The Los Angeles Dodgers are riding high after clinching backtoback World Series titles, thanks to a dramatic Game 7 comeback against the Toronto Blue Jays. With one championship celebrated, the front office is already hard at work building for a three-peat.
While the core remains elite thanks to the leadership of president of baseball operations Andrew Friedman, the Dodgers still face key roster gaps, namely, a more reliable bullpen and additional outfield depth. Offseason moves will be critical as the team looks to stay competitive in a league where balance, health, and depth often determine championship outcomes.
Midseason departures mark a shift in depth
This offseason already brings change: the Dodgers lost two members of their organization on Wednesday. Catcher Ben Rortvedt was claimed off waivers by the Cincinnati Reds, and righthander Tony Gonsolin elected free agency after being outrighted.
The club confirmed the moves on X, stating, “Catcher Ben Rortvedt was claimed by the Cincinnati Reds and RHP Tony Gonsolin was outrighted and selected free agency.”
Rortvedt appeared in 18 games for Los Angeles in 2025, posting a .224 batting average, .309 on-base percentage, and a .636 OPS, along with one home run and four RBIs. He had been thrust into action during the postseason when All-Star catcher Will Smith was sidelined with an injury. Acquired at the trade deadline from the Tampa Bay Rays, Rortvedt demonstrated reliable defensive skills and solid game-calling behind the plate.
While he provided a steady presence in L.A., his path to regular playing time was limited with Smith entrenched as the starter and young catcher Dalton Rushing rising through the ranks. With Cincinnati, Rortvedt is likely to see expanded opportunities to showcase his abilities on a more consistent basis.
Meanwhile, Gonsolin’s departure marks the end of a six-year tenure with the Dodgers. Once considered a rising star, he earned an All-Star nod in 2022 after going 16-1 with a 2.14 ERA and 119 strikeouts, finishing fourth in National League Rookie of the Year voting in 2020.
Unfortunately, injuries have hampered his performance in recent seasons. In 2025, Gonsolin made just seven starts, showing noticeable dips in velocity and consistency. After undergoing procedures to address flexor tendon issues, he cleared waivers and chose free agency, seeking a fresh start and an opportunity to revive his career with another organization.
For the Dodgers, these moves are more about reshaping depth than losing marquee talent. Still, roster adjustments like these highlight the challenges even elite teams face in maintaining a competitive edge.
As Los Angeles evaluates free-agent targets and trade options to strengthen the bullpen and outfield, the front office will aim to balance high-impact acquisitions with sustainable depth, ensuring the team remains in contention for a third consecutive championship.
The departures of Rortvedt and Gonsolin may create openings, but they also serve as a reminder that even successful organizations must constantly adapt and evolve to stay at the top of the game.
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