LOS ANGELES DODGERS MAKE MOVES WITH KEY RE-SIGNINGS AND NEW ADDITIONS

🚨 DODGERS CONTINUE OFFSEASON STRATEGY WITH VETERAN MOVES: The Los Angeles Dodgers are not slowing down in their preparation for the 2026 season, making several moves to solidify their roster. Fresh off signing Evan Phillips to a one-year, $6.5 million contract and Kiké Hernandez to a one-year, $4.5 million deal, the Dodgers are continuing to bring back key players, including Max Muncy, who received a contract extension that could keep him in Los Angeles through 2028.

These moves reflect the Dodgers’ commitment to maintaining a competitive and experienced roster while also navigating some injury setbacks heading into the new season.

EVAN PHILLIPS’ RETURN AFTER INJURY

Evan Phillips rejoining the Dodgers after missing significant time due to injury is a pivotal addition for the team’s bullpen. The 2025 season saw Phillips sidelined after undergoing Tommy John surgery in June, which kept him out for the remainder of the season. Despite this, the Dodgers remained committed to bringing him back, signing him to a one-year deal worth $6.5 million.

Manager Dave Roberts acknowledged the importance of Phillips’ return, stating, “Kiké was excited going through his physical today. Evan is in his throwing program. It’s great to get both of them back.” With Phillips working through his recovery, he will continue his throwing program, with expectations to gradually ease back into the bullpen rotation as he gets closer to full health.

Though he has been absent during the Dodgers’ back-to-back World Series appearances, Phillips remains an important piece of the bullpen moving forward, and the team is optimistic about his recovery and long-term impact.

KIKÉ HERNANDEZ RETURNS TO THE DODGERS AFTER INJURY

After a successful postseason run in 2025, Kiké Hernandez is also making his way back to Los Angeles on a one-year, $4.5 million deal. Hernandez, who played through a significant elbow injury last season, underwent surgery following the season. Despite his injury, he was a valuable contributor for the Dodgers, and his return was always anticipated by the team. The signing was delayed as the Dodgers worked through their roster moves, but it was a matter of when, not if, Hernandez would return.

Roberts praised Hernandez for playing through his injury, which he described as “pretty amazing,” given the severity of the issue. While Hernandez’s status for the start of the 2026 season remains uncertain, his versatility and leadership will be critical for a Dodgers team looking to continue their championship push. His ability to play multiple positions makes him an asset on both offense and defense.

MAX MUNCY EXTENSION: A LONG-TERM COMMITMENT

In another key move, Max Muncy’s extension ensures that the Dodgers’ veteran third baseman will be around for a while longer. The $10 million contract extension guarantees Muncy $7 million for the 2027 season, with a $3 million buyout if the club option for 2028 is not exercised. Muncy’s new deal ensures he’ll remain a crucial part of the Dodgers’ core as they enter the 2026 season.

Muncy has been a steady contributor to the team since 2018, earning three World Series rings and multiple All-Star selections. In 2025, Muncy batted .243 with 19 home runs and 67 RBIs, adding three more homers during the playoffs. His presence in the lineup, combined with his leadership and postseason experience, makes this extension a valuable move for the Dodgers.

ADDITIONAL MOVES: BANDA TRADE AND HIURA SIGNING

The Dodgers also made a couple of notable transactions to further solidify their roster. Left-handed reliever Anthony Banda was traded to the Minnesota Twins in exchange for international bonus pool money. Banda had a solid 2025 season, making 71 appearances and posting a 3.18 ERA over 65 innings. His departure clears space for other roster moves, as the Dodgers continue to fine-tune their pitching staff.

Additionally, the Dodgers signed Keston Hiura, the former first-round pick by the Milwaukee Brewers, to a minor league deal with an invitation to spring training. Hiura, who once was one of the top-rated prospects in baseball, has struggled to establish himself in the majors, but his potential and experience could prove valuable for the Dodgers. After battling inconsistencies in his performance with the Brewers, Angels, and Rockies, Hiura is looking to revive his career in Los Angeles.

LOOKING AHEAD: DODGERS PREPARE FOR SPRING TRAINING

As spring training begins, the Dodgers are focusing on making sure their roster is ready for the challenges of the 2026 season. With pitchers and catchers scheduled to report on Friday and the full squad reporting on Monday, the team is gearing up for another season with high expectations. The additions of Phillips, Hernandez, and Muncy, combined with the depth the team has built, ensure that the Dodgers remain a formidable force in the NL West.

As the season approaches, Los Angeles will look to build on their back-to-back World Series championships and continue to develop new stars. With veterans like Hernandez and Muncy leading the way, the Dodgers have the experience needed to stay competitive in the highly competitive National League.