1 lightweight, 1 middleweight, 1 heavyweight free agent targets remaining for Dodgers

The Los Angeles Dodgers are in the luxurious position of playing the long game from this point forward this winter. The club has areas that could use reinforcement with left field, second base, and the bullpen all fitting that bill, but the urgency to fill gaping holes is not at a high point.

Of course, you can never count the Dodgers out at any level of the market. If something presents itself to Andrew Friedman and Co. that looks like an upgrade, you can be sure that they will pursue it to the fullest.

To that end, there are three prime free agents who fit the bill: one on the low end, one mid-tier guy, and one true heavyweight that would put the club over the top and allow them to extend their dominance.

Kiké Hernández is the perfect lightweight free-agent target for the Dodgers

The Dodgers have already reunited with one postseason hero in utilityman Miguel Rojas this offseason, so why not another in Kiké Hernández? He'll miss the first month or two of the season after undergoing offseason elbow surgery, but you don't bring Hernández aboard for his regular-season contributions; you do so for his October impact.

All of that means Los Angeles can wait on re-signing him and turn their attention to bigger fish. They can bring him along slowly in 2026 so that he's right and ready for more playoff magic in the quest for a three-peat.

Kazuma Okamoto is the middleweight the Dodgers should target

Kazuma Okamoto hasn't seriously been connected to the Dodgers beyond the vague notion that because Los Angeles employs a lot of Japanese players, he must be a fit. With that said, it takes a look beneath the surface to see why Okamoto makes actual baseball sense for the Dodgers.

Okamoto's primary position is third base, which, at least for 2026, is occupied by Max Muncy. He's also had extensive experience at first base, a position blocked by Freddie Freeman. Finally, he's had some left field reps, though he projects to be a below-average defender there. However, Muncy has struggled to stay healthy in recent years, Freeman's getting long in the tooth at 36 years old, and left field is a relatively big question mark.

The Dodgers value versatility. Just look at the likes of Tommy Edman, Mookie Betts, and others who serve as versatile chesspieces the Dodgers can move around the board as needed. In that sense, Okamoto can give LA insurance at both infield corners, while also serving as a part-time left fielder. In 2027, he could take over third base full-time as Muncy's contract expires. MLB Trade Rumors projects him for a four-year, $64 million deal, placing him squarely in the "middleweight" tier.

Kyle Tucker is the heavyweight the Dodgers must target

The Kyle Tucker to the Dodgers fit is obvious. Los Angeles has a need in the outfield and seemingly unlimited funds, and Tucker is the best outfielder on the market. So what's the holdup?

The Dodgers are interested in Tucker, but so far that interest only extends as far as a short-term, high AAV deal. While his market bottoming out and Los Angeles landing him on such a deal would be an incredible bargain, it's not likely.

Left field is arguably the biggest hole the Dodgers have remaining; they have money, and they aren't afraid of deferrals. Making a splash with Tucker could send the rest of the league into submission before the season even gets underway, and could have LA waltzing towards a third consecutive World Series championship.