The Los Angeles Dodgers have six players entering arbitration this offseason , and they need to decide how to approach them.
Arbitration activates after a player reaches a certain service-time threshold.
The standard number of arbitration years is three, but players in the top 22% can earn the Super Two Exception, which lets them enter arbitration a year early and get four total years.
In arbitration, a team must decide whether to tender or non-tender players by November 20th.
May 8, 2026; Los Angeles, California, USA; Los Angeles Dodgers Executive Vice President and General Manager Brandon Gomes, left, talks with manager Dave Roberts (30) prior to the game against the Atlanta Braves at Dodger Stadium . Mandatory Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-Imagn Images
If they are tendered, they continue to arbitration; if they are non-tendered, they become free agents.
Once tendered, the team and player can agree to avoid arbitration or go to a hearing, where both sides submit a salary proposal and a third-party arbitrator rules for the player or team.
Pages is a super-two arbitration player who is entering his first year. As a key starter, with great everyday center field defense and year-over-year hitting improvements, Pages will stay with the Dodgers.
The question is whether he signs an extension or has another season of proving his worth.
The Dodgers absolutely believe in Sheehan, since they have continued to speak highly of him throughout his inconsistencies.
Sheehan has the promise to be a great middle rotation arm, given his stuff profile and experience for such a young player.
The Dodgers won't let him walk, and they will give him every chance to figure things out before moving on.
Stewart has been injury-prone, and he is 35 years old, but when he pitched in 2026, he was quite good. A 2.70 ERA over 28 games is quite good for a back-end bullpen arm.
He is prone to hard contact and isn't the most trustworthy pitcher in high-leverage spots, but for one more year of arbitration, Stewart is likely worth it.
Stone would be a shocking non-tender, since he has the potential to be a middle rotation arm himself. He has legit stuff and a good, diverse pitch mix too.
He hasn't pitched in the big leagues in two years because of complex shoulder surgery, so durability is a concern, but the Dodgers can afford to pay for such a promising pitcher.
Aug 31, 2024; Phoenix, Arizona, USA; Los Angeles Dodgers pitcher Gavin Stone (35) pitches against the Arizona Diamondbacks during the first inning at Chase Field. Mandatory Credit: Joe Camporeale-USA TODAY Sports
Call is likely to be shopped, and if no one bites, a non-tender is in his future. The Dodgers have an elite outfield farm system, with a few like Josue De Paula and James Tibbs begging for a roster spot.
The Dodgers need hitters with more juice than Call offers, especially after the 2026 postseason.
However, the Dodgers like Call, and it would not be a surprise to see him stay.
Cousins is a major injury question, since he hasn't pitched since 2024 because of Tommy John. He was great last season with the Yankees, posting a 2.37 ERA in 37 games.
The righty is a low-cost arm, but his injury record will make the Dodgers take a long look before giving up a roster spot.
Follow along with all of the Dodgers ' decisions on Dodgers Nation's Offseason Roster Tracker.
