The Dodgers are staring down one brutal truth as they gear up for 2027: Shohei Ohtani’s health, both on the mound and at the plate, is their absolute top priority. This isn’t just about getting a star back, it’s about navigating the most complex player health equation in baseball.
Ohtani’s Two-Way Tightrope Walk
Ohtani was plagued by a pair of injuries this past season, messing with him both pitching and hitting. Think about that: the Dodgers are the ONLY team in the league that has to worry about keeping one of their key starting pitchers healthy, AND ensuring that very same pitcher continues to crush it at the plate, leading the team in home runs. Sonja Chen of MLB.com nailed it, saying the biggest mission for Ohtani and the team heading into 2027 is getting that two-way superstar healthy for the *entire* season. Honestly, finding a way to get Ohtani through a full two-way season at full strength, or at least close to it, could be more valuable than any trade or signing they make all offseason. It’s a massive challenge, and it’s what everyone is watching.
Bullpen Blitz and Future Scouting
While the Ohtani situation is front and center, the Dodgers bullpen also needs some serious work. Right-hander Evan Phillips is gone, heading back to Atlanta, which leaves a real hole. So what are they doing? They’ve already started kicking the tires on a couple of former Yankees relievers: right-hander Jonathan Loaisiga and left-hander Tim Hill. Apparently, the Dodgers are one of five teams looking at Loaisiga, and one of three interested in Hill, according to Jesse Rogers of ESPN and Jon Heyman of the New York Post.
Let’s look at the numbers. Loaisiga spent 2026 with the Arizona Diamondbacks after eight seasons with the Yankees, and he put up some solid stats: a 2.42 ERA and a 2.88 FIP, with 48 strikeouts against just 13 walks across 67 innings. That’s a good arm right there. Hill, on the other hand, had a rougher 2026. He posted a 4.60 ERA and a career-worst 5.93 FIP, with only 25 strikeouts and 13 walks over 58 2/3 innings. Not exactly stellar, but maybe the Dodgers see something they can fix.
The team is also keeping an eye on the future, sending a three-man envoy all the way to Yokohama High School to scout teenage right-hander Shoki Oda, as reported by Dylan Hernandez of the California Post. And on a lighter note, former Dodgers outfielder Trayce Thompson is reuniting with his brother Klay in Miami, joining the Marlins’ baseball operations department. Christina De Nicola of MLB.com reported that one.
This offseason is shaping up to be all about big moves and even bigger bets for the Dodgers. With Ohtani’s health as the ultimate wild card and some key bullpen spots to fill, every decision from here on out is critical. Keep an eye on those hot stove rumors, because the next few weeks could seriously dictate how this team looks come opening day.
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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