The Dodgers wrapped up 2025 with a rotation of six starters, and as the offseason unfolds, general manager Brandon Gomes confirmed the club is open to keeping that structure intact in 2026. “It’s certainly on the table,” Gomes said, while adding that the final decision will hinge on roster health and offseason moves.
That six-man setup last year featured elite arms such as Shohei Ohtani, Yoshinobu Yamamoto, Tyler Glasnow, and others — a depth few teams can match. Even with retirements and free-agency shifts (most notably the departure of legend Clayton Kershaw), Los Angeles looks poised to reload, not rebuild.
The reasoning behind doubling down on six starters isn’t simply about having more arms — it’s about protecting those arms. Between near-weekly starts, bullpen reliance, and the wear of a 162-game season, the risk of injury is real. A deeper rotation gives pitchers more rest, reduces overuse, and increases the chance they stay healthy down the stretch.
Some roster questions remain. With Kershaw gone, one spot may go to rising talent like Rōki Sasaki, expected to return to the starting role in 2026. Others may shift between rotation, bullpen, or even minor-league assignments depending on injuries and performance.
The potential upside is clear: with a six-man rotation, the Dodgers may simultaneously preserve arms, give more margin for error, and lean on depth when postseason pressure mounts. It reflects a long-term mindset — not just chasing wins, but building sustainability.
Still, the plan isn’t set in stone. As Gomes admitted, final decisions will depend on how the offseason unfolds: free-agency signings, trades, health reports — all could tip the balance toward or away from six starters. For now, though, the signal is strong: Los Angeles isn’t backing off — it’s doubling down. In a division as brutal as the National League West, where every game counts, having both elite arms and depth might just be the edge the Dodgers want for 2026.
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