LOS ANGELES, CA — In a bold winter gamble that sends shockwaves through MLB, the Los Angeles Dodgers are turning their championship hunger into aggressive action, officially zeroing in on elite free-agent closer Robert Suarez. This high-stakes pursuit signals the Dodgers’ refusal to let a weak bullpen derail their potential dynasty and reveals just how far L.A. will go to stay on top of the baseball world.
The Dodgers’ front office is prioritizing bullpen stability after their 2025 relief corps struggled, tying for the league lead with 27 blown saves.
The Target: Robert Suarez
Suarez, a two-time All-Star and former closer for the division-rival San Diego Padres, is now the Dodgers’ top priority for the ninth inning. His performance in 2025, when he led the National League with 40 saves and posted a strong 2.97 ERA over 70 appearances, makes him the most reliable arm available besides the significantly more expensive Edwin Díaz.
| Metric | Robert Suarez (2025 Season) |
| Saves (NL Rank) | 40 (1st) |
| ERA | 2.97 |
| WHIP | 0.90 |
| Average Fastball Velocity | $\approx 98.6$ MPH |
The Gamble: High AAV, Short-Term Deal
The Dodgers are seeking to “thread a tight needle,” according to sources, preferring a short-term commitment with a high average annual value (AAV).
- The Age Factor: Suarez turns 35 in Spring Training, which naturally caps the length of his contract, fitting the Dodgers’ preference for flexibility. The projection is a deal lasting two to three years at a premium salary.
- The Rivalry Factor: Poaching the dominant closer from the San Diego Padres—a team he just opted out of an existing contract with—is the ultimate power move that adds salt to the rivalry.
- Fixing a Problem: The signing would immediately provide the right-handed, high-leverage shutdown arm the Dodgers sorely lacked, especially after Tanner Scott led the team with 10 blown saves in 2025.
By aggressively pursuing Suarez, the Dodgers are committing significant financial capital to a pitcher whose only question mark is age, showing their willingness to pay a premium to eliminate the singular weakness that plagued their championship defense.
