The Los Angeles Dodgers need to turn their NLCS disappointment into a more balanced roster for 2027. The Milwaukee Brewers ended their three-peat pursuit with a four-game sweep, leaving Los Angeles to prepare for another championship chase.

The response should begin with two purposeful Dodgers trades. One would create playing time for a younger hitter. The other would address uncertainty in the rotation.

The following packages are hypothetical trade propositions, rather than reported negotiations. Their value rests on how they could improve both teams, with medical reviews and financial terms determining whether either deal becomes workable.

Dodgers should trade Teoscar Hernandez to Royals

Los Angeles should propose sending Teoscar Hernandez and $8 million to the Kansas City Royals for right-handed pitching prospect Shane Panzini.

The Dodgers would sacrifice an established hitter to create a path for Josue De Paula. Hernandez, Andy Pages and Kyle Tucker remain under contract for 2027.

Hernandez still offers value. He hit .267 with 16 home runs and a .759 OPS in 2026. Moving him should reflect a decision about playing time and roster balance.

Kansas City could benefit from another established outfield bat. Hernandez would give the Royals an experienced option without requiring a premium prospect return.

The proposed cash contribution would make that commitment easier to absorb, although both clubs would need to specify how the money applies to Hernández's remaining contract obligations.

Panzini would represent a developmental return. He fell out of Kansas City's Top 30 in MLB Pipeline's midseason update, placing him in a different acquisition tier from the organization's leading prospects.

For the Dodgers, opening a lineup spot would provide the primary benefit. The club should pursue this deal only if they believe De Paula can handle regular outfield work.

They would also need a fallback if his defense requires more development. Trading an established contributor creates responsibility for the front office to support the replacement.

The logic works for both clubs. The Royals could acquire an experienced bat at a reduced financial cost. The Dodgers could give their next generation a meaningful opportunity without demanding an unrealistic prospect haul.

Dodgers should acquire Joe Ryan from Twins

The Dodgers should propose sending right-handed pitching prospect Christian Zazueta and catcher Hunter Feduccia to the Minnesota Twins for Joe Ryan.

That framework would better address Minnesota's roster than a package built around another outfielder. The Twins face uncertainty at catcher and have a crowded rotation, including four established starters eligible for free agency after 2027.

Zazueta would be the centerpiece. He ranked No. 35 on MLB Pipeline's Top 100 in September, making this a substantial investment in Ryan, who remains under team control through 2027.

Feduccia would offer an immediate catching option, although Minnesota should view him as part of its solution rather than an automatic everyday replacement. The deal would combine help for 2027 with a pitching prospect who could extend the return's value.

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The Twins plan to increase payroll and compete in 2027. Their incentive would be acquiring useful talent, rather than simply reducing their spending.

The Dodgers would also have to consider their catching depth before including Feduccia. Dalton Rushing's elbow injury complicated the position in 2026, making his long-term readiness behind the plate an important factor in any deal.

Ryan would address a separate concern. With Tarik Skubal approaching free agency, the Dodgers should explore alternatives before assuming their rotation will return intact.

The 30-year-old right-hander posted a 3.79 ERA with 159 strikeouts across 144 2/3 innings in 2026. Those numbers support pursuing him as a rotation upgrade, while his second-half health and performance struggles warrant a thorough evaluation.

The Dodgers should make this offer only if their medical review supports the investment. Minnesota, meanwhile, would need to value Zazueta's upside enough to part with an established starter.

Los Angeles won championships in 2024 and 2025 and should approach this offseason with the same ambition. Creating an opportunity for De Paula while strengthening the rotation would keep that ambition directed toward reclaiming the title in 2027.