4 offseason decisions that could end up costing the Dodgers in the 2025 playoffs

The Los Angeles Dodgers may have clinched a postseason berth with relative ease, but they are playing with fire as they embark on their quest to defend their 2024 World Series title.

Los Angeles' reliance on pitchers with injury histories could lead to a lack of depth in the rotation during the playoffs. The bullpen has shown inconsistency, and injuries to key relievers have only exacerbated the issue.

Injuries and performance issues among key position players could lead to lapses in critical playoff moments, and significant financial commitments to certain players will only magnify any struggles by those players in the postseason.

Several of the Dodgers' biggest postseason risk factors can be traced back to moves they made during the offseason. Hopefully, we don't have to discuss these any further because it won't be pretty.

5 offseason decisions that could end up costing the Dodgers in the 2025 playoffs

Roki Sasaki signing ($6.5 million bonus)

The Dodgers landed the most coveted free agent on the international market last offseason in Japanese phenom Roki Sasaki, but the right-hander missed significant time in 2025 due to shoulder issues (on top of looking bad at the MLB level).

The Dodgers have been auditioning Sasaki for a potential bullpen role in October, but he remains a bit of a wild card. Transitioning him from a starter to a reliever late in the season may impact his effectiveness in high-leverage playoff situations, especially after he's missed so much time due to injury.

Tanner Scott signing (4 years, $72 million)

The Dodgers signed Tanner Scott to one of the largest free agent deals ever for a reliever, which included a $20 million signing bonus and $21 million in deferred payments. Unfortunately, he hasn't even come close to earning that contract, pitching to a 4.74 ERA and leading MLB with 10 blown saves in 2025.

The Dodgers' relief corps has already taken plenty of hits this year, leaving them short several arms due to injuries. Scott's struggles in high-leverage situations could undermine the bullpen's effectiveness in the postseason.

Blake Snell signing (5 years, $182 million)

Blake Snell was the Dodgers' first big splash of the 2024-25 free agency period, when they inked him to a deal that included a $52 million signing bonus and $13.2 million in deferred salary per year.

However, Snell has a history of shoulder issues, which caused him to miss substantial time this season. Any recurrence could impact his postseason availability – and given the substantial financial commitment, any underperformance could be magnified in high-stakes playoff games. He'll be the Game 1 starter in the Wild Card series after rebounding nicely over his last three outings, and the Reds have struggled mightily against left-handers. So at least there's that.

Tommy Edman extension (5 years, $74 million)

The Dodgers signed Tommy Edman to an extension that includes a $17 million signing bonus and a club option for 2030. Unfortunately, however, Edman has had recurring injury issues in 2025, which could limit his availability and effectiveness in the postseason.

Most recently, Edman sat out a pair of games for the Dodgers due to ankle soreness before returning to the lineup Saturday against the Seattle Mariners. Given his role as a key defensive player for Los Angeles, any decline in performance could impact the team's overall defensive stability.

Edman was a hero for the Dodgers last year, but his MLB track record hardly justified jumping to extend him for five years at that price.