The Los Angeles Dodgers are dominating the offseason conversation with a mix of high-stakes trade rumors, potential reunions, and surprising developments from their own players.
Here are the details behind the Dodgers’ alerts and how they are shaking up the NL West:
1. The Hyeseong Kim “Two-Way” Stunner
Dodgers utility infielder Hyeseong Kim (HSK) stunned fans and analysts by pitching three scoreless innings in a recent KBO exhibition match in South Korea.
- The Performance: Kim, a versatile infielder, pitched to his KBO peers, throwing 36 pitches, allowing no earned runs, and showcasing a “wicked curveball.”
- The Hype: Media outlets are already comparing him to Shohei Ohtani, jokingly suggesting he could become the team’s next two-way player or at least a highly reliable position player pitcher. This happened while he was back home preparing for the 2026 World Baseball Classic (WBC), where he hopes to pitch for Team Korea.
- GM Insight: Dodgers General Manager Brandon Gomes has not commented specifically on Kim’s pitching, but the front office has consistently lauded Kim’s versatility and athleticism. The GM’s focus remains on the team’s rotation depth, which is the key to the entire offseason strategy.
2. GM Addresses the Starting Rotation Plan
Dodgers GM Brandon Gomes has been non-committal but transparent about the team’s pitching plans for the 2026 season, which is crucial given the workload of the team’s stars:
- The Surplus: The rotation is currently stacked with Shohei Ohtani, Yoshinobu Yamamoto, Blake Snell, Tyler Glasnow, and Roki Sasaki.
- The Strategy: Gomes acknowledges that with the heavy workload from a long World Series run and the participation of Ohtani, Yamamoto, and Sasaki in the WBC, the Dodgers will need to protect their arms. He stated that a six-man (or even seven-man) rotation is “certainly on the table.”
- The Whisper: This stance on rotation depth only intensifies the rumors that Tyler Glasnow remains the “sleeper name” most likely to be traded to address the Dodgers’ bullpen or outfield needs, though Gomes has not committed to that move.
3. Whispers Swirl Around Cody Bellinger’s Next Move
The question of who will fill the void in the outfield (especially with Michael Conforto’s departure) has brought back the possibility of a reunion with former MVP Cody Bellinger:
- The Interest: Reports suggest Bellinger’s agent, Scott Boras, has indicated the outfielder would “welcome a return to the Dodgers.” The Dodgers front office is reportedly interested, too.
- The Fit: Bellinger is a high-quality center fielder and first baseman who could provide a strong left-handed bat. The Dodgers could utilize him at first base to spell Freddie Freeman or in the outfield where they need help.
- The Competition: The Yankees and Mets are considered frontrunners, and Bellinger’s high contract demands are the primary hurdle. The Dodgers are prioritizing Kyle Tucker but have Bellinger as a high-end alternative.
