The Los Angeles Dodgers have nine players whose contracts expired following the 2026 season.

One of them, infielder Miguel Rojas, has already retired and accepted a new position in the Dodgers’ player development department. That leaves eight players who could depart before the 2027 season begins.

None of those eight carries a larger profile than left-handed pitcher Tarik Skubal, who is easily the leading free agent available this offseason.

However, when considering their importance to the Dodgers, no departure could affect the roster more than losing left-handed reliever Alex Vesia.

Vesia has pitched for Los Angeles since 2021 and played an important role in the bullpen every year.

He is a free agent, and Jim Bowden from The Athletic projected that he will receive a two-year, $23 million contract. Bowden identified the New York Yankees and Tampa Bay Rays as potential destinations alongside the Dodgers.

Vesia completed his sixth season with Los Angeles and became a constant presence in the bullpen, ranking among the team’s most reliable relievers during that period.

Speaking with the California Post earlier this month, Vesia acknowledged that he might have already played his last regular season home game for the Dodgers.

He shared that realization in a message to his family group chat, and the possibility affected him emotionally.

“I sent a text in our family group chat that was like, ‘I potentially could have played my last home game as a Dodger, in the regular season,’” Vesia said. “And it was just like, damn.”

Vesia produced one of his strongest seasons, posting a 2.64 ERA and 1.07 WHIP with 74 strikeouts in 58 innings over 72 appearances, recording three saves and 20 holds.

He threw 3.1 scoreless innings over five postseason appearances this year, surrendering one hit and recording four strikeouts and two walks.

Vesia is 2-0 with a minuscule 1.59 ERA and 1.19 WHIP in 22.2 innings over 31 career postseason appearances, recording 27 strikeouts, one save and nine holds.

The left-hander owns a 2.66 ERA and 1.09 WHIP with 438 strikeouts in 328 innings over 367 appearances (one start) during six memorable seasons with the Dodgers, recording 16 saves and 95 holds.

Vesia experienced considerably more success than failure in Los Angeles and helped the Dodgers win two World Series titles.

He has also demonstrated exceptional durability, making at least 56 regular season appearances during each of the past five years.

That availability is particularly important for a bullpen subjected to constant turnover, injuries and demanding postseason runs. Vesia has handled frequent assignments without requiring the Dodgers to limit him to one specific inning.

His ability to miss bats, challenge hitters and remain effective in October would be difficult to replace with one acquisition. Los Angeles also knows how he responds to pressure and fits within the clubhouse.

A two-year commitment would represent a significant investment in a reliever, but allowing Vesia to join the Yankees or Rays could leave the Dodgers searching for the dependable left-handed option they already possess.