Full Breakdown
Dodgers' Bullpen Aims for Redemption in 2026 Season
3/1/2026, 4:06:45 AM
Overview of the Bullpen's Challenges
The Los Angeles Dodgers' bullpen faced significant struggles during the 2025 MLB season, posting the 10th-highest earned run average (ERA) in the league and blowing the 10th-most saves. Key relievers Blake Treinen and Tanner Scott were particularly affected, with Treinen recording a career-worst 5.40 ERA due to an elbow injury that sidelined him for 3.5 months, while Scott finished with a 4.74 ERA and lost his closer role after converting 23 of 33 save opportunities. These issues nearly derailed the Dodgers' title defense, forcing the team to rely heavily on its starting rotation during the playoffs.
Key Figures: Treinen and Scott's Road to Recovery
Blake Treinen and Tanner Scott are central to the Dodgers' plans for a stronger bullpen in 2026. Treinen emphasized the importance of moving past last season's failures, stating, “Nobody lives in the past.” Both players are focusing on refining their skills to improve their performance. Scott is working on avoiding pitches in the middle of the strike zone, which led to 11 home runs allowed in 2025. He has engaged in a detailed analysis of his pitching mechanics with coaches Connor McGuiness and Mark Prior. In his recent Cactus League debut, Scott demonstrated progress by throwing a scoreless inning.
Treinen's focus is on recalibrating his signature sweeper pitch, which did not perform as expected last season. He noted that slight changes in his arm slot may have contributed to this decline. In his spring training appearance, Treinen achieved two strikeouts, including one on a swing-and-miss with his sweeper, indicating a positive start to the season.
Official Statements & Responses
Dodgers manager Dave Roberts expressed confidence in the bullpen's potential, stating, “They’re going to be better this year.” The addition of closer Edwin Díaz, acquired for $69 million, is expected to provide stability at the back end of the bullpen, allowing Treinen and Scott to be deployed in more favorable matchups.
Criticism & Opposition
Despite the optimism surrounding the bullpen's potential, there are concerns regarding the overall depth and reliability of the relief corps. Outside of Díaz, Treinen and Scott are the only relievers with significant track records. Other options, such as Alex Vesia and Jack Dreyer, are still developing, and injuries to players like Brusdar Graterol raise questions about the bullpen's readiness for the upcoming season.
What's Next for the Dodgers' Bullpen
As the Dodgers prepare for the 2026 season, the focus will be on building a resilient bullpen capable of overcoming last year's challenges. Treinen and Scott aim to leverage their past experiences while leaving behind the disappointments of 2025. Scott encapsulated this sentiment, saying, “Wash it, flush it like a toilet, and just let it be. It’s a new year.” The team's success will depend on their ability to rebound and perform consistently throughout the season.
