Now that the Rule 5 draft has effectively ended the 2024 Winter Meetings, where might the Dodgers stand. Right now, I do not see the Dodgers linked to any player in a trade, and only Teo as a FA, even though those links are starting to unravel.
The current position player roster (13):
- DH – Shohei Ohtani
- C – Will Smith
- 1B – Freddie Freeman
- 2B – Gavin Lux
- 3B – Max Muncy
- SS – Mookie Betts
- LF – Michael Conforto
- CF – Tommy Edman
- RF – Andy Pages/James Outman
- Bench – Austin Barnes (C), Miguel Rojas (Infield utility), Chris Taylor (utility), Andy Pages/James Outman
Current Starting Pitchers (6):
- Yoshinobu Yamamoto
- Blake Snell
- Tyler Glasnow
- Bobby Miller
- Tony Gonsolin
- Landon Knack
Current Relief Pitchers (7):
- Blake Treinen
- Michael Kopech
- Dustin May
- Evan Phillips
- Alex Vesia
- Ryan Brasier
- Anthony Banda
Other relievers in line:
- Edgardo Henriquez
- Jack Dreyer
- Michael Grove
- Giovanny Gallegos
- Brusdar Graterol (July return)
Other starters in line:
- Shohei Ohtani
- Justin Wrobleski
- Ben Casparius
- Nick Frasso
- Emmet Sheehan (Late July)
- Clayton Kershaw (June/July) – Assume LAD signs him
Injured – to return 2026:
- River Ryan
- Gavin Stone
- Kyle Hurt
Interesting that CWS insisted on catcher Kyle Teel to be included in the deal for Garrett Crochet, and Boston said YES. But when CWS insisted on Dalton Rushing at last year’s deadline, LAD said NO. I have no idea who else was in the proposed deal between LAD and CWS, but maybe LAD missed on that one.
Trade Buzz:
Luis Robert, Jr. (CF) – With CWS getting catcher Kyle Teel in the Crochet deal, there is very little upside for CWS to take Rushing in trade package for Robert, Jr. There is also very little upside for CWS to trade Robert, Jr. after his poor 2024. It makes more sense for CWS to maximize the return for Robert, Jr by holding on to him until the deadline, hoping for a big bounceback from him.
Kyle Tucker (RF) – No chance LAD gets involved in this one. They cannot top Chicago Cubs or NYY, if (BIG IF) Houston does trade him.
Luis Castillo (RHP) – Do the Dodgers really need a frontline pitcher? Seattle could use a 2B, and Gavin Lux would be a big upgrade over Ryan Bliss. Castillo is available. Zero LAD buzz.
Mitch Keller (RHP) – See Luis Castillo, although the delta between the value of Lux and Pittsburgh 2B is smaller than it is with Bliss. Keller may be available. Zero LAD buzz.
Cody Bellinger (OF/1B) – Cubs do not want to eat any of the dollars remaining, and LAD does not want to assume 2 years $52.5MM. I have indicated that I would welcome Belli back, but I am not sure LAD does. Zero LAD buzz.
Seiya Suzuki (RF) – I do think this is a trade LAD should pursue. I have not heard any buzz on this actually being a LAD possibility.
Devin Williams (RHRP) – Dodgers have been heavily connected with this relief pitching one year rental. A trade with LAD and Gavin Lux seems potentially possible. Milwaukee can use a 2B with Bryce Turang moving to SS. This seems like a perfect match. Let AF/BG and Matt Arnold put on the finishing touches. Make it happen.
Nolan Arenado (3B) – Dodgers, Padres, and Angels are on his wish list, while he would be willing to accept a trade to the Phillies, Mets or Red Sox. Arenado favors LAD more than any other team. Padres and Angels have existing high priced 3B. Phillies (once they trade Alec Bohm), Mets, and Red Sox are more viable options. NYY was interested, but Arenado did not include them as a team he would be willing to waive his no-trade.
Starling Marte (Corner OF) – NYM says they are willing to pay down his contract to facilitate a trade. His last plus year was 2022. For one year at a max $$$ cost of $19.5MM, Marte is worth a discussion.
Not a single SS linked to LAD, which begs the question, did LAD pursue Andrés Giménez? If not, they should have. Toronto sent MLB reserve 1B/2B Spencer Horowitz and unranked OF Nick Mitchell (High A). Could the Dodgers have beat that? Maybe Lux?
Not a single OF linked to LAD that I can find.
Free Agent Buzz:
Position Players:
Teoscar Hernández (Corner OF) – This seems to be a perfect match, but Teo is not about to leave a lot on the table, years or $$$. After Juan Soto, the most recent prediction is 3 years $72MM ($24MM). While he accepted deferred payments last year, he may not be willing to do so again. When you see Soto and Fried agreeing to contracts without deferrals, maybe Teo wants a deal sans deferrals. More buzz with Teo than any other FA, but it seems to be waning, and both parties seem resigned to part company. Hopefully this gets back on track. Toronto, Boston, and NYY probably lead for Teo.
Anthony Santander (RF) – Figures to get a 4th year and perhaps the same $24MM AAV. No buzz with LAD, who seem very unlikely to sign him with a QO attached.
Alex Bregman (3B) – Absolutely no buzz with LAD. NYY is currently the favorite. NYY needs a 3B to move Jazz Chisholm to 2B. However, NYY has the same heartache with 2017 Astros that LAD has. Boston is also interested in Bregman, and he would not mind reconnecting with Alex Cora. Detroit is also interested, and Bregman would not mind rejoining manager A.J. Hinch. Perhaps the Javy Baez contract is too fresh for Detroit. He figures to get north of Willie Adames’ 7 year $182MM, and $cott Bora$ has been delivering all Winter. Wherever he lands, it will not be with LAD.
Ha-Seong Kim (SS) – Shoulder surgery last year. Atlanta and Detroit seem to be at the front of the pack. I have not heard any buzz from LAD on Kim, but a one year pillow contract might be of some interest. SD also figures to check in on Kim.
Pete Alonso/Christian Walker/Paul Goldschmidt (1B) – LAD not interested in any of the three 1B. LAD has someone named Freddie Freeman playing 1B.
Starting Pitchers:
Corbin Burnes (RHSP) – Toronto and Boston top 2 landing spots. Giants also included as real possibility. I am not sure Toronto or Boston will let SFG outbid them, although they did outbid both for Willie Adames. But elite SP is still king. No LAD buzz. Burnes has said that he wanted to sign with LAD, but after Snell signed, he realized that was not going to happen. If Max Fried is worth 8 years $218MM, Burnes should exceed Fried’s contract. Burnes is about a year younger than Fried. No chance.
Sean Manaea (LHSP) – Bora$ has intimated that he wants to exceed Texas’ contract with Nathan Eovaldi (3 years $75MM). Dodgers will not bite for that amount, and also lose 2 draft picks (2nd and 5th top picks) and $1MM international bonus pool $$$. Strong possibility he lands back with NYM.
Jack Flaherty (RHSP) – Would love to see him back with LAD, but the original contractual terms prediction of 5 years $115MM seems that it could be low based on the excessive contracts the SP have signed for (except Blake Snell). The number of years seem to be exorbitant for LAD. A number of teams seem to be in on Flaherty. SFG???
Walker Buehler (RHSP) – The Dodgers chose not to give Buehler a QO because he probably would have accepted it under duress because the QO would have hindered his chances for signing with another team. I still hold out hope that Buehler will come home, but if the Dodgers wanted to give him 2 or more years, they would have done it before he became a FA (just my opinion).
José Quintana (LHSP) – Could fit in the Tyler Anderson and Andrew Heaney one year affordable mold. No buzz connected with LAD, just my observation.
Trevor Williams (RHP) – See José Quintana above.
Nick Pivetta (RHSP) – Has a QO attached, and extremely unlikely that LAD is willing to lose draft picks and $1MM international bonus pool $$$. No LAD buzz. Cincinnati is currently the team with the most interest, but they are just kicking tires.
The Dodgers will wait to sign Clayton Kershaw. The Dodgers are not blocking their SP for the likes of Andrew Heaney or Kyle Gibson. The ship has sailed for Justin Verlander. The 2021 memory of Max Scherzer is too recent for LAD to be interested (again my opinion).
Relief Pitchers:
A lot of LAD fans want Tanner Scott, but he is expected to sign a 4 year deal. 4 years, $60MM. This is something that AF just does not do. Fans may not like that, and I agree that LAD relied heavily on the relievers in 2024. But I just do not see Tanner Scott in Dodger Blue in 2025 (or 2026-2028). NYY needs to rebuild the back end of the bullpen, and Tanner Scott is a perfect fit. We have not got too far immersed into the Hot Stove League where top relievers get picked.
Jeff Hoffman and Carlos Estevez are a notch below and are probably in the 2-3 year range. Jeff Hoffman might also be looking for a starting role (i.e. Clay Holmes)..
I think AF/BG would prefer a one year deal with:
- Kirby Yates (my choice) – How great would it be to have Yates shut down the Padres.
- Michael Soroka (another failed starter who seems to have found a role as a reliever).
- Andrew Kittridge
- Tommy Kahnle
- David Robertson
- Spencer Turnbull
- Jakob Junis
I readily acknowledge that I do not have anywhere near a comprehensive list of potential LAD targets. These are just the ones that I have heard the most buzz on. Please add on any other LAD targets with buzz that I may have missed. Also feel free to add on names you may want them to consider. You never know.
Excellent article , Jeff! You pretty much nailed everything down.
Just one thing: You left out Shohei on the column of starting pitchers in line.
Go Dodgers!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Good catch!
The buzz will be huge when Shohei starts to pitch.
Probably enough to get another 9 figure player.
You are absolutely, correct. The Dodgers have so many actual and potential starting pitchers, I FORGOT SHOHEI OHTANI! I fixed it. Thank you!!
I was sorry to see the Dodgers miss out on Adames. He now becomes the giants long term solution at shortstop instead of ours. I don’t think he will be as good in San Francisco as he could have been in LA, but we will see a lot of him in the coming years.
I do hope there will be another infield move. And I hope they can sign Teo and Sasaki. It feels like moves we don’t see coming is likely what we will see coming. When? Beats me.
Why is everyone willing to trade Lux. I have to hold onto him and see if he can realize his potential in 25 now that he’s fully healthy. Brewers wouldn’t want him. He’s too close to getting paid. I’m looking for big years from Smith and Lux
Agree. That was a bad injury he had. He started to look like himself late last season.
“Why is everyone willing to trade Lux”
Because he can only play one position and Mookie would be much better at that position.
The Dodgers swung and missed on Adames. They currently have Rojas, Edman and Taylor to split time at short. That might work just fine for a year. I think they still need one more outfielder and if it’s Teo it means center will be shared by Edman, Taylor and who knows who. Outman? Kiké? Pages? Does Conforto play right? Does Pages?
I think there is more to come.
Hey Cassidy, reread Badger’s flawless answer to your question. I really can’t improve on it but I will add….Mookie is over 30 and is not fit to play SS for all season. 2B is where he belongs….thus this makes Lux expendable. Hey, we let Bellinger go at this age and he is 10 times better. It happens.
And oh, in case you forgot, Lux batted .000 in the NLCS VS. THE Mets…..and batted .100 in the WS v the Yankees. His lifetime BA in the postseason is .197 with all of 6 RBIs. I don’t trust him in crunch time and his resume makes that a given. Some guys got it when the pressure is turned up, like KiKe and Freddie and apparently Edman too. Just not Luxie…..I will be there to help him board a plane to wherever he goes. -TM
But Lux did hit the sac fly to tie game 5.
Still see him traded at some point.
I wanted Adames too–but it seems like Mookie really wanted to play SS.
In Mookie We Trust.
In Mookie, and Shohei, and Freddie…
Seriously, I think the brass dropped the idea of Adames because of Mookie. Plus, while Adames was a good fit, he was not perfect–and still quite pricy.
Mookie was doing pretty well at SS last season until the injury. He was in the early MVP conversation.
If Mookie looks shaky this season, the Dodgers can re-assess. Such a luxury to have guys like Adames and Rojas able to play SS too.
I am assuming you mean Edman and Rojas to play SS. I believe they can hold the fort more than adequately in 2025. Then go after Bo Bichette.
Correct.
“Mookie was doing pretty well at SS last season”
No, he wasn’t. His OAA and FRV were negative numbers.
Look, I’m not saying he can’t play shortstop, I’m saying at age 32 to ask him to switch positions, AGAIN, is not a good idea. And shortstop is the most demanding position behind the pitcher. He and the Dodgers don’t need that stress. Heck, I prefer he stays in right field, but he wants to come into the infield, fine, go to second base and be an All Star there.
The Dodgers need an every day shortstop and they don’t have one. Rojas should start there, hopefully play 100 games, and, as much I like Lux I think he should be traded. He has value. What team needs a second baseman?
I’d prefer to see Edman/Rojas at SS and Mookie at 2B. I’d also prefer to see Lux on another team (although now he can’t be packaged for Devin Williams.) I would have also prefered Adames at SS.
But I take AF at his word: Mookie wanted the challenge of SS with a full off-season to prepare. Maybe it’s a matter of assuaging Mookie’s ego, but the brass is comfortable with the idea.
Mookie’s ambition may keep Lux on the Dodgers for another season. But I still expect Mookie to eventually replace him.
I am anxious to see what Lux can do 2 years removed from the knee injury.
I think Mookie is geat.But does Mookie own the team
I mean come on guys
I think the Dodgers put out there that Mookie was going to play SS and Lux 2B in order not to make it look like they had to trade Lux because of Mookie playing second base. I hope they can find a top prospect SS who is ready to play in the MLB or a young SS that is already in MLB.
Again, I would like to see Matt McLain in Dodger blue. Include Lux along with a top pitching prospect and, if needed, another lower level pitching prospect. Bottom line is whether the Reds want to trade him or not, the Dodgers have the prospect depth along with Lux to make it where the Reds can’t say no. It’s about the only real question mark the Dodgers have right now. Let’s erase that question and replace it with a exclamation! This would probably end the SS issue for years to come.
Carry on.
Makes sense to me.
But would the Reds? Add a solid SP prospect (like Karros?) and they may say yes.
I’m just not sure how the Dodgers regard McClain’s talent. But I would hate to see Mookie’s desire to play SS prevent a good deal from happening.
Certainly possible.
Lux + Rushing for McClain?
LOL.
Explain again why Teo third year at 35 is such a terrible gamble for us.we are paying more money for others at older ages.
I think we all assumed Mookie was going to play 2b which made Lux tradeable. Now as Mookie is slotted to play SS we need Lux! If Freeland becomes ready to play SS then what?
Great read. What happens if we trade Lux? Who plays SS?
Another excellent and comprehensive review. Gracias.
I am not deeply worried about the OF–and I won’t worry at all if Teo comes back–but it strikes me that outfield is now the weakest element of a strong championship team.
For that reason, I think it behooves the LA brass to explore the Kyle Tucker situation, simply because it’s rare that a player of his achievements and talent hits the market.
What do the Astros want? Could the Dodgers be a fit? Would Rushing + Bobby Miller + ?? get the Astros’ attention? (Astros have Altuve, so we can save Lux for the Devin Williams deal.)
And what does Tucker want? Maybe he’d be thrilled by the idea of joining the Dodgers. (Malibu is so much nicer than Houston.)
Looking back on the Mookie situation, it seemed clear that Boston knew there was no chance of him staying with the Red Sox. Mookie wanted out–and now Houston seems to think they won’t be able to keep Tucker from testing free agency.
With Mookie, Friedman seized the opportunity. He offered a decent package topped by Verdugo, and then signed Mookie to a megadeal, ushering in a new era for the Dodgers.
Perhaps the Yankees or ??? can swing such a deal for Tucker. The Yankees still need to do something big to compensate for Soto’s departure, so they may be willing to overpay. Still, I think the Dodgers should be “in” until it’s clearly untenable. (And I certainly don’t think the “Trashtros” scandal should be a factor.)
BTW, I do like the idea of Kirby Yates–not that the bullpen really needs much help.
Tucker was not on the Astros team when they cheated the Dodgers out of the WS. He was still in their minor league system.
“Malibu is so much nicer than Houston”
I’d bet Riverside is so much nicer than Houston
Riverside IS Houston.
Not so fast, Riverside has/had an old orange tree.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Washington_navel_orange_tree_(Riverside%2C_California)
Good one Bobby
As usual Jeff your articles are well thought out and thorough. What this suggests to me is the Dodgers could be pretty much done except around the fringes of the roster. Maybe AF has a surprise trade up his sleeve, who knows. Still have hope for a Teoscar reunion. I’d like to see Kike come back as well. He brings a lot to the club, especially at playoff time.
Would the Dodgers consider Profar if they whiff on Teo????
At this point I would. He can play multiple positions and Friedman likes those guys.
Maybe AF has something else up his sleeve. Hope so anyway.
No, he’s a P.O.S.
Profar is one of the best remaining OF free agents. (Another is Verdugo.)
Is Profer really a POS? Beats me. But I’d be OK with the Dodgers grabbing a Padre after they grabbed both Snell and Conforto from the Giants. Spice up the rivalry.
There are a lot of perfectly adequate solid oufielders–Bader, Grichuk, Canha, Laureano, others–who are looking for work. But would any really move the needle for the Dodgers? If Lux is dealt, the Dodgers might sign Bader and could shift Edman to 2B. That would place gold glove quality at 2B and CF.
But if Teo moves on, I’d like see the Dodgers explore the trade market for an outfielder. The best possible seem to be Tucker and Robert–but these are very long shots.
As I mentioned before, there were rumors that the Orioles–loaded with young talent–may be willing to deal CF Cedric Mullins. The O’s need pitching; the Dodgers could spare a little pitching.
Mullins, who is 29, could take over CF and Edman could shift to 2B.
The O’s wouldn’t want Lux, but perhaps a third team could get involved for one of those kinky threeways…. (The Dodgers’ last threeway netted Edman and Kopech!)
Jeff has mentioned Starling Marte as a possibility. I wanted the Dodgers to get him years ago. Certainly worthy of consideration. But Marte is now 36, and I’d rather see somebody younger like Mullins….
OK, here’s the threeway: Lux to Seattle; Luis Castillo to Baltimore; Mullins to the Dodgers. The O’s would include a PTBNL to the Mariners to equalize trade values. And maybe the Dodgers could squeeze little more than Mullins in the negotiations…
And I still don’t understand why AF hasn’t hired me.
Is Teoscar signs elsewhere, I’d expect the team to wait until January when prices fall and values increase for a final OF spot.
Hey! It worked last year.
Bluto, I think Jeff’s potential lineup above had Conforto in LF with Pages and Outman platooning in RF. I’d be good with that.
And you’re right about hitting it big with Teoscar last year. That was a huge win for everyone. The longer it takes for Teoscar to sign the length and $$ are going to increase thus decreasing the return to the Dodgers. It will be a bummer, but the above players should work out fine.
I think it’s more likely the Dodgers end up with a Conforto/Pages platoon.
Finish it. Does that mean you think that Outman is the everyday RF? My lineup was as the team is currently configured. Teoscar (or any other OF option) is not on the team, so I did not include them. Or do you think that the other corner OF spot should be Outman/CT3, and you go with two outfield platoons? I went with the guy making $17MM being the everyday OF.
Finish what?
I know your post was looking at the situation as is, which is why I framed my response the way I did (by using: “end up”)
Of note regarding OFs:
When asked about the Dodgers adding an outfielder, Andrew Friedman said: “There’s different ways we can get at this.”
He mentioned they could add more power, contact, or defense.
It doesn’t appear to be Teoscar Hernández or bust for the Dodgers front office.
I know there is a group who thinks the Dodgers should pursue Bellinger.
for context, but bear in mind the NYY system is not the LAD so #5 isn’t #5
Sources: Yankees and Cubs have discussed No. 5 prospect RHP Will Warren in Cody Bellinger trade talks
NYY has made Warren available as they search for OF help
Bellinger would be a good fit for the Yankers.
Conforto’s splits suggest that he is better suited than Pages or Outman to be an everyday outfielder. His OPS was over .800 against one side, and over .700 against the other. (Forget which.)
Pages was over .900 against lefties–but down in .600 range against righties. Outman is better against righties–and he’s the better fielder too.
Then there’s Taylor, who was pretty awful against both lefties and righties… I’d rather have Kike, but I think we are stuck with Taylor.
I agree with you, which is why I did not include Conforto as a platoon partner. Bluto then said “I think it’s more likely the Dodgers end up with a Conforto/Pages platoon.” I then asked him to finish it. Does that mean that Outman is the everyday corner OF?
Bluto could be right. I just wanted to know his reasoning. As you explained.
I like the September CT3 after retruning from injury and revamping his swing. Can he carry it forward to 2025?
Oh. OK.
Nyah, no way Outman is an everyday OF.
How about:
55% Teoscar
15% Grichuk
10% Profar
5% Rushing/Pages in one corner
20% some other solution
You ignored my original premise: The current position player roster (13):
As you wish, but you forgot to add Luis Robert Jr., Kyle Tucker, Cody Bellinger, Seiya Suzuki, Lane Thomas, maybe Trent Grisham TJ Friedl, Sal Frelick.
I’m not responding to your post! I’m differentiating from it.
i have no interest in solving the problem with the current roster, because it won’t be the future roster.
im sorry if that wasn’t clear, i tried to make it clear i was projecting into the future.
With Kyle Tucker now moving to the Cubs, should the Dodgers try to get Suzuki or Belli?
My guess is they’ll get neither and Belli will go to the Yanks.
In ’23, Outman was essentially an everyday outfielder–at CF, the most important spot.
He ran hot and cold–very streaky–but finished with a .790 OPS, 23 HRs and much praise for his defenses. He flexed his power against righties–but still managed close to a .350 on-base % against lefties. That’s fine for a guy hitting near the bottom of the lineup.
So what’s the over/under on Edman producing a .790 OPS from CF next season?
I think most of us–and the Dodger brass– would be happy if Edman could match Outman’s ’23 numbers. Wed also hope he could do it with more consistency.
In ’24, Outman started out in a terrible slump and was shipped to OKC. (In ’23, Outman was allowed to work out his slumps in the majors.) Reigning ROY Corbin Carrol also started in a slump in ’24 but worked through and finished strong. Outman worked through his OKC and finished strong.
Anyway, Outman proved his ability in ’23. If he regains that form, he would be outplaying most ML outfielders. On most teams he would likely be a full-time centerfielder who would bat in the middle of the lineup against righties–and near the bottom against lefties.
On the mighty Dodgers, Outman might be best used in a platoon–or as a commodity in a trade.
If I was trying to work a trade for Luis Robert–a long shot, I know– I might offer package of Lux, Bobby Miller and a choice of Outman or Pages. Chicago would get two everyday players and a potential ace who was drafted in the first round. I assume most teams would prefer Miller to Knack.
Conforto actually had reverse splits last season–an outlier from previous years.
With the current roster, I think Pages/Outman is likely.
Taylor is good for pinch running and defense.
Miller and Knack in starting rotation would like a better option there. Sign Teo he plays in rightfield and Conforto in Leftfield. Edman /Pages in centerfield mookie at second trade Lux and Outman to someone either get a centerfielder or fulltime shortstop and a starting pitcher. Trade for Robert’s Jr he becomes the centeefieldee with Conforto in LF and Teo in Rightfield and Edman the every day shortstop with Mookie at second base that’s how I look at it.
I thought Mookie was going to play 2B too. But Mookie apparently decided that he’d rather take on the SS challenge again. And as AF has put, he’s not going to bet against Mookie.
I take AF at his word on this: Mookie is preparing to play SS. Last spring he shifted over when it became apparent Lux wasn’t up to the job. Now he has all winter and to train for the position.
Could things change?
Sure. Mookie lost the SS job when his hand was broken by a fastball.
But even if the Dodgers swung a deal to land Robert to play CF, Edman may simply shifting to 2B, his best position.
Mookie, it seems, wants to play SS–and that may be the biggest reason why the Dodgers didn’t try to sign Adames.
I would not bet against Mookie. I think he will acquit himself very well at SS. Especially with all winter and Spring Training to prepare. He could even play 2B against tough lefties with Rojas at SS. Or he could just take some days off so he is fresher in October.
Defensively speaking, Edman’s best position is second base. He is good as a SS and great as a 2nd baseman. Outman and Edman might be equals as center fielders.
I do not want to lock out Freeman from SS by trading for or signing an expensive SS to a long-term contract. Although Muncy could be gone in a year and Freeman could wind up at 3rd. Besides, if the Dodgers invest heavily in pitching they will need a few players who are cost-controlled in the lineup. Players like Outman, Pages, Freeman, Lux, Rushing, Miller, Knack…
I think if the Dodgers include a pitcher like Miller it won’t happen unless they sign Sasaki.
Now wait just a minute, my friend.
You want to move Freddie to shortstop?
Or maybe you meant Alex Freeland?
I think Miller totally destroyed his trade value last year. Maybe he’ll find himself again at OKC in the first 3-4 months of the year and be an option to replace an injured starter here or would then become a viable trade candidate at the deadline.
Freeman, Freeland–I was so close. I squeezed that comment into a round of horseshoes where close counts.
Miller should get a chance to right his ship early in 2025 before Sheehan, Ohtani, and Kershaw compete for the rotation.
I wouldn’t hold out hope for Tanner Scott.
Per Feinsand:
The Yankees are also in the market for a first baseman, with Christian Walker among the top free-agent candidates. The bullpen will also be a focus, and a source tabbed Tanner Scott as New York’s top target.
Basically, the Yanks have 15 years and $750mil to spend this offseason. I’ll fully expect Max Fried to be the first of 3-4 other big moves.
I’ll expect to acquire at least 3 of Christian Walker, Bregman, Arrenado, Tucker, Teoscar, Burnes, Tanner Scott, etc. (which might actually make for a better team than just Soto)
I absolutely think that if Cashman plays his cards right, he’ll wind up with a better team using Soto money for some of the guys you’ve listed. Even with Soto, they had a bunch of holes in their offense and defense. This is going to be much better for them.
In the meanwhile, if the Mets don’t get some better pitching this winter, they’ll wind up behind both the Phillies and the Braves next season and won’t make the playoffs even with Soto.
I am not sure how the 15 years plays into the equation. I think he only has $50 to spread around annually but can do that again for 15 years. A 3 year $60M contract would use $20M annually for 3 years. Basically if the Yankees sign multiple contracts totalling $50M annually at 5 years each, they can do it again 5 years from now and again 10 years from now.
Just like I have no clue what the Dodgers budget is, I have no clue what the Yankees budget is. But Cashman did say he wanted Soto and to fill in other holes. It would not have been Fried. I am going to assume that NYY was comfortable with the $315MM payroll for 2024. With Fried, they are at $258MM. That would give NYY another $57MM to allocate before they hit $315. Alex Bregman and Tanner Scott is probably around $45MM. They can work out a trade with San Diego for Luis Arraez, and as long as the package they send back has more than $3MM in salary, they get under 2024. NYY can also just put DL LaMahieu back at 1st, and pocket the $12MM for the deadline.
NYY wants Tanner Scott. They also want to move Jazz Chisholm to 2B. Maybe they trade for Alec Bohm (3B) and Cody Bellinger (1B). NYY has $57MM to play with to reach 2024 salaries. Then package Luis Gil to Houston for Kyle Tucker. Yes, that puts Aaron Judge back in CF for a season, and hope that Spencer Jones is ready to play CF in 2026.
If NYY signed Soto, they would have had about $33MM to spend to reach $315MM.
NYY has more options to improve the team now without Soto.
Yankers will come out of this better than the Mets.
Will the Yankees still want Tanner Scott now that they have acquired Devin Williams?
Well, they saw what the Dodgers did last year with a shutdown bullpen.
They could.
Take Arenado off of that list Bobby, the Yankees are not on his list of approved teams that he will take a trade to.
Arenado could change his mind. Everything is negotiable.
The great Charles CW Cooke has a lovely podcast on baseball, its changes and its place in culture:
https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-charles-c-w-cooke-podcast/id1647660323?i=1000680119827
just a lovely lesson. Leisurely too. I really like the part where they identified, unintuitive, the baseball is actually an urban game when it comes to audiences and that the move to the suburbs really impacted baseball‘s popularity
I also (slow morning at work) heavily recommend this from Fangraphs:
According to Valentina Martinez at SI.com Teoscar Hernandez has removed the Dodgers from his social media profile. Don’t know what that means; could mean nothing. Kind of hard to negotiate with other teams when your former team is still on your social media profile I guess.
It could work the other way Bklun. He could say “here’s what I want or it’s back to LA” as a strategy. He and his agent have a good handle on the negotiation process. Whatever the reason. Teoscar did what was best for him.
Yep!! Both the Dodgers and Teoscar are going to do what is best for them. If that means Teoscar signs with LAD, a lot of fans will be happy. If that means Teoscar moves on, we will always remember him fondly in a magical 2024.
Yes sir! Now I can go complain on a Rams blog. Ha, ha!
Rams on Demand?
Note: you’re not really complaining Bklyn
HUGE game tonight!
It’s on KTTV. But you probably knew that.
If the Dodgers could get Arenaldo, Hensley, and a starting outfielder. For say Muncy, Lux, Outman, Miller, I think that would be a fair trade dodgers get a bettee fielding third baseman and a outfielder either in Rightfield or Leftfield plus a good relief pitcher. Muncy then can play first base for the Cardinals since Goldschmidt is leaving then Lux can play second an Outman can get a new start with a new team in the outfield and Miller maybe its easier to be the number 4 or 5 guy fir the Cardinals then the Dodgers. This plan if they don’t get Teoscar back my worry is the Red Sox might offer him more money. My question who would be a good outfielder to get from the Cardinals or they go after Sterling Marte to play rightfield him with Edman and Pages in centerfield and Conforto and Taylor in Leftfield until the trade deadline gets here I just think they move Muncy Judy seems like he gets hurt every year and wouldn’t it be nice to see Arenaldo Betts freeman and Ohtani and Smith in the lineup always every game.
An intriguing reclamation project just became available, RHP Roansy Contreras. He was just DFA’d by Texas. At times he was unhittable, and then he turned around and stunk up the joint. He is only 25 and throws 6 pitches, with his 4-seamer sitting at 95. I am not advocating the Dodgers sign him, but I hope he lands with a team that will help with his consistency. Remember Tanner Scott had one good season with Baltimore (but just 20.2 IP) in 2020, before he took off at 28 years old in 2023.
I love LAD reclamation projects. How do you not root extra hard for Evan Phillips, Anthony Banda, and Ryan Brasier. The Dodgers have their 2025 reclamation project in Giovanny Gallegos.
I do keep reading that the Dodgers could actually break tradition and sign Tanner Scott. LAD is a huge underdog with that endeavor, as NYY has more $$$ to spend and need Tanner more.
They can have Taylor and we’ll take Tanner.
(just want to show you I read every single word you write). 😂
Does Contreras have options remaining?
You are supposed to edit me before I post. I did fix it, thanks.
Contreras does not have any options remaining.
That didn’t turn out to good for the Yankees, did it.
Home from the hospital. Recovery is slow but feeling better.
great news!!!
You come all the way to California to go to the hospital? They don’t have one in Cañon City?
Glad to hear you’re feeling better.
Glad to hear Bear. Hang in there.
Awesome!!!!!
I am not knowledgeable on the specifics of each position, so forgive me if this question is silly. Could it be possible for Mookie to spend a short period at short, then shift to third when Muncy departs?
Glad to hear that you are feeling better Bear.
Roberts wins manager of the year award from MLB. And he was one game 4 or 5 loss away from being fired in the Padres series. Game 4, a bullpen game against Dylan Cease at Petco and then a game 5 against nemesis Darvish going with Yamamoto who got shelled in game1! How thin the line can be between victory and defeat!
it’s amazing, yes.
Not a silly question at all. While he could undoubtedly play 3rd, he is more of a 2B than 3B. 3B would be still another position he would have to learn.
Alcantara to the Dodgers rumor?
Is this a reporting? Question? Hope? Or fear?
Saw some discussion at a couple of sites. I think it’s just spitballing, but with the Marlins selling high priced players I guess anything is possible. But how many starters can the Dodgers really have.
Williams just got traded to the Yankees
Wowwwwwww, for our favorite HR giver upper, Nestor Cortez, and a prospect named Caleb Durbin.
We easily could’ve beaten that, if we wanted to???
No, we couldn’t have beaten that.
We don’t have any pitchers who gave up a game winning grand slam to Freddie Freeman in the World Series.
True. But we have a long list of pitchers who COULD have done that.
No, they couldn’t. They were all on the IL.
Also true, but there were others Freddie could have clobbered.
I think this was just a Greg Amsinger playful rumor he exited the Winter Meetings with on his MLB Network Baseball Tonight segment. If there is anything else, I have not heard.
I can’t get the simulator to work for me.
Lux for Alcantara.
Analyze please.
Yes, I’m still attempting to trade Lux.
Simulator says that for Alcantara, we could send back, Lux, Miller and one of the following: Dustin May or shortstop prospect Emil Morales or this year’s first round pick Kellon Lindsey or Grove or Knack or Wrobleski.
I would hope Miami would choose Grove, please!
Per Passan:
Second baseman Caleb Durbin is also headed to the Milwaukee Brewers along with Nestor Cortes in the Devin Williams deal, sources tell ESPN.
IMHO only, Dodgers could have beaten this offer, I again don’t think the Dodgers value relievers (AF has spoke on this definitively) as much as most other teams.
In my opinion they do value relievers.
But it is curious they passed on this one.
Mayhaps they have something else brewing?
I didn’t mean to imply they don’t value relievers, but they don’t value expensive relievers as much as other teams.
that’s not even what I mean, I’m having a hard time, putting it into words.
Well, they just saw what a lights out bullpen can do for a team in the postseason . Plus DR said in Mookies blog weeks ago he wanted among others Treinen AND another high leverage reliever for 2025.
In an offseason where they sign a Boras client to a long term contract everything is on the table and possible. I am all for SCott.
Go Dodgers!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
That’s the point I’m having trouble driving towards. The Dodgers believe (and have proven) they can build the best bullpens without spending dollars or prospects.
that said, Hoornstra reports there were “whispers” the Dodgers offered Lux in a D. Williams deal.
only whispers, but juicy whispers!
Tanner Scott?!
Go Dodgers!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
I must have missed it. Did the Dodgers have a pitcher that had 174.1 IP? Cortes was a 29 year old LHSP with a 3.77 ERA, 3.84 FIP, 109 ERA+, 4.15 K/BB, and 2.6 bWAR.
Tyler Glasnow – 134.0 IP, 3.49 ERA, 2.90 FIP, 111 ERA+, 4.80 K/BB, 1.9 bWAR
Gavin Stone – 140.1 IP, 3.53 ERA, 4.01 FIP, 109 ERA+, 3.14 K/BB, 1.8 bWAR
It appears that Nestor Cortes was a pretty good pitcher before he got hurt. I am glad he did pitch in the WS, but blame Cashman and Boone on the Freddie walk off GS as much as Cortes. Cortes should never have been on the WS roster.
What LAD pitcher outside of Yamamoto, Glasnow, and Stone (who cannot pitch this year) is better than Cortes? More importantly, what LAD LHSP is better than Cortes?
Caleb Durbin will be 25 this year, 2 years younger than Lux and 6 years control vs 2. He was penciled in to be the regular NYY 2B this year. He can play 2B, 3B, SS. He is an excellent fielding 2B, a very good defensive SS, and an okay defensive 3B. At Scranton Wilkes-Barre Durbin, in 406 PA, he batted .287/.396/.471/.867. His strength? Bat to ball skills. 47 BB vs 37 K. Career – in 1,216 PA, Durbin has 134 BB vs 111 K.
Caleb Durbin gives Milwaukee a ton of infield versatility (with solid defense), while Lux is strictly a 2B. Plus, LAD does not have anyone in MiLB ready to play MLB infield.
So while LAD could have perhaps beaten the offer on paper, Milwaukee needed a LHSP. The best LAD can offer is Justin Wrobleski. And they get a good bat to ball skills utility infielder, who could get some significant playing time in Milwaukee this year. Dodgers version? Austin Gauthier.
If Milwaukee wanted Lux, this deal could have been done a while ago.
Milwaukee got what they needed, and no, the Dodgers could not have done better in areas of Milwaukee’s needs.
Great response, appreciate it!
don’t agree with the conclusion but agree on the points you made here (and, for that matter, below on the Cubs’ return)
Per Heyman:
Cubs continue to work hard on potential Kyle Tucker deal. Paredes and Cam Smith are among names being discussed.
Rosenthal updates:
Cubs close to acquiring Kyle Tucker from the Astros for a package led by IF Isaac Paredes. RHP Hayden Wesneski and 3B prospect Cam Smith also in play, sources tell @TheAthletic.
now this is TOTAL silliness, but this deal could lead the Cubs to accept below market for Suzuki. That would be a very typical AF target.
Just listening to Chicago sports talk (yes, I have that on at times as they discuss the crappy Bears):
Jesse Rogers of ESPN was just on, and was discussing how Tucker’s arrival may result in the Cubs trading BOTH Bellinger and Suzuki. Suzuki would not accept going to Houston as part of the Tucker trade, but he would accept one to LA. Hmmm
3-waydeal maybe ?
Go Dodgers!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
I think they’d much rather trade Belli than Suzuki but they could actually trade both since they’d like to save Bellinger’s salary and Suzuki would now be relegated to DH, something he isn’t happy with.
Or, they could put Belli at first base and make Busch the DH.
Lots of moving parts here.
Suzuki is a RF having only played 1 game in LF in his MLB career. Kyle Tucker will be playing RF this year for the Cubs, Ian Happ in LF, and Pete Crow-Armstrong in CF. Even if they keep Bellinger to play 1B and DH Busch, Suzuki is too valuable to sit on the bench. Suzuki does not want to be a full time DH. They almost have to trade him.
The Cubs do not want to pay down Belli’s salary, but said they may be willing to pay down $5MM to $7MM IF they get a good prospect package. They can probably get a better package for Suzuki than for Belli.
The Cubs now have 7 top 100 prospects. Moises Ballesteros (#44) is at least a comparable C/1B to Dalton Rushing, but is three years younger. I do not know how LAD matches up with Chicago for Suzuki.
This is a good package for Tucker. Isaac Paredes is a good starting 3B who is only one year removed from a fantastic 2023 season with Tampa Bay. He will be 26 next year and has 3 years control. This is his 1st year arbitration eligibility. He is estimated to make $6.28MM this year. He was horrible for Chicago. What makes him valuable to Houston is that even though 3B is his regular role, he can play, and does play, 1B. This gives Houston a 1B in case Houston can still re-sign Bregman.
Cam Smith is a 22 year old top 100 3B prospect (#73). He was the Cubs 1st round draft pick last year, 14th overall. He went from Low A to AA last year. Even with a very small sample size, he did more than hold his own in AA as a 21 year old.
Hayden Wesneski is a journeyman swing pitcher. Like LAD and Cleveland, Houston has a knack for turning these types of pitchers around.
IMO, that is actually a solid package for one year of Kyle Tucker, plus Houston saves $$$.
The only thing I dislike about AF is he and his staff are too good at keeping secrets, we rarely have any idea of his interest in players until after the deal is already done😀 I don’t believe I heard a single word about Conforto to the Dodgers until after the deal was done.
Id love to have Tucker he’s a great player, but I don’t think there is a lot of interest from our end. I know there was talk, but I’m really surprised That the Astros are this close to moving him.
Same with Teoscar Hernandez last year.
Hello Guys, I Am up and around a little better, just read about the Tucker trade to the Cubs and Williams going to the Yankees. Thought the return for Williams was something the Dodgers could have easily beaten. Tucker was a total surprise. Think LA should pursue Tanner Scott and get Teo Back and sign Sasaki.
Hi Bear, good to see you up and feeling better!
Agree 100% on your strategy regarding Scott, Teo an Sasaki.
Would make an A plus offseason.
Go Dodgers!!!!!!!!!!!!
Tucker to the Cubs is a done deal per MLBTR
Jeff, Got to give you credit you were the first person I heard anywhere that mentioned the possibility of a Tucker trade this off season. I know you wanted the dodgers to make the trade for him, but at least you got the first half right.
I would much rather have not predicted a Tucker trade and yet have him traded to LAD, more than how it came out. 😃
Yea me too😀
even though all of the Buzz died, a Roberts trade always made the most sense, he can play center field, he actually won a gold glove there once, and monetarily he’s three years at 55 mil, which is a bargain now. I doubt very much it would happen but I can dream.
Bear, can we open those presents for Christmas?
AF/BG and Teoscar Hernández remain apart on the average annual value and the signing bonus, per a source. Moreover, Hernández does not want any deferrals in his contract. Not everybody does want deferrals. He is currently in Florida working out with close friend and former teammate, Vlad Jr. Toronto is Teo’s current #2 choice and rising quickly. It is reported that AF/BG are looking for alternative OF options.
Maybe Seiya Suzuki is one of those. But it takes two teams to make a trade. I am not sure that LAD and Chicago match up well.
The two remaining free agent OF are Jurickson Profar and Harrison Bader. Starling Marte is available and NYM said they are willing to pay down his salary to facilitate a trade. He was a 3.9 bWAR player in 2022, but a combined -.1 bWAR the last 2 years. I do not think they can pay it down low enough to interest the Dodgers. I do not think Marte is nearly good enough to block Andy Pages in RF, and I do not believe they are paying Conforto $17MM to be a platoon OF.
Per Francys Romero
The Los Angeles Dodgers officially signed 7 players before the conclusion of the 2023-24 international signing period:
DR
RHP Cesar Sanchez
RHP Samuel Saviñon ($225K)
INF Antoni Ureña
INF Hendry Arvelo
RHP Shai Romero ($200K)
LHP Aneudy Almonte ($50K)
VEN
RHP Alexis Reyes
They needed to spend the $$$ or lose it. You can never tell how these pan out. Certainly not part of the elite class of 2023-2024, but teenagers develop differently. I will follow the in DSL.
Cubs get Tucker. OK, time to make a push for Suzuki.
Only a matter of time before Scott and Teo sign with Dodgers. Then will have to wait till mid January for Sasaki