Dodgers have crucial offseason decisions with Kiké Hernández, Alex Vesia, other fan-favorite free agents

Detailed summary

The Dodgers could face notable roster turnover this winter, but only if they don’t bring several fan-favorites back.

LAS VEGAS –– In the wake of their National League Championship Series sweep at the hands of the Milwaukee Brewers last month, there was a sense in the Dodgers’ clubhouse that they had just concluded a “last ride” with that iteration of the club’s dynasty-cementing roster.

How true that proves to be, however, could depend on their willingness to bring back several popular core pieces who are free agents this winter.

While most of the team’s biggest stars will return in 2027, the Dodgers do have decisions to make with everyone from Kiké Hernández to Alex Vesia to Evan Phillips and even Brusdar Graterol.

All of them played key roles during the club’s run to back-to-back World Series championships in 2024 and 2025.

All of them are now on the free-agent market this offseason, but have indicated hopes of re-signing in Los Angeles.

As this lockout-threatened winter unfolds, they will provide something of a litmus test for how much roster turnover the Dodgers are willing to endure.

Start with Hernández, the longtime fan-favorite who has compensated for recently disappointing regular-season performances with his penchant for providing heroics in October.

The Dodgers have a need for his skill set, seeking right-handed-hitting infielders capable of playing multiple positions across the diamond (especially in the wake of Miguel Rojas’ retirement). They have re-signed the 35-year-old veteran in each of the last three offseasons, as well, seemingly always saving a place on the roster for the franchise’s all-time postseason games played leader.

At the outset of this winter, however, Hernández struck a more uncertain tone regarding his future, acknowledging he didn’t “really know what’s going to happen” in his free agency.

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