Dodgers roster projection 1.0: Where things stand after recent moves

The challenge ahead for the Los Angeles Dodgers isn’t complex. It isn’t easy, either. “It’s really hard to win it,” general manager Brandon Gomes said last week. “It’s even harder to repeat, reloading and putting out an even better team to try to do it again.” Reload, the Dodgers have done. They’ve reshaped their roster. They’re expecting players to return from injuries. This organization has spent the last decade setting the pace for regular-season dominance, yet has always been defined by October. After breaking through for a second title in five years, they’ll have to reset the pieces and try again. Here’s a refresh on the Dodgers’ major-league offseason moves thus far: Added: Blake Snell (five years, $182 million), Michael Conforto (one year, $17 million), Hyeseong Kim (three years, $12.5 million) Lost: Walker Buehler (one year, $21.05 million to Boston), Gavin Lux (traded to Cincinnati), Daniel Hudson (retired), Kevin Kiermaier (retired) There is a little more than a month until pitchers and catchers report for spring training, and 69 days until the Dodgers begin their title defense against the Chicago Cubs in Tokyo. Much of the Dodgers’ roster appears in place, but there is still much to do. Such is the state of things in January. Predictions are a fool’s errand, but, hey, let’s take a crack at predicting the Dodgers’ roster: Also on the 40-man roster: Hunter Feduccia Prospect of note: Dalton Rushing The status quo remains for the Dodgers behind the plate, particularly after the club picked up backup catcher Austin Barnes’ $3.5 million option for 2025. Feduccia debuted in 2024 and looms as the first line of depth should there be an injury early in the season. But seeing how the Dodgers handle Dalton Rushing’s workload in the minors will be interesting. Gomes said during last month’s Winter Meetings that Rushing will still primarily be a catcher, but he will continue to get some reps in the outfield. He spent much of last September in left field. Rushing is close to the big leagues, and the flexibility could help get him there. Absent from this group is Diego Cartaya, the former top-10 prospect in the sport who was designated for assignment last week. Injuries and poor production soured his prospect hype, as some bad swing-and-miss habits have been exploited. It remains to be seen what team potentially takes a flier on him. It was seemingly a matter of when, not if, the Dodgers moved one of their middle-infield options after they signed Hyeseong Kim to a three-year, $12.5 million deal last week. That move came three days later when the Dodgers dealt former top prospect Gavin Lux to the Cincinnati Reds for a recent high-upside draftee (Mike Sirota) and a draft pick. So, how does the rest of it shake out? Mookie Betts is still expected to open spring as the Dodgers’ shortstop, a league source said Monday. Freddie Freeman and Max Muncy are entrenched at the corners. While Kim was signed for a super-utility role of sorts, perhaps this means more time overall in the infield, facing righties as a left-handed hitting second baseman with Miguel Rojas in the mix as well. The Dodgers didn’t protect Alex Freeland from the Rule 5 draft, but he went unpicked. Tommy Edman is expected to be the Dodgers’ center fielder but is a capable middle infielder. Chris Taylor is still on the roster and can play the infield. Then there’s Kiké Hernández, who still looms in free agency. The door is seemingly open for a possible return for the longtime fan favorite, who was an important contributor this past October and has said he’d like to be back. Also on the 40-man roster: James Outman This is largely set, though adding someone like Kiké Hernández would add a wrinkle. Michael Conforto will play left field and Teoscar Hernández will play right field, with Edman likely playing center field. If the Dodgers get into a situation where they want to keep Kim away from left-handed pitching, they could kick Edman to the infield those days and have Andy Pages or Taylor in center. Shohei Ohtani won’t be ready to start the season on the mound but appears to be progressing well, Gomes said last week. It’s safe to expect Ohtani to be on a similar timeline as Buehler was last year, ramping up for a return part of the way through the season as he works through a second major elbow ligament reconstruction. The Dodgers will be mindful of workload as Ohtani comes off labrum surgery in his left shoulder — not the one he throws with or leads with when swinging — but he’s expected to be good to go. Ohtani’s roster flexibility will come in handy with the Dodgers going with a six-man rotation. Also on the 40-man roster: Gavin Stone (IL), Emmet Sheehan (IL), River Ryan (IL), Landon Knack, Nick Frasso, Justin Wrobleski, Ben Casparius Will be back (currently unsigned): Clayton Kershaw (IL) So, this group won’t have Ohtani to start. Clayton Kershaw is technically unsigned but said he will be back (around midseason after knee and toe surgery). Of the batch of injured pitchers, Emmet Sheehan is the likeliest to return at some point in 2025. There are still some questions to be answered. Tyler Glasnow is expected to be a full go for spring training, but how mindful will the Dodgers be after a career-high workload and the elbow scare he had last September? Will there be any restrictions on Tony Gonsolin or Dustin May as they come off major elbow procedures? Can Bobby Miller bounce back after his injured shoulder created some bad habits? The Dodgers survived in spite of their pitching injuries last season and will take a similar approach of going with upside over durability with some of their pitching choices. They still want to add a starting pitcher, with Roki Sasaki still atop the list (his decision will be between Jan. 15 and Jan. 23). Jack Flaherty is still out there as a free agent, though it’s hard to envision the Dodgers going to the multiple years that he’s seeking. Also on the 40-man roster: Brusdar Graterol (IL), Kyle Hurt (IL), Edgardo Henriquez, Jack Dreyer Non-roster invites of note: Giovanny Gallegos, Matt Sauer, Joe Jacques, Julian Fernández The Dodgers would still like to add another leverage reliever. While Tanner Scott is atop their list, and the club pursued a trade of Devin Williams, there is still a multitude of options available. Maybe a reunion with Kenley Jansen is in the cards? As it stands, the Dodgers retain a talented group of relievers with a ton of wear and tear from last year’s long October runs. Evan Phillips missed the World Series with a shoulder issue. Alex Vesia missed the National League Championship Series with an oblique issue. Both are expected to be a full go for spring, but it’s something to keep in mind as they seek relief help.