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The upcoming free-agent class is not considered particularly deep, with starting pitcher Tarik Skubal standing out as the top available arm and the rest of the group lacking star power. The Los Angeles Dodgers are likely to check in on Skubal and would presumably be interested in a reunion if the price is reasonable. However, expectations suggest that president of baseball operations Andrew Friedman will focus more on trades than on lavish free-agent acquisitions.
When it comes to the bullpen, the Dodgers have several internal free agents, including Alex Vesia, Evan Phillips, Brusdar Graterol, Kris Bubic, and Blake Treinen. The team is not expected to spend big on relievers as it did for Tanner Scott and, most recently, Edwin Diaz, given the mixed results of those investments. Instead, a more cost-effective option could be Bryan Abreu of the Houston Astros, who should be pursued on a team-friendly deal.
Abreu, a right-handed reliever, has delivered five consecutive solid seasons for the Astros, averaging 68.2 appearances per year with a 2.56 ERA. In 2026, he ranked in the 92nd percentile in expected batting average, the 97th percentile in whiff rate, and the 91st percentile in strikeout rate. He features a three-pitch mix, though his cutter takes a backseat to his fastball-slider combination. At 29, Abreu is a proven arm with extensive postseason experience, and a move to a new league could benefit both him and the Dodgers, as opposing hitters would be less familiar with his repertoire.
Key Analysis
The Dodgers' bullpen, as evidenced in the postseason, could use an upgrade and is currently heavy on left-handers, necessitating better balance. The team often relied on lefties to retire right-handed batters based on splits and analytics, which proved problematic. Adding a power right-hander like Abreu would provide a reliable option for October, unlike some younger arms in the system who may have higher upside but lack experience in high-leverage situations. Abreu's consistent performance and durability make him an attractive target who could be acquired without a massive financial commitment.