"Coming off two World Series championships, it would be understandable for president of baseball operations Andrew Friedman and the rest of the team's front office to be content bringing back mostly the same roster in 2026. Many signs point to them doing just that, as comments from team personnel have acknowledged the club's aging roster and the importance of bringing along some younger players for the sake of the team's long-term viability."
"Clayton Kershaw has retired. Freddie Freeman will play this year at age 36. Mookie Betts is headed into his age-33 season coming off the worst season of his Hall of Fame career. Even younger members of the team's core like Ohtani (31), Snell (33), Glasnow (32), and (31) are all on the wrong side of 30 at this point. With many of core veterans under contract for years to come beyond their respective primes,"
"At the outset of the offseason, many assumed that Los Angeles would once again be a top player in the market for the winter's stars, like Kyle Tucker and Bo Bichette. As the offseason dragged on, however, it quickly became clear that L.A. wasn't interested in jumping the market for a top free agent as they have in the past."
Los Angeles conducted an unusually quiet offseason, making only a surprise move to acquire a star closer during the Winter Meetings. No core players left in free agency and the club enters 2026 after consecutive World Series titles, reducing urgency to chase additional superstar signings. The roster is aging: Clayton Kershaw retired, Freddie Freeman is 36, Mookie Betts is 33 coming off his worst season, and core pitchers Ohtani, Snell, Glasnow are all past 30. Many veterans remain under contract long-term, prompting caution about adding another nine-figure commitment. Several prospects, including infielder Alex Freeland, are approaching MLB readiness.
Read at MLB Trade Rumors
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