Dodgers Make Roster Moves and Adjustments Ahead of 2026 Season

The Los Angeles Dodgers have made a flurry of roster moves over the past week, aiming to fine-tune their lineup and bullpen heading into the 2026 season. In a series of transactions, the team first reclaimed outfielder Michael Siani off waivers from the New York Yankees, while designating Andy Ibañez for assignment. The Dodgers then made another move by bringing back catcher Ben Rortvedt from the Cincinnati Reds on waivers, which led to the difficult decision of designating Anthony Banda for assignment. Banda had been a reliable piece of the Dodgers bullpen over the past two seasons, posting a solid 3.14 ERA across 114 2/3 innings.

With the team already having a strong collection of left-handed relief pitchers, the decision to move on from Banda was driven in part by the fact that Banda no longer had any available minor league options. Given the scarcity of left-handed bullpen options on the market, it’s expected that Banda will draw interest from other teams, and a trade could be in the works. According to Fabian Ardaya of The Athletic, Banda is likely to be traded by Friday, with teams looking for quality left-handed relievers likely to engage with the Dodgers.

Banda’s Potential Trade Market

The Dodgers may have a chance to move Banda in a trade, especially with his affordable $1.625 million price tag and the increasing demand for left-handed relievers. Banda’s history with the Dodgers includes being a consistent contributor to the bullpen, and his ability to get outs with the team has made him a sought-after asset. However, with the Dodgers’ bullpen depth being one of their strengths, it seems likely that they will seek a deal that allows them to address other needs, particularly in the outfield and prospect development.

Roster Depth: Strengthening the Dodgers’ Outfield and Non-Roster Invitees

In addition to the roster moves involving Banda and Rortvedt, the Dodgers continued to strengthen their depth for the 2026 season by adding right-handed pitcher Jordan Weems and catcher Seby Zavala on minor league deals. Weems, who has appeared in 144 career games across parts of six seasons, most recently posted a 14.54 ERA in 4 1/3 innings with the Houston Astros in 2025. Meanwhile, Zavala, a veteran catcher with experience in 194 career games across five seasons, most recently appeared in 18 games with the Seattle Mariners in 2024. These additions give the Dodgers depth and flexibility, especially with the minor league options available to both players as they fight for roster spots.

On the outfield front, the Dodgers’ acquisition of All-Star outfielder Kyle Tucker has significantly fortified their offensive and defensive capabilities. Tucker’s addition allows Teoscar Hernández to return to his natural position in left field. The addition of Tucker makes the Dodgers’ outfield one of the most well-rounded and complete in baseball. In the long-term, the Dodgers also have top outfield prospects like Josue de Paula and Zyhir Hope waiting in the wings.

De Paula’s Potential in 2026

Regarding the Dodgers’ top outfield prospect Josue de Paula, MLB.com’s Jim Callis and Jonathan Mayo aren’t expecting the 20-year-old to make his big-league debut in 2026. While both analysts agree on De Paula’s talent, they also recognize that the Dodgers’ lineup is too loaded for him to secure a spot just yet. Mayo, in particular, pointed out that there’s a chance De Paula could be ahead of schedule, with a potential September debut more likely than an early-season call-up.

“There’s no chance. I love Josue de Paula. I love the bat. I could see him being ahead of the timeline and being ready by, say, September,” Mayo said. Callis echoed similar sentiments, noting that the Dodgers’ outfield is stacked, making it unlikely for De Paula to find playing time in the majors before later in the season.

Dodgers’ Dominance and the Salary Cap Debate

As the 2026 season approaches, the Dodgers continue to be one of the most dominant teams in baseball. Their roster moves have kept them in contention for another World Series title as they continue to build a deep, competitive team. However, one of the major ongoing discussions in baseball is the question of the salary cap, especially as the CBA (collective bargaining agreement) nears its expiration in 2026. The Dodgers’ spending in recent years has led to debates about whether their financial advantages are “ruining” the competitive balance of the sport.

Bill Shaikin of the Los Angeles Times weighed in on the matter, comparing the Dodgers’ spending practices to the Sacramento Kings in the NBA. Shaikin noted that the issue isn’t just about having money to spend, but about the quality of spending and the smart management of assets, something the Dodgers have been excellent at over the past few seasons. Shaikin’s point echoes a broader trend in sports where small-market teams often feel disadvantaged by larger-market teams’ ability to spend, but the reality is that successful management and good decision-making are just as important as the amount of capital teams can throw around.

“If you are a fan of a small-market baseball team, and you hear your owner say your team would win if only MLB had a salary cap, our friends in Sacramento would offer you three letters in response: LOL,” Shaikin commented.

Conclusion

The Los Angeles Dodgers are continuing to position themselves as one of the most formidable teams in baseball, making strategic moves to strengthen both their major league roster and their farm system. The recent re-signing of Evan Phillips, the addition of Kyle Tucker, and the pursuit of trade targets like Isaac Paredes show that the team is aiming for another deep postseason run in 2026. Despite concerns over salary cap debates and the challenges facing small-market teams, the Dodgers’ consistent ability to manage their roster and build a championship contender speaks to the strength of their front office and their focus on long-term success.

Key Takeaways:

• Ben Rortvedt was designated for assignment by the Dodgers after they claimed him from the Cincinnati Reds, with Anthony Banda also DFA’d to make room on the roster.

• Evan Phillips was re-signed to a $6.5 million deal, but he will not be available at the start of the 2026 season due to recovering from Tommy John surgery.

• The Dodgers fortified their lineup with Kyle Tucker and strengthened their minor league depth with Jordan Weems and Seby Zavala.

• Josue de Paula, the Dodgers’ top outfield prospect, is unlikely to debut in 2026, with the team’s stacked outfield depth limiting his immediate chances.

• Salary cap debates and small-market concerns remain a hot topic as MLB moves toward the expiration of the CBA in 2026.

Stay tuned for more updates on the Dodgers’ roster moves and their plans for the 2026 season as they chase another championship.