Andrew Friedman has shown a willingness to bet on upside with a player.
The Los Angeles Dodgers offset an inconsistent bullpen last year by relying heavily on their starting rotation, which was a reversal from how they won the 2024 World Series. Now they're hoping to piece both groups together and become MLB's first three-peat champion since the 1998-2000 New York Yankees.
For all intents and purposes the Dodgers roster for 2026 is largely set after the re-signings of Evan Phillips and Kiké Hernández. Neither player will be ready for Opening Day but figure to be part of the Dodgers' plans come October. It was a known reality with Phillips as he continues to recover from Tommy John surgery that likely will have him sidelined until after the All-Star break.in a reversal from initial expectations. Graterol hasn't pitched since the 2024 World Series because of surgery to repair the labrum in his right shoulder. He encountered setbacks while attempting to return last season.When taking into account the aforementioned health factors and when also considering the inconsistent performance of other right-handed relief pitchers, it can be reasoned the Dodgers are in need of reinforcement.and the Dodgers are counting on Tanner Scott bouncing back. Both will be trusted in high leverage situations regardless of handedness of opposing batters. But the Dodgers could also stand to benefit from taking a flier on a reunion with Michael Kopech. He was part of the three-team trade in 2024 that also brought Tommy Edman to the Dodgers, and Kopech went on to have stretches of success. However, he is coming off a year of not being healthy. Kopech began the 2025 season on the injured list due to a right shoulder impingement and he appeared in just 14 games. Oct 28, 2024; New York, New York, USA; Los Angeles Dodgers pitcher Michael Kopech celebrates after an out during the ninth inning against the New York Yankees in game three of the 2024 MLB World Series at Yankee Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-Imagn Images | Brad Penner-Imagn Images Kopech struggled during his rehab assignment and made eight appearances before going back on the injured list and undergoing surgery to repair a torn meniscus in his right knee. That kept him out until September, and Kopech allowed a run in three of six appearances in his return.There is no denying signing Kopech comes with a question mark. But he has the type of profile and potential Dodgers president of baseball operations Andrew Friedman is willing to roll the dice on. Particularly if comes in the form of a Minor League contract. That would eliminate any risk for the Dodgers while providing them with a possible fallback option should trouble arise with any of Graterol, Phillips, Stewart or Treinen. While with the Dodgers in 2024, Kopech finished 4-0 with six saves, a 1.13 ERA, 2.54 FIP and 0.79 WHIP across 24 appearances. He followed that by allowing three runs in nine innings pitched during 10 postseason games. Though, that did include some lack of control as Kopech walked seven batters.The offseason saw a relatively soft market for the 29-year-old, as the San Francisco Giants and New York Yankees were the only reported teams with interest. That hasn't changed despite all teams starting Spring Training workouts this past week.Matthew Moreno is a journalist from Whittier, Calif., who is the publisher of Dodgers On SI. Matthew has covered the Los Angeles Dodgers as a credentialed reporter since the 2014 season, which has included attending multiple World Series and All-Star Game at Dodger Stadium, among other experiences. Prior to joining Dodgers On SI, Matthew most recently was the Executive Editor of DodgerBlue.com and LakersNation.com.2026 Dodgers Spring Training: Ben Rortvedt, Hyeseong Kim Pull Each Other in Sprinting Drills
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