veteran pitcher Clayton Kershaw, who announced his retirement and will be cleared off the books for the upcoming season.

Austin Barnes was also among the list of veteran free agents. Barnes was released after 11 seasons, having played in just 13 games in 2025, the lowest for a single season in his career. He signed a minor league contract with the rival San Francisco Giants but was released in early August from the team’s Triple-A affiliate. Barnes is not expected to return.

Here’s a closer look at some of the team’s notable unrestricted free agents:

Dodgers’ unrestricted free agents

Miguel Rojas, second baseman

Rojas remains a free agent but has continued to express his interest in returning to Los Angeles for the final year of his career.

The Venezuelan recorded 76 hits, seven home runs, 27 RBIs and 35 runs in 290 at-bats during the regular season.

In the playoffs, he had five hits, three runs, a home run and two RBIs in 18 at-bats.

He proved to be a difference-maker in the World Series, producing a game-tying home run in the ninth inning of Game 7. He also made a crucial play at second base, throwing out the Toronto Blue Jays’ potential winning run at the plate.

Michael Conforto, outfielder

Conforto wasn’t able to turn his season around to be a vital piece for the Dodgers during the World Series.

He produced a .202 average with a .649 OPS across 471 plate appearances as a left fielder. He did not participate during the Dodgers’ postseason run.

Kirby Yates, pitcher

Yates was dealing with a hamstring injury that took a toll on him, Dodgers manager Dave Roberts told reporters in September.

He finished with a 4-3 record and three saves after playing in 50 games for the Dodgers. He gave up 38 hits, 26 runs and nine home runs while striking out 52 in 41.1 innings pitched.

The veteran pitcher joined the Dodgers on a one-year deal worth $13 million at the end of January.

Evan Phillips, pitcher

The Dodgers declined to offer Phillips a contract over the weekend. As a non-tendered player, he is allowed to negotiate with any team, including the Dodgers.

He spent five seasons with the Dodgers but saw limited action this past season, playing in just seven games. Phillips started the season on the injured list with a right rotator cuff strain and had his season end early after undergoing Tommy John surgery in June. He allowed just four hits and struck out six in 5.2 innings of work. He recorded one save.

Nick Frasso, pitcher

Frasso was also non-tendered over the weekend. Once a highly thought of prospect by the franchise, the pitcher has not pitched in a major league game.

The 27-year-old made 43 appearances with Triple-A Oklahoma City in 2025 as he worked his way back from the shoulder surgery he had that kept him off the mound for the entire 2024 season.

He started seven games and finished with a 6-1 record. He allowed 80 hits, 47 earned runs and 10 home runs.