The 2026 MLB season just wrapped, and the Los Angeles Dodgers wasted zero time getting their 40-man roster sorted. But hold up, before anyone even blinks, a massive deadline is staring everyone down: the collective bargaining agreement expires on December 1, 2026. This isn’t some maybe, probably thing: a lockout is absolutely expected to hit the league, and when that happens, all major league transactions are going to stop cold.
December 1st: The Deadline That Could Freeze Baseball
We’ve been through this before, right? The last lockout, back in the 2021-22 offseason, was a total mess. It dragged on, didn’t lead to a new CBA until March 10, and pushed the start of the 2022 regular season back by two whole weeks. You think baseball wants to see that again? General Manager Brandon Gomes was seen on September 2, 2026, so he knows what’s coming. This isn’t just a small delay either. Everything from signing players, non-tendering guys, adding folks to the 40-man, trades, waiver claims, designating for assignment, or releasing players, it all stops. The game just sits and waits. Imagine trying to make moves for your club with all that uncertainty. It’s wild.
Who’s On The Books For LA, For Now?
Even with the lockout threat, the Dodgers have their 40-man roster on the books for the offseason, ready for whatever comes next. They’ve got 21 pitchers, including some big names like Edwin Díaz at 33 years old with 10.121 years of service, Tyler Glasnow, also 33, and Blake Snell, who is 34. Roki Sasaki is a younger arm at 25. And who could forget Shohei Ohtani? He is the lone two-way player, 32 years old with 9.000 years of service. That’s a huge name to have locked in.
Behind the plate, they’ve got four catchers, with Will Smith, 32, being the veteran. Their infield sees the likes of Mookie Betts, 34, and Freddie Freeman, 37, bringing some serious experience. Max Muncy, also 37, is there too. Out in the outfield, they have five guys, including Teoscar Hernández, 34, and a young prospect named Josue De Paula, only 22. It’s a mix of seasoned vets and some younger talent, all waiting to see if this roster actually *can* change once the clock strikes December 1st.
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Originally reported by True Blue LA.
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