Free agency exposes weaknesses throughout every organization’s depth chart, and the Los Angeles Dodgers are no exception as they begin preparing for 2027.

Los Angeles will bring back its entire starting lineup. Most of the rotation also remains in place, with Tarik Skubal serving as the obvious exception while considering a potentially lucrative decision during the coming weeks or months.

The bullpen contains considerably more uncertainty.

Left-handers Alex Vesia and Kris Bubic could leave through free agency, as could right-handers Blake Treinen and Evan Phillips.

Adding closers became a priority for the Dodgers’ front office during the previous two offseasons. Right-hander Edwin Díaz and left-hander Tanner Scott consequently handled significant assignments throughout 2026.

Díaz performed much better at the end of the season than he did at the beginning, surrendering only one run in six postseason innings. Scott led Los Angeles with 25 saves during the regular season.

Both remain under contract for 2027, reducing the urgency to acquire another back-end reliever.

The emergence of Edgardo Henriquez supplies another option for important innings. The anticipated returns of Brock Stewart, Jack Dreyer, Bobby Miller and Will Klein also give the Dodgers seven pitchers who could potentially work in high-leverage situations in 2027.

Los Angeles will almost certainly add to that group, whether the front office pursues another closer through free agency or completes a trade.

Taylor Clarke could fill one of the available bullpen roles.

Clarke projects as a middle reliever who can prevent excessive traffic on the bases. He recorded a 2.96 ERA and 1.00 WHIP in 73 innings over 71 appearances (two starts) with 14 holds for the Arizona Diamondbacks in 2026.

The right-hander issued only 14 walks, making his control the clearest reason to pursue him. His 45 strikeouts further clarify how the Dodgers should deploy him.

Clarke belongs in the middle innings, where his ability to avoid unnecessary baserunners could help Los Angeles reserve its hardest-throwing pitchers for more demanding situations later in games.

He would not need to overpower every hitter or compete for the closer role. His purpose would be to throw strikes, avoid extending innings and provide manager Dave Roberts with a dependable option before the game reaches Díaz, Scott or another leading reliever.

Clarke’s experience making frequent appearances could also help a bullpen that must manage workloads throughout a long season. He could enter after an abbreviated start, handle a clean inning or protect a narrow advantage without requiring a rigid assignment.

A one-year offer worth approximately $3 million to $4 million would reward Clarke’s productive season while keeping the commitment appropriate for his projected role.

His 3.85 FIP finished almost one run above his 2.96 ERA, and his modest strikeout total should prevent his price from rising significantly. That combination should keep Clarke within a reasonable range for Los Angeles.