The Los Angeles Dodgers' hopes of completing a three-game sweep over the Cleveland Guardians were dashed in a dramatic eighth inning at Progressive Field. Leading 4-2, the Dodgers witnessed a stunning five-run rally from the Guardians. The inning started poorly for Dodgers reliever Tanner Scott, who loaded the bases with a single and a walk. After striking out Austin Hedges, he allowed a two-run single from Nolan Jones that tied the game. The decisive blow came from Angel Martínez, who hit a three-run homer off left-hander Alex Vesia, propelling the Guardians to a 7-4 victory.

This loss was particularly frustrating for Dodgers starter Clayton Kershaw, who pitched five solid innings, allowing just one run with three strikeouts but ended up with a no-decision. The Dodgers concluded their East Coast trip with a disappointing 3-3 record, marking another setback in a season filled with ups and downs.

Mark Leiter Jr. of the New York Yankees and Dennis Santana of the Pittsburgh Pirates faced setbacks in salary arbitration, with Leiter being awarded $2.05 million instead of his requested $2.5 million, while Santana will earn $1.4 million compared to his $2.1 million request. The arbitration decisions reflect a broader trend, with teams winning three out of the last four cases. Notably, Mickey Moniak of the Los Angeles Angels successfully negotiated a $2 million salary against a higher request, while Alex Vesia of the Los Angeles Dodgers avoided arbitration altogether by agreeing to a $2.3 million contract.

The arbitration results for Leiter come off a mixed season where he posted a 4.50 ERA in 60 appearances, including a strong postseason showing. Santana's performance was also solid, with a 3.89 ERA over 62 appearances for the Yankees and Pirates last season. As the arbitration period continues, several players, including Brendan Donovan and Nathaniel Lowe, are slated for hearings, adding more intrigue to the offseason.

The Los Angeles Dodgers have secured a one-year, $13 million deal with right-handed reliever Kirby Yates, enhancing their already formidable roster for the 2025 season. This acquisition continues the team's strategy of building a superteam poised for a strong World Series run, particularly after Yates demonstrated exceptional performance last year, posting a 1.17 ERA over 61⅔ innings with 33 saves for Texas.

Yates joins a well-rounded bullpen that includes closer Tanner Scott and Blake Treinen, alongside returning pitchers Michael Kopech and Alex Vesia. The Dodgers are also bolstering their starting rotation with free-agent signing Blake Snell, as well as established arms like Shohei Ohtani, Tyler Glasnow, and Clayton Kershaw. The depth of the pitching staff positions the Dodgers as frontrunners to win consecutive World Series titles, a feat not achieved in 25 years.

The Los Angeles Dodgers have made a significant addition to their bullpen, signing Kirby Yates, the former Texas Rangers closer, to a one-year, $13 million deal with an extra $1 million in performance incentives. This acquisition comes as the Dodgers ramp up their offseason efforts, bringing their payroll to an unprecedented $379 million, which would set an MLB record.

Yates, coming off a stellar season with a 1.17 ERA, joins a crowded Dodgers bullpen that already includes Tanner Scott and Blake Treinen. Despite having a strong relief core, the Dodgers are expected to make further adjustments to their roster as they navigate the complexities of roster management, especially considering the injuries and options available for their relievers.