Dodgers Keep James Tibbs III Off 40-Man
Los Angeles holds the 2024 first-round pick off the roster as the collective bargaining agreement nears expiration.
Updated on Nov. 4, 2026 in Baseball
The Los Angeles Dodgers did not add James Tibbs III to their 40-man roster before the collective bargaining agreement expires. The move allows Tibbs to keep working with Dodgers staff and at the team facility during the lockout.
Why it matters
Once the CBA expires, teams cannot work with players on their 40-man roster, so keeping Tibbs off it preserves his development access during the work stoppage. The decision keeps the team's top prospect in its development system as he prepares for a potential big-league look.
Tibbs posted a .287/.409/.532 line with a .941 OPS, 30 home runs and 107 RBIs in the 2026 minor league season. Whether those numbers translate to the majors remains unresolved, as he does not grade out as an impressive defender at any one position.
The players
James Tibbs III
A 1st-round pick in the 2024 Draft who was acquired by the Dodgers in the Dustin May trade and has been one of the organization's most promising hitters.
Los Angeles Dodgers
The Major League Baseball club based in Los Angeles that kept Tibbs off its 40-man roster before the collective bargaining agreement expired.
The details
Tibbs arrived from the Dodgers in the Dustin May trade at the 2025 deadline and was traded in the package for Rafael Devers. He has lined up at first base, designated hitter, right field and left field, and is expected to be big-league ready by 2027.
Timeline
Drafted in the 1st round of the 2024 Draft.
Acquired by the Dodgers in the Dustin May trade at the 2025 deadline.
Posted a sensational minor league season in 2026.
Discussed in a Katie Woo Reddit AMA on Nov. 4, 2026.
Targeted to be big-league ready in 2027.
Season Trajectory
The Dodgers' handling of Tibbs under the 40-man roster rules shows how clubs navigate the CBA expiration to protect their developmental pipeline. The decision places Tibbs on a path toward a potential 2027 big-league role, shaping the organization's depth heading into next season.
Fantasy managers tracking Dodgers prospects should note that Tibbs is not yet on the 40-man roster, so a major league call-up is not imminent. Projected big-league readiness in 2027 means the timeline for fantasy relevance remains well beyond the current season.
The takeaway
Keeping a top prospect in the development system during a lockout protects his progress, but the path to the majors still depends on roster decisions made after the CBA is resolved. Readers tracking the Dodgers should watch for Tibbs' 40-man status once the agreement is settled.
Further reading
Explore more coverage of the Baseball section for context on prospects and roster rules.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Dodgers Nation.
