3 remaining questions for the Dodgers’ offseason
This story was excerpted from Juan Toribio’s Dodgers Beat publication. To learn the complete publication, click on right here. And subscribe to get it frequently in your inbox.
LOS ANGELES — After a quiet few days on the Winter Meetings, issues have began to select up for the Dodgers within the free-agent market.
Over the previous couple of weeks, Los Angeles has come to phrases on one-year offers with right-hander Noah Syndergaard and designated hitter J.D. Martinez. With a number of holes left on the roster, president of baseball operations Andrew Friedman certainly has different strikes up his sleeve.
Until then, let’s check out three questions the Dodgers nonetheless must reply earlier than the beginning of Spring Training in mid-February.
1. What will the infield appear to be?
It’s been an offseason of change for the Dodgers, and no unit will really feel that greater than subsequent yr’s infield. Trea Turner began all 160 video games he performed at shortstop final season, however he’ll be taking part in for the Phillies for the subsequent 11 seasons. That means Gavin Lux will possible slide over from second to exchange Turner.
There will even be some change at third, on condition that Justin Turner might be taking part in for the Red Sox. To exchange him, the Dodgers will lean on Miguel Vargas and Max Muncy. Both Vargas and Muncy may additionally play second base, permitting Chris Taylor to play within the outfield, additional maximizing his versatility.
The gamers seem like in place for the Dodgers, although they might profit from another addition. How all of it comes collectively is one thing they’ll have to determine earlier than Spring Training and over the six weeks they spend at Camelback Ranch.
2. Who will play heart subject?
Cody Bellinger was a legal responsibility on the plate during the last two seasons, however few gamers patrolled heart subject higher than the 2019 National League Most Valuable Player. Bellinger’s protection in heart helped each pitcher on the Dodgers’ roster, however that gained’t be the case transferring ahead.
With Bellinger now with the Cubs, the Dodgers have an enormous gap to fill and no clear reply in the mean time. Los Angeles pursued Kevin Kiermaier, however the three-time Gold Glove Award winner in the end took much less cash to be part of the Blue Jays as a result of he felt extra wished in Toronto. Now, the Dodgers are left with no apparent goal in free company, however they’ll proceed to discover the commerce marketplace for a middle fielder. Another possibility could be to accumulate a nook outfielder, permitting Mookie Betts to play extra heart subject.
As of now, the Dodgers’ choices in heart are Taylor and Trayce Thompson, two vital downgrades defensively from what Los Angeles has loved during the last six seasons.
Those are 5 authentic choices — however is it sufficient? It’ll be attention-grabbing to see what the Dodgers resolve.
A baseball season is extraordinarily lengthy, and accidents are going to occur, notably to beginning pitchers. Gonsolin hasn’t pitched a full season since 2019, and May continues to be working via issues after getting back from Tommy John surgical procedure. Then there’s Kershaw, who landed on the injured record twice with a pair of again accidents that would creep up at any time.
Because of that, the Dodgers are nonetheless out there for one more skilled pitcher who may present size. A six-man rotation to start out the season isn’t out of the query. Or, bear in mind, Tyler Anderson was speculated to be a multi-inning reliever final season, however turned out to be some of the necessary items on the roster.
If the Dodgers don’t add one other pitcher, Ryan Pepiot (ranked by MLB Pipeline because the No. 6 prospect within the group), Andre Jackson and Michael Grove (No. 24) may all contribute, although they might use some extra reps within the Minors. If they keep wholesome, Bobby Miller (No. 2) and Gavin Stone (No. 7) will contribute in some unspecified time in the future in 2023, however they gained’t be prepared till no less than midseason.
