Free agency immediately exposes weaknesses within every team’s depth chart, and the Los Angeles Dodgers are no exception.

Los Angeles will return its entire starting lineup in 2027. Most of the rotation also remains together, with Tarik Skubal representing the obvious exception while he considers a potentially lucrative decision during the coming weeks or months.

The bullpen faces considerably more uncertainty.

The Dodgers could lose left-handers Alex Vesia and Kris Bubic, along with right-handers Blake Treinen and Evan Phillips, in free agency.

Adding closers became an important priority for the front office during the past two offseasons. Right-hander Edwin Díaz and left-hander Tanner Scott both handled significant assignments in 2026.

Díaz ended the season considerably better than he began it, giving up only one run in six postseason innings. Scott led the Dodgers with 25 saves during the regular season.

Both relievers remain under contract for 2027, reducing the urgency for Los Angeles to add another back-end bullpen option.

The emergence of right-hander Edgardo Henriquez provides another candidate for important innings.

The expected returns of Brock Stewart, Jack Dreyer, Bobby Miller and Will Klein give the Dodgers seven pitchers who could potentially work in high-leverage situations next season.

Los Angeles will almost certainly add to that group during the offseason, regardless of whether the front office acquires another closer through free agency or a trade.

Re-signing Phillips could fill one of the vacant bullpen roles.

Phillips was the Dodgers’ best reliever in 2022 and 2023. However, he endured a difficult 2024 season, posting a 3.62 ERA and 1.19 WHIP in 54.2 innings over 61 appearances.

He underwent Tommy John surgery in 2025, and his recovery kept him out for more than one year.

Phillips finally returned against the Colorado Rockies on July 7.

His overall performance this season was respectable but unspectacular. The right-hander posted a 3.46 ERA and 1.08 WHIP in 26 innings over 31 appearances, recording one save and eight holds.

Phillips performed his best work against right-handed hitters, limiting them to a .642 OPS in 55 at-bats. Left-handed hitters produced a .786 OPS against him in 42 at-bats.

His recent injury history and uneven results could make him available at a reasonable price. Los Angeles would not need to present Phillips as the unquestioned answer for the most important innings, but he could compete for a meaningful role.

Phillips already understands the Dodgers’ pitching plans, coaching staff and expectations, reducing the adjustment period required from an outside addition.

His previous success also gives Los Angeles a reason to believe he can become more effective as he moves farther away from surgery.

The difference in his results against right-handed and left-handed hitters could lead the Dodgers to use him more selectively.

Manager Dave Roberts could deploy Phillips against sections of a lineup that favor him rather than automatically assigning him an entire inning.

That arrangement would reduce pressure on Phillips while giving the bullpen an experienced option for difficult situations.

A reunion would carry risk, but his familiarity, past production and potentially affordable contract make him a sensible candidate for the rebuilt 2027 bullpen.