The Los Angeles Dodgers have been relatively quiet following the Winter Meetings, after making several key moves early on. These included signing pitcher Blake Snell and outfielder Michael Conforto, along with re-signing reliever Blake Treinen. With their roster now full at 40 players and most of their core for the 2024 season retained, the Dodgers have made it clear that while the roster is nearly complete, they still plan to make adjustments as needed. This indicates that some key players may not be returning, despite a mix of nostalgia and fan desire for their return. Three notable Dodgers players likely to leave after the Winter Meetings include Jack Flaherty, Walker Buehler, and Joe Kelly.
Jack Flaherty, who joined the Dodgers via trade during the 2024 season, seems like the most probable departure of the three. Although Flaherty expressed a strong desire to stay with the team, especially during the World Series celebrations, his performance during the postseason did not help his case. In his 22 postseason innings across multiple rounds, he posted a troubling 7.36 ERA. Given that he was one of the few healthy starters for the Dodgers in the postseason, his underwhelming performance might leave a bad impression, especially when compared to other pitchers on the roster. Despite Flaherty’s bounce-back performance in the regular season, his chances of returning are slim, as the Dodgers’ rotation is already filled with talent, including new additions like Snell. As a result, Flaherty is likely to find a new team willing to offer him a contract, but his future with the Dodgers looks uncertain.
Walker Buehler’s situation is also complicated, despite his previous success with the Dodgers. While many fans would love to see Buehler return in 2025, the Dodgers’ starting rotation is already stacked, particularly with the signing of Snell and the return of other key pitchers like Clayton Kershaw and Dustin May. The rotation could potentially have as many as seven pitchers vying for starting spots, making it difficult for Buehler to fit in. After a disappointing regular season, Buehler’s stock has dropped slightly, but there is still interest from other teams, including the Tigers, Yankees, and A’s. However, the Dodgers are unlikely to offer him a spot on their roster given the current depth, and Buehler may ultimately find a better fit elsewhere where there is more room for him to compete for a starting job.
Joe Kelly, a key reliever for the Dodgers in recent seasons, is also expected to depart. Despite his occasional flashes of brilliance, Kelly struggled with injuries and inconsistency throughout the 2024 season. He was frequently placed on the injured list, and when healthy, his performance was far from stellar. His fastball velocity remained strong, but his command and control issues were apparent, which led to inconsistent outings. With the Dodgers showing strong interest in other bullpen options, including former Marlins closer Tanner Scott, Kelly’s future with the team looks bleak. The Dodgers appear ready to move on from Kelly, recognizing that his presence in the bullpen no longer offers the same value it once did. The team will likely seek out a more reliable and healthier alternative to bolster their relief corps.
While each of these players has had memorable moments with the Dodgers, their future with the team is uncertain. Flaherty’s potential departure seems inevitable after his underwhelming postseason performance and the Dodgers’ stacked rotation. Buehler’s chances of returning are slim due to the crowded pitching staff, despite his strong past with the team. Kelly’s injuries and control issues have made him an unreliable option for the bullpen, further diminishing his chances of staying with the Dodgers. As the team continues to make moves in the offseason, it’s clear that they are focused on maintaining a deep and competitive roster for the 2024 season. As a result, these three players are likely to move on and seek opportunities elsewhere, with the Dodgers looking to strengthen their team with fresh talent. While sentimentality may cloud the situation for fans who hope for their return, the Dodgers’ front office is focused on optimizing the roster for the upcoming season, even if that means saying goodbye to familiar faces.
