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6 Dodgers Players at Risk of Being DFA’d This Offseason
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- 6 Dodgers Players at Risk of Being DFA’d This Offseason
MLB: Washington Nationals at Los Angeles Dodgers
The Los Angeles Dodgers have a few prospects who will require a 40-man roster spot ahead of the Rule 5 Draft, along with other additions, leaving these six players especially vulnerable to being designated for assignment.
The Dodgers may swing trades this offseason, either key ones or on the fringes, while also signing some free agents.
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To make room for additions and re-sign other players, the Dodgers will need to make tough decisions on players they likely value as a good deal.
Sep 4, 2026; Los Angeles, California, USA; President of baseball operations of the Los Angeles Dodgers Andrew Friedman on the field prior to the game against the Washington Nationals at Dodger Stadium . Mandatory Credit: Kiyoshi Mio-Imagn Images Credit: IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect (Reuters)
Here are six players vulnerable:
Landon Knack
It would be a surprise if Knack is still on the roster come the first game of the 2027 season. He is out of minor league options, meaning he cannot be demoted and promoted freely.
With such a deep roster and a ton of young pitchers, it is likely time for the team to move on.
Paul Gervase
Gervase still has option years left, and at 26, the Dodgers may hold onto him as a depth piece if they don't add too many players.
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However, he hasn't stuck at every level over the last year and a half with the Dodgers.
He would be one of the easier players to cut ties with and could be kept in their minor league system if he isn't claimed.
May 22, 2026; Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA; Los Angeles Dodgers pitcher Paul Gervase (65) delivers a pitch against the Milwaukee Brewers in the sixth inning at American Family Field. Mandatory Credit: Michael McLoone-Imagn Images
Eliezer Alfonzo
As the fourth catcher, Alfonzo would be a sure DFA, but since Rushing will not be catching for months and they can option Alfonzo freely, they may hold on to him until Rushing is back behind the plate.
If push came to shove, the Dodgers could always make the move and figure out an alternative down the road.
Ronan Kopp
Kopp has not pitched in the major leagues yet, making it relatively easy to move on.
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He had a 6.80 ERA in 47 games of Triple-A ball. The lefty totaled 51 strikeouts and 43 walks.
It was a really bad season for someone hoping to break through. And now, they could move on from him in favor of another pitcher.
Possibly, Kopp could make it through so the Dodgers can see what he can do in the big leagues, but he may be relatively dispensable.
Ben Casparius
Casparius is unlikely to be designated for assignment, but after a season in which he had a 9.64 ERA in 4.2 innings in the big leagues before going down with a shoulder injury, it wouldn't be super shocking.
When he returned to the minors, he posted a 7.84 ERA in 12 Triple-A appearances.
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Right shoulder inflammation led to a three-month shutdown; he returned to pitch in the minors until he was shut down again due to arm fatigue.
If the Dodgers aren't optimistic about his health and performance, they could designate him for assignment or trade him.
Mar 27, 2026; Los Angeles, California, USA; Los Angeles Dodgers pitcher Ben Casparius (78) reacts in the sixth inning against the Arizona Diamondbacks at Dodger Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-Imagn Images
Seth Halvorsen
Halvorsen is the least likely player on this list given that he had less than a full year with the Dodgers coaching staff.
He struggled in 2026, with a 5.90 ERA over 32 games in the major leagues.
The righty hits triple digits with a sinker that should produce ground balls, and he allowed no runs in 10 appearances with Triple-A OKC.
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The Dodgers would likely prefer to keep Project Halvorsen going for another year, but a roster crunch may force their issue.
He still has minor league options, and a ton of potential on paper.
For all 40-man moves, follow Dodgers Nation's Offseason Roster Tracker.
