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9 Dodgers Who Won't Return for World Series Champs in 2025

The Los Angeles Dodgers are World Series champs, but they won't be able to keep their entire roster together as they pursue a repeat in 2025.

By Jason Schandl, Joe Summers

Oct 27, 2024; New York, NY, USA;Los Angeles Dodgers pitcher Walker Buehler speaks at a press conference prior to game three of the World Series against the New York Yankees at Yankees Stadium. Mandatory Credit: John Jones-Imagn Images
Oct 27, 2024; New York, NY, USA;Los Angeles Dodgers pitcher Walker Buehler speaks at a press conference prior to game three of the World Series against the New York Yankees at Yankees Stadium. Mandatory Credit: John Jones-Imagn Images / John Jones-Imagn Images
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2. Daniel Hudson

Daniel Hudson had a great postseason, ranging anywhere from "reliable" to "lights out" in most of his appearances. But it's not like the Dodgers wouldn't have won the World Series without him, and it certainly doesn't cover up for the fact taht the 2024 season was one of his worst in recent memory. And when you're 37 years old, that matters a lot.

Hudson's regular season velocity numbers were his lowest since way back in 2012, and while he did show some signs of improved control with that drop in velocity, he did still end up with a 17.4% walk rate. That's well above his 15.1% career average. All indicators are that Hudson is on the decline at the end of his career, and there's no point in trying to catch a falling knife here.

Hudson was a valuable part of the bullpen in 2024, and only Alex Vesia made more appearances in the regular season. He's been a valuable part of this bullpen for a few years now, and Dodgers fans will be thankful for his service. But the fact remains that finding a veteran mercenary arm for your bullpen in free agency (or via in-season trade next year) is not a difficult task. And with the Dodgers being such an appealing club to play for, L.A. won't have any trouble finding plenty of willing upgrades for Hudson.

The Dodgers don't need to try catching a falling knife with Hudson's declining play heading into his age-38 season.

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