There was a time when the Dodgers didn’t have to think twice about who would be closing games for them. But since they moved on from Kenley Jansen at the end of the 2021 season, the closer role has been a revolving door.
With Roki Sasaki moving back to the rotation after serving as the club’s primary closer during the 2025 playoffs, Los Angeles finds itself searching for clarity in the ninth inning once again.
Although the Dodgers’ recent ninth-inning instability hasn’t stopped them from winning back-to-back World Series titles, solving their ninth-inning riddle could be key as they chase a rare three-peat. Here are three questions that will define the Dodgers’ hunt for a closer this offseason.
1. Is the answer already on the roster?
But the plan didn’t go as hoped. Scott blew 10 saves and posted a 4.74 ERA, and Treinen and Yates also struggled. The big question now is whether the Dodgers believe that Scott can recapture his 2024 All-Star form. If not, they may have to turn back to the free-agent market.
2. Will they go after the top closer available … again?
Díaz became a free agent after opting out of the final two years of his five-year, $102 million deal with the Mets — still the richest contract ever signed by a reliever. The 31-year-old will likely be looking for a similar deal this offseason — if not in total dollars, then certainly in average annual value. Are the Dodgers willing to go there when Scott has three years left on his deal?
3. Should they take a risk on a former All-Star returning to form?
If the Dodgers are looking to lessen their reliance on Scott next year but aren’t in the Díaz market, they may have an interesting dilemma on their hands. That’s because two of the best free-agent alternatives to Díaz — Devin Williams and Ryan Helsley — find themselves in the same situation as Scott, coming off disappointing 2025 seasons.
If Los Angeles isn’t willing to roll the dice on one of those hurlers when it already has so much uncertainty with Scott, it would further narrow the team’s options.
