With the paucity of activity at the Winter Meetings in general, and specifically to the Dodgers, I thought I would take this time to give an update on LA Dodger Chronicles.
First of all, I want to thank everyone for your words, and offers to help financially with the site. I would never accept that, unless it was from a rich benefactor or venture capitalist who wanted who wanted a tax write-off and to front the whole expense.
I also want to thank a couple of you out there (you know who your are) that emailed me with suggestions on alternatives.
The designer and host presented me with a generous discount for 2026 on the annual hosting and maintenance fee, which I have accepted and paid for. I am good to go for the 2026 season.
AF/BG seem to hint that the “heavy lifting” for this team is done for now. They do plan on adding, but not at the elite tier. The one caveat is if they are successful in trading Teoscar Hernández, which they do not seem to believe they will do. So no Tucker, no Bellinger, no Bichette, no Diaz.
The team also wants to get younger. They know that will be difficult this year, but they have top prospects they do not want to block. What does that mean for playing time for Dalton Rushing, Hyeseong Kim, and Alex Freeland this year?
The reports are that AF/BG will be concentrating on the trade side, but could also look to some lower level free agents. Certainly Harrison Bader’s name has been brought up as a bridge, as well as Robert Suarez as a high leverage reliever. But those guys do not get the team younger. Either do names like Mike Tauchman and Luke Weaver who have been linked to LAD.
Which brings me to Kiké Hernández. Kiké is a youngster at 34. Right up front, I am not in favor of re-signing Kiké. As gifted as he is defensively, the Dodgers have more than enough defense first utility infielders so that he would not be needed. In the OF, the Dodgers have to get Alex Call and Ryan Ward enough ABs, and perhaps Dalton Rushing some play time in the OF. Tommy Edman and Hyeseong Kim can give Andy Pages time to rest for CF.
For the last two years combined, Kiké has batted .219/.270/.370/.641, with 22.3 K% and 6.9 BB%. His wRC+ was 77 for the last two years. I know, but he is an October guy. With 126 PA the last two years, Kiké has batted .270/.320/.400/.720, 3 HRs, 13 RBI, 27.8 K%F and 6.3 BB%. Sure, better than his last two regular seasons, but not enough to bring him back on a $6MM-$7MM deal. The Dodgers need more bench production.
One rumor I saw was with Boston, and it did not involve Jarren Duran or Wilyer Abreu. It involved 23 year old SS/3B Marcelo Mayer and 24 year old 2B/CF Kristian Campbell. I am guessing that AF/BG could work out a multi-player deal. If Duran is involved, it is going to take Emmet Sheehan as the LAD headliner.
I expect to continue to see a lot of rumors that do not involve the elite tier of free agents. The only ones that count is AF/BG. We hurry up and wait.
I’m glad you’ll be back for the 2026 season Jeff. I enjoy your site, I’m an everyday guy during the off season, and July (trade deadline) and I’m a part timer during the season. I love to read all the ideas and opinions thrown around.
Thank you for all you and Bear do here, and I hope this upcoming Dodger season is enjoyable for you.
I feel very privileged and lucky to be a part of this site. If any of you has a special story relating to the Dodgers you would like to see, just let me know.
Good news Jeff.
Just to clear something up on Kim. Fangraphs does project him to produce 1 WAR in ‘26, but they project that over 370 plate appearances, which is more than twice the number he had to produce the .8 WAR. And I don’t know how BR comes up with their numbers, I use both sites for research but find myself using BR more often and in this case I do agree with their analysis.
Clearly I’m a fan of The Comet, Kim’s nickname. He has the combination of skills that I most admire in a baseball player. Skills that I can more relate to – speed, BA, gap power and superior defense. The question is, does his success in the KBO, .300 hitter, multiple Gold Gloves at multiple positions, stolen base leader, translate to MLB? And will the Dodgers upper cut swing for the fences on every pitch in any count work for this player? What’s the plan here? Signing Rojas, a move I agree with, having Edman and talk of Freeland and Donovan, suggests to me the Dodgers feel they don’t need Kim. If that’s the case, I would like to see them trade him to a team that does.
Great news, great site & great update on offseason.
When I think of getting younger, I rarely think of that from within, but as you mention, Kim, Freeland, Rushing all could help accomplish. Also on the pitching side, leaning on Sasaku, Sheehan, Wrobleski, Ryan, Stone, Hurt, Gervase, etc.
I like the Boston idea. Aside from Freeland, might be nice to have a future 3B solution added to the system with Muncy in his final contract year.
As for OF, we need to hope we build a bridge until the cavalry arrives.
Sasaku? Methinks you been drinking too much Sake!
Nae autocorrect
Uh huh, if you say so.
Great news Jeff. Thanks for keeping LADC alive and well. KTLA sports reporter put out an X comment yesterday that the Dodgers were in discussion for Skubal. Would love it, but find it far-fetched.
If the Red Sox are interested in Marte, perhaps a Tommy Edman package might entice them if the price is too high for Marte. Edman and a pitcher not named Sheehan for Duran. Then you can slot Kim in as your second baseman.
Not trading Edman. Established player and much better option than Kim or anyone else as a utility guy.
Jeff, I’m happy to read that LADC will continue for at least another season.
I expect that it could be a quiet off season for the Dodger front office.
And, I’m good with that. That said, AF and staff will probably pull off a major signing or trade that none of us would expect.
I’ve been a proponent of trading for Brendan Donovan in lieu of resigning Kiki. Kiki has been fun to watch over the years, but I feel it’s time to move on for a more consistent, productive player. I think Donovan fits that profile.
I’d like to see a trade for Wilmer Abreu to man the CF spot. Then have Pages in RF and Teoscar in LF (if he is not traded). As much as I am a fan of Sheehan, if that’s what it takes to get Abreu then make it happen. I don’t know if a one for one trade is feasible, but leave that to the FO or another poster.
As this rosters’ stars age I think it’s important to improve the defense up the middle. With Will catching, Mookie becoming a GG caliber SS, Kim and/or Edman 2B, Abreu would complete the making of a solid defensive unit.
As Badger mentioned above about every Dodger hitter is expected to emphasize slug in their hitting approach, I would like to see that change. The players that are expected to slug probably don’t take much input from the current hitting coaches. They are all veterans who know their swing better than a guy who never played professional baseball and who’s only apparent star student is JD Martinez. It’s the hitters at the bottom of the order, Edman, Kim, Rojas, etc who should be working the count for a walk or making contact trying to get on base for the top of the order. Too many non competitive and wasted AB’s from the 7-9 spots this past season.
Watching the Brewers and Blue Jay hitters making consistent contact and putting the ball in play made for entertaining games. And, I know, it was slug from Rojas and Smith that won the seventh game, but it was the Jays that had runners on base it seemed every inning. The Dodgers were extremely lucky to win in the end. But, that’s usually what it takes to win a championship.
Carry on.
Being a devils advocate; Yes Milwaukee and Toronto were entertaining, the Dodgers have won two consecutive WS. So is their approach so bad?
I think Toronto showed how if you can string hits together, you will score a lot of runs. They did so in the games they won. However, as the results show, it’s hard to sustain that.
That said,I think the Dodgers need one player on the team that can be a pesky line drive hitter. There is enough slug on the team to compensate.
Sam, the Dodgers approach is, obviously, not bad. I think you might agree when they don’t slug the chances of winning are reduced. Also, to watch them score 2-5 runs early in a game and then nothing is boring to WATCH even if they win.
Why not try to do both. Having the 7-9 hitters have the capabilities to make contact, put the ball in play, and bunt would not only make the game more interesting, but provide the top of the 1-6 who have slug be more productive. I think they would need more than one player with contact hit skills considering the failure rate is about 75%.
You’re correct in that it is hard to sustain any type of hitting whether it’s base hits in bunches or slug.
“Too many non competitive and wasted AB’s from the 7-9 spots this past season”
Amen to that. You could add Ohtani’s name to that list with as many chase whiffs he has had, but filing a complaint about your MVP kinda sounds lame.
About getting younger, I was about to mention what you just did – it wasn’t Pages the Younger who came through with the big hits, it was Rojas and Smith. Getting younger sounds good in print but getting better sounds better. To me anyway.
I think the Abreu to whom you refer, Wilyer, is what we usta call a pregnant idea. He is however entering his prime and is team controlled for four years. That trade would be expensive. His fWAR projection is 2 WAR in 417 at bats, BR projection is of course higher, but, whatever, it’s gonna cost one of our stud AA outfielders and a pitcher. Maybe more. Would you do it? For the record I would.
If it took Sheehan and a stud OF prospect to make it happen I’m all in trading for Abreu (but only Wilyer. lol). There’s probably going to be room for one OF prospect in a future Dodger OF if the trade is made. Pages and Abreu should be around for a few years. That leaves 3-5 prospects vying for one spot down the road.
Not trying to pop your balloon Ted, but Abreu is a RFer he has only played CF in 1 game, during his time in the big leagues. Bringing him on would keep Pages in center, but it would achieve getting Teo back to left. Everything I’ve heard and read has been that the bosox are willing to trade Duran not Abreu.
Damn, balloon popped! Appreciate the correction Keith. I would still do the trade being I’m fine with Pages in CF and Abreu in RF.
Anything to get Teoscar out of RF. Duran would be acceptable as well.
I like Kim and think he as the potential to really help the team. However, he has yet to show he can consistently hit MLB pitching. Roberts specifically called him out last season, saying he had to many non competitive at bats. I would not rely on him to man second base until he does.
Per Jorge Castillo Dodgers in agreement with Edwin Diaz
Lfg
Per Passan 3 years 69 million for Diaz
Wow! twenty three million a year. I guess AF has no limit in spending for relievers in order to avoid a trade deadline move. Hopefully, this signing pays off where the Scott signing did not. It, also, allows Sasaki another shot at starting.
The 2026 BP could be other worldly if health can be maintained.
#notmymoney
Dodgers signing Diaz is the second best news of the day. Jeff keeping Dodger Chronicles alive is the best news. 
And just like that the Dodgers do indeed spend $$. It what was supposed to be a quiet off season, but they spend $$ on the BP. Any additions to the position players side of the roster will come from the trade market.
Like the signing of Diaz.
Kyle Schwarber to re-sign with Phillies on five-year, $150 million deal
Just read that.
Lost a good friend yesterday, Steve Duncan, former drummer for The Desert Rose Band. Also, we lost Raul Malo, lead singer for The Mavericks. RIP.
Damn, so sorry to hear about Raul Malo’s passing. One of the great voices. I was introduced to the group 25 years ago. Their album Trampoline is in my top 10 favorite albums. Sixty years old…way too young. Cancer.
I used to do What a Crying shame a lot.
Thanks, Jeff. Let’s 3 peat for your generosity!
Edwin Diaz could be a huge pickup, but relievers are up and down so often that I cant get excited yet.
His 1.63 ERA with 28 saves looks pretty good to me. I hope he doesn’t follow Tanner Scott’s first year here. Maybe this will take the pressure off of Tanner as he gets demoted to be a 6-7th inning guy only.
Glad to hear that Dodger Chronicles will continue. Best Dodger blog on the planet by far. Thanks Jeff.
Oh, great news Jeff….I’m glad to know this place exists.
Let me add my thanks, Jeff, for another year (hopefully more) of LADC. Really appreciate the time and effort you and Bear put into this blog.
So much for a quiet Dodger off season. If Bazooka and Stewart come back healthy and Scott can find himself again, we could actually have one of the best bullpens in baseball next year. Not to mention hopefully having Phillips back later in the year.
A reporter in San Diego is saying that Preller is working on a deal that will make the Soto trade look like nothing. Of course, sometimes reporters get it wrong, but knowing Preller, I’m interested to see what he might have up his sleeve.
I wouldn’t be at all surprised to see them move Tatis but a monster deal might involve others as well.
I would welcome Tatis to the Dodgers.
What does the trade evaluater say regarding Dodgers and Tatis? Pages plus Glasnow get close?
Padres will never trade Tatis to LA not a chance in hell.
Relax your vocal chords, you’ll sing better
I sing pretty damn good as it is. Tatis will never be traded to the Dodgers from the Padres. Bet your house and life savings on it.
Given Glasnow is a negative number and Tatis is at 83, I have my answer
Offer them the chargers back
And the Clippers
AF pulls off another shocker. Did not even think Diaz was on their radar. Bur he wont wear 39 in LA.
Best reliever on market? I thought the length would rile him out. 3y is perfect
Maybe we won’t need Yamamoto to close out game 7 next year.
How many extra inning games in the WS might have something to say about that
When the off season started I thought maybe Williams or Suarez would be a target, I never thought AF/BG would be shopping at the top shelf.
Very good news to start my day on 2 fronts:
Thanks Jeff for keeping this site alive.
Thanks for the Edwin Diaz signing. Out of the blue for me but I love it.
Out of the Blue and into the Blue
Diaz signing is savage. I’m guessing that means T.Scott will not be the closer in 2026.
Yes Jeff thanks man for keeping it going. I really love reading your stuff. Keep up the good work
If you guys haven’t heard Edwin Diaz entrance song, it’s well worth watching and imagining how amazing this will be bumped at Dodger Stadium:
I like it
Very cool.
We used to complain about AF dumpster diving for the bullpen.
We can still expect some of that. Sometimes it pays off.
Thanks Jeff for keeping the site open. I love the Diaz signing. He pitched great against La but then so did Scott. I expect Scott to bounce back. I still think the Dodgers need an offensive player or 2. I know the names look good but we just struggled so much to score in the playoffs. But the results are what they are. We are getting older. A right handed complement to Muncy and another good hitter in the outfield or second base could do it. I expect Teo to come back stronger n Edman.
Thank you for the kind words. Mark Walter called me and told me that if I agreed to continue for a year, he would guarantee a 3-peat. How could I say no!!
First, with respect to Hyeseong Kim, I am not anti-Kim. If the Dodgers did not have Tommy Edman, I would be more than okay with Kim. I prefer Edman as a utility Swiss-army knife, but he will have to start at 2B if Kim is that Swiss-army knife. The Dodgers need a bat on the bench, and Kim has not shown he is that bat. There is no reason for Kim to go back to AAA even if he has options.
His 30%+K rate for a hit over slug hitter is not conducive to success. Let him hit as he did in Korea and quit trying to get him to lift and pull for power. His hard hit rate is not good enough for slug, so take advantage of what his strengths were when they signed him. However the era of Mark Belanger is over. We are now in the Troy Tulowitzki, Trevor Story, Carlos Correa, Francisco Lindor, Bobby Witt Jr., Zach Neto, Willy Adames, Corey Seager era.
So maybe the best option for Kim is to trade him. He is a MLB middle infielder, but maybe not with a contender (except as a utility infielder). He actually would fit in nicely with Boston or NYY as a utility infielder/outfielder.
With respect to Edwin Díaz, all the accolades we are hearing about this is exactly what we heard about Tanner Scott last year. How did that turn out? Did the Dodgers need a reliever? Yes. But there are multiple relievers out there who can do the job, and for less of a $$$ commitment. Díaz had 28 saves and 3 BS. Robert Suarez had 40 saves and 5 BS. KJ had 29 saves and 1 BS. They could have traded for Carlos Estevez who is rumored to be available. They didn’t even give Brusdar Graterol a chance to show if he belongs at the back end of the bullpen.
The Dodgers need an OF, and presumably someone better than Mike Tauchman. They are committing $69MM to a pitcher who averages 68 appearances in a 162 game season and finishes 52 games on average.
$4.5MM is deferred each year, dropping his AAV to $21.1MM. This betters his own previous $20.4MM AAV record, as the richest in MLB history for a reliever
Not only are the Dodgers putting out a record contract, but they lost 2 draft picks, and $1MM in IFA bonus $$$. If you are going to lose those picks and bonus $$$, at least get a player who is going to play every game.
Just my opinion, but I am not happy with this FA signing.
Kim really hasn’t had much of a chance to show what he can do. The Dodgers need to give him a real opportunity.
Hell, a couple years back Vargas had a lot of “runway” at 2B even though it was on-the-job training.
Contrary to popular believe, Kim had a solid rookie season. As it was, he batted .280 in 161 ABs and his OPS was a tick under .700–close to league average. He stole 13 bases and was caught just once. Play him full-time and he might steal 50 bases.
Roberts didn’t play him much against lefties even though he showed reverse splits! Like many players, Kim needs to cut down on Ks and boost his on-base percentage. He won’t have a chance to improve if he’s sitting on the bench.
Nobody doubts Kim’s glove, range and speed. He has Gold Glove potential, and he’s several years younger than most of his teammates. We want this team to get younger, right?
Vargas was never the player he was purported to be. Since the Dodgers gave Vargas that runway and not Kim, does that sound like the Dodgers are going to give Kim those 350-400 AB? Kim was older and more professional experience. Again, you guys like Kim. I prefer Edman. Edman made those plays in the WS. Maybe Kim could have, but Edman did. Kim won GG in Korea. Edman won a MLB GG. Edman does not need to have more AB to get his career 16.6% K rate down. Edman is a SH with better career splits against LHP, but his splits against RHP are not bad.
I agree Kim is a better SB threat, and that would be more important if the Dodgers were a running team.
The Dodgers did not give highly regarded Alex Freeland a long run either, and he is 3 years younger than Kim.
There are always going to be fan favorites who do not get the run we fans want.
Between Edman and Kim, who has more upside?
Kim is younger, swifter and still has room for improvement. Nobody questions his work ethic.
Edman is a finished product, as they say, and a valuable UT guy. Plug-and-play. That’s a role Kim is still learning.
In terms of OPS, Kim, just a rookie, outhit both Edman and Kike last season–each of whom received many more ABs. Kim’s OPS was .699 to Edman’s .656 and Kike’s .621.
For some reason, Roberts basically platooned Kim even though he produced reverse splits. He only faced lefties 21 times–but had a team-high OPS of .952 against them. Why not see what he can accomplish in a full-time role?
As for Freeland, he had some nice moments in ’25 but mostly showed he wasn’t ready to push Miggy or Kike off the roster.
I remember saying wow when Scott was signed. I’m not saying it this time. I wonder what Suarez wanted.
Now? The outfielder. Another top shelf purchase? Tatis? I doubt it.
We’ll figure something out
I hear you.
At least payroll cost for innings 8 and 9 are better matching innings 1 – 6.
Now I want Anthony and PCA in the Dodgers outfield.
Hey Bum, they made a song about that in 1967 it’s called
“California Dreaming”😀
Sometimes ya gotta sing for your dinner
Diaz is considered a great clubhouse guy
Regarding your Tatis trade, the simulator says Sheehan and Rushing would do it.
I’m in.
Now we just have to convince Preller and AF.
I do not disagree with the precept that it is more important to get better rather than getting younger. However as the players age, even for future HOF players, this is what happens.
A litle bit of a health issue?
per Fabian Ardaya sounds like something is up with Freddie’s health. Sounds minor hopefully
Good excuse to opt out
Chicago White Sox just won the Roch Cholowsky sweepstakes (UCLA junior SS). It has been a long time since there has been such a consesus #1 draft propsect by such a wide margin. Even when Paul Skenes was drafted #1, there were 4 outfielders who at times were projected 1/1: Teammate Dylan Crews, Max Clark, Wyatt Langford, and Walter Jenkins
STB, regarding the Preller/Padre rumor, I was looking some stuff up, and from what I can tell, Machado has 8 years and around 300 mil left on his contract, and Tatis has 9 years and 286 mil left on his contract. I’m thinking if Preller can move either one of those contracts for anything it would be a big deal.
im going to predict, just for the fun of it, Machado to the Yankees.
Tatis is almost 7 years younger than Manny which would make his contract far easier to move I would think.
Here is a question for one of you brainiacs, if a team trades for a player, mid contract, what portion of his pay goes towards the new team’s CBT, the average of the whole contract, or the average of the portion of the contract the new team acquires.
I believe it’s figured as follows:
When the original contract is signed, an AAV for the entire contract is figured. If the player is traded mid-contract the new team picks up the AAV for the remaining years.
In other words, the AAV is not re-calculated based on the remaining $ in the contract. The AAV number is just moved from the original team to the new team.
Jeff, please correct me if I’m wrong about that.
Thanks STB
Might we see him in 2026
If you can afford it, why not sign the best player available, especially on a short term deal, with deferred $. Love the Diaz signing.
They tried that last year with Scott. Diaz’s average fastball velocity was down, his batted-ball data was a little worse, his strikeout rate was the second-lowest of his career as a reliever, his walk rate crept up a little…Suarez had 12 more saves. Kenley Jansen had 1 more save and 2 less blown saves.
I read that the O’s offered schwarber 5/150 mil, I’m guessing he took that offer to the Phillies and said here’s the number. I’m happy to see a team that has shied away from any big contracts for quite a while finally attempt to spend some money. I believe there are a lot of owners that really don’t care if they win or not, as long as their profit margins stay up. Thankfully we have an owner that is willing to do whatever it takes to win.
Real of fiction?
He’s a local sportscaster in L A at KTLA a local L A channel. I have no idea if he has legitimate connections with any one in the Dodgers organization. I saw another rumor about the Dodgers seriously looking at Skubal but who knows what AF has cooking I never thought they would sign Diaz.
This is the only place I’ve heard or read it so I’m a little skeptical
Hear, hear! Very glad to have LADC going for another championship season. Thank you, Jeff.
Today’s big news, of course, is Edwin Diaz… Did not see that one coming…. So I guess Kenley won’t be returning.
The bullpen is now loaded. Or maybe overloaded. What is the ripple effect?
A trade from the pitching depth for an outfielder now feels even more likely. Duran or Abreu? Or maybe Jake Myers from the Astros? I don’t think it will be Kwan, as the Dodgers are signaling that Teo will likely move to LF–which could be a reason for a rangy up-the-middle defender like Myers.
Putting up $$$ for Bader now feels less likely to me. Flipping a young pitcher like Sheehan or Wrobleski or ??? seems more likely.
Bringing in another outfielder would make Ryan Ward the odd man out. If the Dodgers have an interest in Brendan Donovan, Ward could fit into a package with a pitcher or two, as the Cards need both pitching and power
Thanx Jeff for keeping this site open for at last another year! You and Bear are doing a wonderful job. IMHO best site for Dodgers news and discussions.
The Diaz signing came out of nowhere for me. Did not expect it.
Lets hope he and Scott can be the lights out 8 and 9th inning guys in 2026.. That would be huge for our chances at threepeat.
Need a bat off the bench with some power and a strong defender in CF and we are set IMHO. I am still on the Buxton bandwagon.
Go Dodgers!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
I was surprised by the Diaz signing but it makes sense. The Dodgers have a once in a generation opportunity to win three straight World Series. So signing, what the industry considers the best closer is consistent with that goal.
As for Suarez vs Diaz, Diaz was marginally better in percent saves (90 vs 88) and had a higher K/9/(13.3 vs 9.7). Other stats are basically the same. Suarez is also older (32 vs 35 in 2026). Either pitcher would benefit the Dodgers. Time will tell if this signing was good or bad.
I like shopping at the high end. We need WS high leverage innings!
And no more relievers please. Just try to make an eight-man bullpen out of this group of arms. You’ll end up with 5-10 studs leftover.
Im wondering why fangraphs projects Diaz nowhere near what he did this year. Same with Suarez. Do they just project everyone to be less than next year?
Freddie should sit in a jacuzzi after doing yoga all winter. Same with Ohtani and Yamamoto. I understand why MLB allows it, and I read that deals are struck to cover contracts, but I still don’t like it. MLB seasons are long enough. Further wear and tear on players over 30 is just not worth the risk in my opinion.
Some more info on the Diaz signing
ESPN MLB insider Jeff Passan revealed during a Tuesday night edition of “SportsCenter” that Diaz “was not happy” that he “did not get a call giving him a heads up” about the Mets’ signing of Williams. Additionally, Alexis Diaz, Edwin’s brother, spent time with the Dodgers last season and “reported back to him that everything there is as great as they say.”
Makes me think….
Signing Diaz makes me think the Dodgers are not confident Tanner Scott can return to elite level.
Hearing Prellar spout about a big deal coming makes me think he’s trying to move Boegarts contract and has to package him with Tatis to do it.
I don’t think it was Preller who was spouting about a big trade. That was a SD reporter. I saw Preller on tv yesterday and he was totally stonefaced when responding to that question. Had the usual comments about “we like what we have” but “are always working to get better”. The usual GM drivel.
I’m not saying he won’t pull off something huge, but he wasn’t the one predicting it.
Mets might be interested.
Jeff really enjoy your site, thank you!!! I wish the Dodgers would bring Brett Butler to spring training (even earlier) and have him work with Kim. There is a chance Kim could be a better version of butler than Butler himself.
Alonso to the O’s 5/155 mil good for the O’s they swung and missed on schwarber but got Alonso. What the heck are the Mets doing? They’ve lost three fan favorites this season Nimmo, Diaz, and now Alonso. They need Tucker real bad now.
The Mets still have plenty of time to redeem themselves with their fans. You mentioned Tucker. Bregman and the two Japanese corner guys are still out there, plus the pitcher Imai.
And, of course, they could also talk Preller into a trade for Tatis.
Or maybe they’ll just load up the truck and give the Tigers something crazy for Skubal.
Miller and Bogaerts and Machado for some Mets would clear Padre payroll and allow Mets to replace Diaz.
I don’t see any team taking on both Bogaerts and Machado contracts even to get Miller. They don’t even have a spot to play Bogaerts with Lindero at SS and now Semien at 2B.
First base?
I suppose he could play 1B but no sane GM would take on both of those contracts considering how old Bogaerts and Manny will be at the end of them. Manny maybe, but not Bogaerts also.
So Arte then?
Stearns was always a sharp cookie with Milwaukee, well have to see what he comes up with
The Dodgers did not lose anyone in the MLB phase of the Rule 5 draft. They did lose 3 players in the AAA phase.
· Brandon Neeck 26 year old RHRP off AA roster (Pirates)
· Livan Reinoso: 27 year old RHRP off AA roster (Marlins)
· Edwin Sanchez: 21 year old OF off LAD DSL roster (Astros)
12 RHP and 1 Catcher were selected in the MLB phase. The catcher selected was a local Sacramento product, Daniel Susac. I have met his uncle a few times. Susac was selected #4 in the Rule 5 by Minnesota, and was promptly traded to SF. His older brother, Andrew, was a backup for Buster Posey with the Giants, so it makes sense that the Giants would get the younger Susac as well.
After not selecting anyone in the MLB phase, the Dodgers will still have 39 on the roster once Díaz is official.
The Dodgers did not select any on the AAA phase either.
Compared to past years, this was a very tame Rule 5 for us. Not much worry going in and no panic afterwards.
Glad we have that 40th spot open on the roster. Just sitting there waiting for Skubal. 🙂
That math would be + 1 -4 = 36
Damn, the Alonso/Baltimore story was the only signing of the day. What a boring overall winter meetings!
Everything is done over the cel phone these days, nobody really needs to meet face to face anymore. Wonder if they will just skip the whole winter meetings thing all together, in the not too distant future
Are most closers converted from starters,or do some pitchers identify early( high school/ college) as relief pitchers?
Edwin Diaz! Welcome aboard!
A pleasant surprise. Another reason it’s good to be a Dodgers fan.
And I am so grateful that I’m not a Mets fan.
Can you imagine? Steve Cohen invests a fortune in Soto…. and within one season he proceeds to lose fan favorites Nimmo, Diaz and Alonso.
Good news for Baltimore getting the Polar Bear. He and Taylor Ward could combine raise the team HR total by 50 next season. The O’s need pitching and perhaps the Dodgers could find a rising prospect there.
Right now, it feels like we are just waiting to learn who will be joining the Dodgers outfield….
Wonder if Soto is regretting not taking the Dodger’s money? Would look pretty good in our lineup and we wouldn’t be looking for an outfielder!
Diaz was a bit of a surprise but if Scott can return to form would give us a formidable late inning combo.
MLB rumor says KC are interested in Teoscar,who’s in KC that the dodgers might be interested in.