Dodgers Celebrate World Series Triumph, But Offseason Brings Key Roster Decisions and Contract Moves

The Los Angeles Dodgers have capped off their incredible 2024 season with a World Series victory, bringing the championship home to LA. The city celebrated alongside the team with a lively car parade, filling the streets with joyous fans thrilled to share in the Dodgers’ triumph.

Now, with the celebrations over, the Dodgers turn their focus to the offseason, facing significant decisions that will shape their 2025 roster.

Among the players on the Dodgers’ 40-man roster, three hold contract options for the next season. As free agency opens, the Dodgers moved quickly to secure backup catcher Austin Barnes (35) and shortstop Miguel Rojas (35) by exercising their options, keeping both players on the roster. Barnes will earn $3.5 million, and Rojas will receive $5 million, ensuring they’ll remain in Dodgers uniforms through 2025.

However, starting pitcher Clayton Kershaw (36), who holds a player option, has chosen not to exercise it. Unlike a team-controlled option, Kershaw’s choice is entirely his to make—giving him more control over his career, much like fans choosing how to engage with games, whether by watching live or placing a stake on outcomes through a 먹튀없는 사설토토사이트. If Kershaw had exercised the option, he would have earned $10 million for the next season.

Kershaw recently reaffirmed his dedication to the Dodgers, expressing that he wanted to remain a “Dodger for life.” Yet, this sentiment didn’t lead to him exercising his option. Last month, Sports Illustrated speculated he might decline the option to negotiate a new deal. Kershaw has since shared that he plans to discuss his future with Dodgers President of Baseball Operations Andrew Friedman to explore all possibilities.

Beyond these key players, the Dodgers are anchored by ten players whose contracts extend through at least 2025, providing a solid foundation for another title run. Key pitchers under contract include Shohei Ohtani (30), Yoshinobu Yamamoto (26), Tyler Glasnow (31), and Ryan Brasier (37).

On the offensive side, the Dodgers lineup features Will Smith (30), Mookie Betts (32), Freddie Freeman (35), Max Muncy (34), Chris Taylor (34), and utility player Tommy Edman (29). Edman’s contract expires after the 2025 season, sparking talk of a potential extension.

Additionally, nine Dodgers are eligible for salary arbitration, including Gavin Lux (27), Michael Kopech (29), and Dustin May (26). Evan Phillips, who earned $4 million this past season, is projected to receive $6.2 million, marking him as the highest-paid arbitration-eligible player. The Dodgers are expected to retain all nine, despite the financial impact.

Seventeen other players on the roster have less than three years of MLB service time, meaning they will remain with the Dodgers unless traded or released. This group includes promising talents like starting pitcher Bobby Miller (26) and relievers Brent Honeywell (28) and Gavin Stone (26).

The futures of two postseason stars remain uncertain: outfielder Teoscar Hernandez (32) and starting pitcher Walker Buehler (30), who are both free agents. While the Dodgers extended a qualifying offer to Hernandez, Buehler did not receive one. Hernandez has until November 20 to decide on his offer.

As for Buehler, he is free to negotiate with any of MLB’s 30 teams. However, his close connection to the Dodgers could lead to a new contract that keeps him in Los Angeles.

The offseason ahead will be crucial as the Dodgers work to retain their championship roster, make strategic additions, and prepare for another run at the World Series in 2025.