The Los Angeles Dodgers have long been a team that keeps its eyes on the prize of championship contention. Whether through homegrown talent or blockbuster trades, the Dodgers aim to field a team capable of competing at the highest level every season. As the 2024 offseason unfolds, there’s a distinct possibility that the team could reunite with a key figure from the previous season, potentially a “rental” player who was brought in to help the team push for postseason success.
Let’s dive into the potential scenario of the Dodgers reuniting with a 2024 “rental” player in the offseason, exploring the reasoning behind such a move, which players could fit this mold, and how it could impact the team’s roster for the future.
What is a “Rental” Player?
Before exploring the possibility of a reunion, it’s important to define what a “rental” player is in baseball terms. A rental is typically a player acquired by a team for a short-term commitment, often for a specific playoff push or for filling a particular gap on the roster. These players are generally free agents at the end of the season or are traded with a limited number of years remaining on their contracts.
The Dodgers have made a habit of acquiring these kinds of players in the past, especially as the postseason nears. In 2024, a few rental candidates may have emerged, providing the Dodgers with an opportunity to reunite with a familiar face if things go well. The key question is whether it makes sense for both sides—particularly the team and the player—to revisit the relationship in the offseason.
The Dodgers’ Needs in the 2025 Offseason
To understand the possibility of reuniting with a rental player, it’s essential to evaluate the team’s needs. As the 2024 season concludes, the Dodgers will likely assess where their roster needs strengthening and what areas may have been addressed through younger talent or free-agent acquisitions.
1. Pitching Depth:
The Dodgers have historically had a deep pitching staff, but with the evolving landscape of free agency and internal player development, they may have gaps to fill. Their starting rotation could potentially see a major change if some of their pitchers hit free agency or are traded for future assets. For example, the departure of someone like Clayton Kershaw (who’s entering the twilight of his career) or Julio Urías (depending on his status) would leave an opening in the rotation that could require external reinforcements.
In this scenario, a reunion with a rental pitcher—someone who had been brought in mid-season for a short-term boost—might make sense. They would be familiar with the team’s culture and pitching coach, offering a stable solution for the rotation, especially if there’s uncertainty about the return of key arms.
2. Outfield Help:
Outfield depth is another area that the Dodgers may look to reinforce during the offseason. While their outfield has been relatively strong, injuries or underperformance could lead to a reevaluation of the roster. If the team loses a key player like Mookie Betts to injury or free agency, or if a promising outfielder isn’t ready for a full-time role, a reunion with a rental outfielder who performed well in 2024 could help bridge the gap.
Key Candidates for a 2024 “Rental” Reunification
As of early 2025, the Dodgers have a handful of players who might have been considered “rentals” during the 2024 season, depending on their performance and status in the free-agent market. Let’s break down potential candidates who could be up for reunion with the team in the 2025 offseason.
1. Starting Pitchers:
- Marcus Stroman (Chicago Cubs): One of the most consistent pitchers in recent seasons, Stroman was a potential mid-season acquisition for teams looking to bolster their rotations for a playoff run. If the Dodgers had brought him in as a rental, a reunion might make sense, especially if the team is still in need of a reliable, veteran presence in the starting five. Stroman’s ability to eat innings and compete in high-leverage situations would be beneficial for a Dodgers squad looking to maintain a strong pitching rotation heading into the 2025 season.
- Blake Snell (San Diego Padres): Snell, coming off a Cy Young-caliber season in 2024, would likely be one of the top starting pitchers available in free agency. Should the Dodgers have traded for Snell at the deadline as a rental, they might be interested in extending him for 2025, especially if they didn’t manage to lock in long-term solutions for their rotation during the offseason.
2. Outfielders:
- Bryce Harper (Philadelphia Phillies): While not a traditional rental, Harper could become available if his contract situation with the Phillies makes him a trade candidate. If the Dodgers were looking for additional outfield power or an iconic presence for a championship push, Harper could potentially fit that role. A short-term reunion, perhaps for the right price, could make sense if the Dodgers wanted to solidify their playoff chances.
- Joc Pederson (San Francisco Giants): Pederson, who played for the Dodgers for many seasons before moving on, could have been a rental addition in 2024. The left-handed bat with power would make sense for the Dodgers if they needed an outfielder who could contribute in the postseason. A reunion would bring familiarity, and Pederson’s leadership could prove valuable.
3. Infielders:
- Cody Bellinger (Chicago Cubs): Bellinger, once a centerpiece of the Dodgers’ roster, might have been seen as a potential rental in 2024 if the Dodgers were in need of a spark offensively or defensively. If Bellinger had a strong 2024 and showed signs of returning to his former MVP-caliber play, the Dodgers could certainly explore bringing him back for the 2025 season. His ability to play both outfield and first base would provide valuable flexibility, particularly in an injury-prone lineup.
Why Would the Dodgers Pursue a Reunion?
There are several reasons the Dodgers might consider bringing back a rental player for 2025:
1. Familiarity and Stability:
One of the greatest assets of bringing back a player who was a mid-season rental is the familiarity with the team’s systems, culture, and coaching staff. The player has already adjusted to the organizational philosophy, which can reduce the learning curve and help them immediately contribute when they rejoin the squad.
2. Short-Term Need:
A reunion often makes sense if the team is dealing with short-term needs. The Dodgers may not want to commit to a long-term contract for a player but still need an upgrade in a specific area, whether it’s a reliable arm in the rotation or an outfielder who can hit for power in the middle of the lineup. Renting a player for one season or even one playoff run gives the team flexibility without the long-term commitment.
3. Postseason Push:
If the Dodgers are again in a position to contend for a World Series title, bringing back a key contributor from 2024 could add depth to the roster. The Dodgers have been one of the most consistent postseason teams in the past decade, and with the competitive nature of the NL West, reinforcing their roster with proven performers would give them a better shot at another championship.
Potential Impact on Roster Building and Future Direction
While re-signing a rental player can help in the short term, it may also impact the team’s long-term planning. If the Dodgers decide to keep someone who was a rental in 2024, they’ll need to consider how that player fits into their future payroll and roster construction. If it’s a high-profile acquisition, it could limit their ability to pursue other star-level players in free agency or trade markets, especially if the team’s young talent is also progressing.
Ultimately, the Dodgers’ ability to reunite with a 2024 rental will depend on various factors, including the team’s performance in 2024, how certain key players perform, and the financial flexibility they maintain heading into the 2025 offseason. However, there’s no doubt that if the right circumstances align, the team could revisit a reunion to bolster their quest for another championship.
