The Dodgers did get some press on Monday when Dave Roberts said that Mookie Betts will be moving to 2B fulltime. This is what Mookie wants to do. Roberts says it will keep him the lineup more often.
Whether AF signs Ohtani or not, Max Muncy will be the LAD 3B. The infield is set:
1B – Freddie Freeman
2B – Mookie Betts
3B – Max Muncy
SS – Gavin Lux
If they do not sign Ohtani, I can see AF re-signing JDM, or Jorge Soler, or JT as the DH.
The OF is a little more cloudy. James Outman will be the regular CF. Jason Heyward will be the RF against RHP. As of right now, Jonny Deluca is J-Hey’s platoon partner. Andy Pages could be a quick ascension to LAD if he gets off to a quick start in OKC. The current speculation is that Chris Taylor will be the LF. Miguel Vargas? Michael Busch? Jackson Chourio? 
I am still in on the Lane Thomas train, even though Washington is not likely at all to trade him. But Rizzo did trade Soto, Scherzer, and Turner. So you never know. Washington did well with the Scherzer – Turner trade with Keibert Ruiz and Josiah Gray. He is too good to just play against LHP even though he crushes LHP, and has done so throughout his career. He would probably have his starts against RHP curtailed a bit, but he would play more than a true platoon (i.e. Deluca). The Dodgers just do not match up well with Washington. They want a LH hitting OF and a controllable 2B. Can that be LHH Michael Busch?
Randy Arozarena would be my #1 LF target. He is available for controllable pitching. Can they possibly expand any proposed deal with Tyler Glasnow?
I still would hope the Dodgers could overpay for Corbin Burnes. I can see him starting Game 1 in the playoffs. With Walker Buehler, Bobby Miller, and Ryan Pepiot penciled in as LAD starting pitchers, they need two.
AF says they have a lot of irons in the fire, and something could pop, but nothing is imminent.
Bluto mentioned that SF is now considered the favorite to land Yamamoto. I think SF has come up with BIG $$$. Apparently the price for Yamamoto is approaching $300MM. That could be SF. They do not want to come in 2nd place on yet another FA. But Yamamoto still has not arrived in the US for his face to face meetings. Last week it was the two NY teams as #1 and #2 with LAD a distant 3rd. This week, SF has moved to the top. Next week it could be Chicago.
They (Baseball writers and MLB Network hosts) continue to say LAD is the overwhelming favorite for Shohei Ohtani, but still want to create sone anxiety. First it was Seattle that was a real threat. Boston had their fans believing they would sign him. Then it would be Chicago. Now Toronto and Atlanta are rocketing up the potential landing spot. Jon Morosi is pushing Atlanta as a team to be considered. Although Atlanta’s MLB beat writer, Mark Bowman, disputes that there is any real interest in pursuing him. Atlanta does not have the financial wherewithal to sign Ohtani. Morosi is just trying to create intrigue.
Today the Angels are considered a real threat for another couple of years. They need to keep it interesting. Bob Nightengale says the Angels are in play. Tom Verducci believes it is still the Dodgers all the way. US baseball writers say Ohtani will sign within a week. Japan News Network says before Christmas. Yes, within a week is before Christmas.
Seattle has dumped a lot of salary and are now looking for a game changing OF bat to go along side of Julio Rodríguez. NYY has backed off Bellinger. Maybe it is the $250MM Boras is floating as the contract needed to sign him. Maybe it will be Lourdes Gurriel Jr. Seattle seems to want more bat to ball than slug.
Atlanta has seemingly solved their LF situation with Kelenic, but are still looking for that elite pitcher. Marco Gonzales was acquired to flip. Do they package him with prospects/Vaughn Grissom/both? Apparently their interest in Dylan Cease has waned somewhat. Or maybe that is a negotiating tactic. Corbin Burnes and Tyler Glasnow have reportedly moved to the top of their wish list. With where they are with the CBT threshold, they are going to have to shed some payroll to acquire Glasnow. They are currently at $256MM just under the 2nd tier. They are hoping to move Marcell Ozuna and Raisel Iglesias to open up some payroll space.
Toronto and NYY are the two teams negotiating with SD for Juan Soto. Reports indicate that SD asked for 7 players for Soto including both pitchers Michael King and Drew Thorpe, both of whom are considered deal breakers for a rental.
After non-tendering catcher Austin Nola, San Diego is in negotiations to re-sign Gary Sanchez. Could he become the next Travis d’Arnaud?
Arizona wants a veteran RH full time DH and are checking in on both JDM and JT.
Milwaukee was the big mover and shaker on Monday with signing LHP Wade Miley and RHP Joe Ross. They also signed 19 year old OF Jackson Chourio to an 8 year $82MM contract with two club options at $25MM annually. Chourio has not appeared in an MLB game. In fact he only has 24 AAA plate appearances.
Toronto’s 25 year old infielder – Davis Schneider:
Davis Schneider started 2023 in Triple-A Buffalo. The right-handed hitting infielder had a stellar season for the Bisons, connecting on 21 homers in 392 plate appearances. The Jays selected his contract at the beginning of August. Schneider showed no signs of slowing down, tearing apart major league pitching over his first 35 games. He hit .276/.404/.603 with eight longballs in 143 trips to the plate.
143 trips is not a very small sample size. The two LAD infield prospects were not quite as successful.
Dodgers are apparently not considering Jordan Hicks as a potential closer. Would they consider Raisel Iglesias? Astros, Rangers, Cardinals, and Orioles are the most interested in Hicks. The two perceived top two options for Josh Hader, Philadelphia and Texas, seem to be separating themselves from that projected price tag, and lowering their sights.
Maybe Tuesday will provide a little more activity. Teams go home on Wednesday.
I called that. I said not long after the season that Mookie would be playing more second base than in the outfield. And the reason was stated by Roberts yesterday, it keeps Mookie on the field longer. Might be some news today. Reportedly the Cease rumors have heated up with a trade possible today or tomorrow.
I think it’s the wrong call taking your right fielder putting him at 2nd and taking your 2nd baseman, with questionable arm strength, plus coming off major surgery and having him be your shortstop. Why not leave your 2nd baseman at 2nd base and bring your right fielder in to play short? Mookie does not have questionable arm strength, he’s not coming off major surgery and he has shown that he can play short at a high level. In addition, Mookie is already under contract for the next 9-10 years. We already know how much high priced shortstops are going for.
If Lux is successful at short, then he becomes a free agent in 4-5 years and you’re looking for a new shortstop again. Mookie Betts should be the Dodgers shortstop for the next 10 years.
Well the decision has been made, and if Lux makes it at SS, why couldn’t they sign him to a long term deal? A lot of guess work there.
They can always switch Betts to SS if Lux founders.
I am curious to see what Lux can do at SS.
But, Mookie doesn’t want to play SS. This is a very good move for the team. Lux at SS has been questioned by many fans. Some even think he won’t be at SS. But the real weakness of the infield is 3B. Muncy would make very good trade bait for a good 3B. We need the defense and a steady bat there. We’ve got plenty of power already. He doesn’t need to be a star, just good fundamentals which Muncy lacks.
They didn’t sign Seager or Turner to long term deals. I just think it’s the wrong decision.
Lux is not going to cost 300 million dollars. Sorry, bad comparison and both those guys had way more cred than Lux.
We have no idea how good Lux might be. In 894 at bats he’s put up over 5 WAR and his 25 year was stolen from him. I for one very much look forward to seeing what he can do in his age 26 year.
That said I could also see him move to Wisconsin in a package for Burnes and Adames. That rumor is one that makes sense to me. Do I expect it? Yes, of course I maybe don’t.
Great photo
Lux is the Dodgers shortstop. He’s reported to be on schedule for Spring Training and will be ready to be in the lineup on Opening Day.
Taylor, (Kiké) and Rojas will get plenty of playing time off the bench. The DH will be Ohtani. The questions I still have are starting pitching of course, third base and left field. Muncy doesn’t have the range to be a plus defensive third baseman (-3 DRS, -14.8 UZR/150 in 2023) and I don’t see Vargas and Busch in AAA again. The Dodgers have some work to do and who knows how long it will take to get it done. So…. we wait.
So like I mentioned last week I’m in Nashville and thought I would walk around the Gaylord Opryland Hotel.
Place Is crawling with MLB and MiLB execs and assorted front office personnel. Spoke briefly to John Heyman also saw David Vassegh, Bud Black, Alex Cora, AJ Hinch being interviewed on MLBTV. Have not seen AF or Gomes.
I’m not going to approach and try to speak to anyone else but I’m wearing a LA Dodger 3/4 zip and as I walked through the hall where the young recently graduated youngsters are looking for work from all MLB teams, I was approached by two individuals who wanted to give me their business cards and talk about their qualifications. I politely took the cards but didn’t want to let them down and tell them I’m just a fan.
Fun taking in the experience (once in a lifetime). Amazing how hundreds of baseball people just hang out in the lobby, coffee shops or on a staircase just talking baseball.
Amazing! I just read on ESPN:
The bulk of the Dodgers’ traveling party is staying at a hotel other than the sprawling Opryland Resort and Convention Center in Nashville, sparking some conspiracy theories among some agents (about Shohei Ohtani, mostly). But the Dodgers have had this arrangement in place for weeks, to better accommodate their large group. — Buster Olney
Sound bite from the meetings…….crickets.
Anybody interested in trading with St Louis for Tyler O’Neill? He is available and hits from the right side. He has Arb3 status estimated at $5.5MM. He plays LF.
“The Cardinals would like to swap O’Neill, who is a year away from free agency, for one of the relievers they intend to add to the bullpen or include him in a deal if it helps them net a frontline starter.
I like O’Neill. Good power and defense and speed too.
I would be okay with a chance at Tyler O’Neill. The Trade Simulator says that Caleb Ferguson would be a slight overpay. Would St. Louis trade O’Neill for Ferguson? Would the Dodgers. I think that is worth a chance.
What does O’Neill give us that Taylor isn’t already doing? He’s had one really good year and every other year has been pretty much below league average. Yes, he’s an above average defender, but I don’t think we need him.
I’d much rather give DeLuca a shot at an outfield spot.
The one advantage I see in the O’Neill-Ferguson prospective trade is that it would allow us to send Caleb on his way. I’d really like to see another lefty take his bullpen spot in 2024.
O’Neill and DeLuca could compete for playing time. One still unproven and one susceptible to injury as is Taylor.
O’Neill’s really good year was exceptional and unfortunately was followed with an inability to stay on the field. A Fergusson for O’Neill trade would be worth the health issue risk, IMHO.
At their potential ceilings, O’Neill is a better offensive player than Taylor. CT3 has never had a .900++OPS. O’Neill did in 2021. Taylor’s best season was 2017 with an OPS of .850 That is his only full season with an OPS > .800. CT3 strikes out more than O’Neill. What if O’Neill is the 2021 version?
I would rather give Pages the shot over Deluca. His ceiling is far higher. If you are going to struggle with an OF of Taylor/Outman/Heyward/Deluca, why not take a chance on the one OF in their organization who is a potential difference maker? If the offense can carry a Deluca why not Pages? I would rather take a chance on the Vargas or Busch bats in LF and Taylor platooning with Heyward.
I know AF will find another LHRP. He always seems to find a way. Ferguson for O’Neill? I am in.
LHRP who are FA that AF might consider: Wandy Peralta, Matt Moore, Will Smith, Brent Suter, Jarlin Garcia, Brooks Raley, potential bounceback for Amir Garrett. That does not preclude AF from making a trade for a LHRP. Like he did with Alex Vesia for Dylan Floro.
CT3 has been with the Dodgers for 8 years and has had an OPS+ of 100 or over for 7 of those years.
O’Neill has been with the Cards for 6 years and has only cleared 100 twice.
Their career k percentages are about equal although CT has gone upward the last two years, which isn’t a good sign.
O’Neill has had one (very) good year but his last two have been lousy. I just don’t see why we would trade for him when there are other, better choices out there.
Pages – coming back from a bad shoulder injury, the odds are that he won’t do well next year. After almost a year off plus a bad injury, I’m not counting on him for 2024 and would much rather give DeLuca a shot, or trade for someone who has already proven himself to be better like Arozarena.
I am no GM, but I would take O’Neill’s ceiling over CT3 and keep him as a utility player, and all day long over Deluca. As far as O’Neill being an injury risk, I agree. To complete the picture, Deluca had a season ending injury on August 7, 2022, and was out for more than a month in 2023 (July 26 to August 31) due to a hamstring injury.
With respect to Pages, I think ST will determine if he is capable of playing with a surgically repaired shoulder. Question – You are concerned about Pages’ surgery but not at all concerned about Lux’s double ligament surgery with a hamstring tear? If Pages isn’t ready, then the Deluca will still be there. Do you believe Deluca is a better prospect than Pages?
I am always looking for an upgrade (possible trade, not wish list). I like Arozarena, but is AF willing to give up the prospect capital to get that level of a RH bat. I like Lane Thomas. CT3 was on the roster in 2023 as a reserve utility player. Deluca is not an improvement over Peralta, but O’Neill could be. I prefer CT3 over Deluca.
I prefer giving Busch or Vargas the LF job and Taylor being Heyward’s platoon partner. Do you prefer Deluca?
Anyway, a legit debate on what I see as a weakened LAD OF. Move Betts to 2B? Absolutely. But then go out and get a legit corner OF bat. Lourdes Gurriel Jr.???
If the Dodgers can trade Taylor and his $15MM salary, Deluca would be a perfect #4.
One of the best elements of Effectively Wild is the introduction they did about non-revelatory rumors.
Non–revelatory rumors are rumors which convey no actual information, commonly spread during the off-season.
Nightengale:
The Chicago Cubs’ optimism of landing Shohei Ohtani has now significantly waned, one high-ranking executive said, leaving the LA Dodgers, Toronto Blue Jays, Los Angeles Angels and San Francisco Giants as the likely finalists.
Heyman:
Red Sox stepping up efforts on free agent RHP Seth Lugo. Four or five others, including Braves, interested.
Ohtani did tell some folks he knows before his probable Jays Florida visit he has a positive feeling about Toronto (and a few other cities/clubs, including the Dodgers). Don’t discount the Jays.
Isiah Kiner-Falefa has interest from about 12 teams, including the Yankees. Teams considering IKF for super utility, shortstop or third base.
(Editor’s note: TWELVE teams! That’s more than a third of the entire MLB slate!)
Morosi:
Eduardo Rodriguez has had multiple meetings with many teams and his decision is getting closer. This almost literally says nothing.
Bowman:
The Braves haven’t shown interest in Shohei and their interest in Cease has been overblown. But there’s still a feeling they’ll make a couple more significant moves\
Feinsand:
\• Kiké Hernandez is receiving interest from a number of playoff-caliber teams in need of a center fielder, a source said, as he is viewed as one of the better defensive alternatives on the market.
• One source predicted that Bellinger’s free agency could last “a long time” given that the outfielder — who was non-tendered only one year ago — is seeking a contract north of the eight years and $162 million Brandon Nimmo received from the Mets last year.
• One industry insider predicted that even after acquiring Jarred Kelenic from the Mariners and signing Joe Jiménez, Reynaldo López and Pierce Johnson for a combined $70.3 million, the Braves aren’t done.
“The Braves have another big move in them,” the source said, adding that Atlanta GM Alex Anthopoulos “is lathered up.”
Moving from Rumor to actual news:
Mike Trout definitively will not be traded this offseason, Perry Minasian said.
It likely was never going to happen. But he said it definitively today.
In an effort to alleviate their outfield logjam, the Cardinals are actively listening to offers for Tyler O’Neill, president of baseball operations John Mozeliak said Monday.
“Getting him everyday at-bats is going to be really difficult given the way our outfield, we predict, will line up,” Mozeliak said. “So when you’re looking at exploring the trade market … and when you think about what’s best for everybody in the end, it probably makes sense if we’re going to do something.
“(O’Neill) sees himself as an everyday player, and candidly we do too, but when you look at who else we have, it’s going to be tough to find those at-bats.”
It appears Erick Fedde’s decision is coming down to the White Sox and Mets, per source. A deal – expected to be in the two-year, $10 million range – could be finalized by Tuesday.
I’ve got MLBtv muted in the background while I am reading the chat rooms and columns, and though I do enjoy the comments it’s all feeling like gossip to me. Every team is interested in somebody and Ohtani, the lead dog on this long sled, knows where he wants to go but continues to talk to other teams and so on and so what until it is. Prior to the Dodgers actually doing something the term blatherskite comes to mind.
Are you saying you do not like the non-revelatory rumors? I for one do like them. I think it creates excitement as to what your favorite team may be doing. This is one time of the year that fans of KC, Pittsburgh, Cincinnati, Detroit, Miami…all believe they can get into the playoffs next year. Isn’t that the goal? Create some positive energy going into the season hoping to become the 2024 Arizona D-backs?
There are those that to try to generate excitement with impossible scenarios. Jon Morosi was doing everything he could to convince his audience that Atlanta was a legit landing spot for Shohei Ohtani. He has since backed off. But anyone with a computer and 30 seconds could find out that Atlanta’s CBT payroll is at $256MM, and only two contracts that they could try to move. That is $1MM below the 2nd penalty tier, and they are still looking at front line pitching. Marcell Ozuna ($16.25MM AAV) and Raisel Iglesias ($14.5MM AAV) are the two players they are trying to move. Even if they were successful at moving either or both, Atlanta would be moving to either actually passing the third penalty phase moving very close to it. If they cannot move either player, they would be over $300MM in payroll, and with the long term contracts on hand, they would be there a long time. Not happening.
But Braves fans could get excited a bit. Toronto fans are excited about the possibility of landing Ohtani. But IMO they are more likely trying to lay the groundwork for a run at Juan Soto. I am up in SFG territory and they believe they are the team that will sign both Ohtani and Yamamoto. But from MLB Network to Twitter, they are doing their ever loving best to convince the readers/listeners that the rumors are real.
I find them super amusing more than anything. But obviously I prefer hard facts to blasé generalizations, but I’m not sure I’d rather have non-revelatory rumors over nothing.
Maybe? Do fans need to be excited in the off-season?
Not sure. It’s an interesting question.
I wish Busch and Vargas were traded already so we can be done with the “where and when will they play game”.
I like DeLuca and want him often penciled into the Dodger lineup.
I want Outman to be the regular CFer an not be platooned.
I would just as soon Pederson and Ohtani sign with Seattle as with the Dodgers.
I would like to see a 3 or 4 team trade that puts Zack Gelof at 3rd for the Dodgers.
I can live with a rotation led by Buehler, Miller, and Pepiot plus some combination ree agent innings eaters / Sheehan/Grove/Stone piggybacks.
2B Betts
1B Freeman
LF O’Neill
DH Pederson/Taylor/DeLuca
C Smith
CF Outman
3B Gelof
RF Heyward/DeLuca
SS Lux
I meant Justin Turner and not Taylor sharing DH.
Roberts is suddenly loose-lipped!
Per Plunkett:
Dave Roberts confirms that the #Dodgers met with Shohei Ohtani at Dodger stadium “a couple days” ago.
Said presentation was simpler than 2017. No players involved. In 2017 Clayton Kershaw, Justin Turner and Chris Taylor were part of the recruiting pitch
Said he has no idea when Ohtani will make his decision
“Clearly Shohei is our top priority,” #Dodgers Dave Roberts says he has not been part of any meeting with Yoshinobu Yamamoto.
From Nightingale:
“Dodgers GM Brandon Gomes said he was surprised by manager Dave Roberts’ candidness about Shohei Ohtani and their private meeting. He steadfastly refuses to talk about their pursuit.”
Surprised by what? What did Roberts say that would be considered leaked information?
Apparantly what he did say, Brandon Gomes is not going to comment any further. On MLB Tonight, Brandon was specifically asked about Dos’s statement. He said he appreciated the comment, but was not going to comment on it. So far we do know that Ohtani has met with SF, Toronto (in Dunedin), and LAD. Does that mean that all three are out of the Ohtani Sweepstakes. I doubt it. He may not end up with the Dodgers, but it will not be because of the statement. Ohtani needs LAD in the bidding.
In other news, the Dodgers will be picking #23 in next year’s draft. That is one spot ahead of San Diego. This is the highest the Dodgers have drafted since 2017 (also #23) and 2016 (#20). Hopefully the Dodgers will make a better pick at #23 than they did in 2017, Jeren Kendall.
Interesting. Doc said lying is not his thing (paraphrased) so he answered the Ohtani question honestly acknowledging the Dodgers met with him at DS last week.
Really……, I don’t think Doc has honestly answered an injury question during his entire tenure. I can think of countless times he has claimed injured player to have a mild strain only to find out surgery is scheduled and a lost season follows.
Countless times?
Seriously?
First of all, muscle strains are tears….
Meant as a joke more than reality, take a chill pill Bluto
Apologies!
I’m chill!
In all fairness to Doc, I am not sure that he ever knew the extent of the injuries. I think he was spouting the company line. He is the only member of Dodger management who is willing to face the media with these questions.
Erick Fedde signed with CWS for 2 years and $15MM. I am going to watch that one.
The word that describes these meetings is DUD!
Roberts was born in Okinawa and his mother was Japanese. I can’t find info on whether he speaks Japanese. I thought he did, at least some.
Will that play in signing any of the Japanese players?
Yankees get Verdugo from the Red Sox for 3 players I’ve never heard of (but assume the Red Sox have).
Who says nothing is happening at these meetings?
my friends in Boston just groan when I bring up that trade.
It’s like how we are with Piazza or Pedro trades.
Apparently Boston could not wait to show Alex Verdugo the door. He was traded to NYY for three relatively innocuous RHP: RHRP Greg Weissert, RHSP Richard Fitts (NYY #12 prospect), and RHP Nicolas Judice. Not a great return. Don’t let the door hit you on the way out. Boston got fleeced in the Mookie Betts trade.
Some of Verdugo’s antics were not well received in Boston, and they will not be well received at all in NYY. NYY does have Aaron Judge to keep him in line.
Who’s going to break it to Verdugo that he’s so unimportant that his deal wasn’t even held up for the Ohtani signing.
Verdugo was one of my trade away guys. I usually took flack for it.
Generally from one person.
I know one thing, he won’t be wearing #99 in New York, that belongs to Judge. How many remember that he wore # 27 in LA. Luis Garcia signs with the Angels.
Flack for Verdugo? Does the Trade Simulator approve of that deal?
Whoa!
Braves completed their flip of Marco Gonzalez to Pittsburgh for PTBNL and Cash. If nothing else, Gonzalez becomes a trade deadline player for a contender.