We Got Tucker- Now What?

                               Although not official yet, the Dodgers signed Kyle Tucker to a huge 4-year contract. Tucker fills a need for a solid offensive and defensive outfielder. It also allows the Dodgers to move Teo to left field, where he did a decent job in 2024. Teo also should be well over the groin injury he suffered last season that severely affected his offense. It looks like Andy Pages will stay in left.

                                  They also signed Edwin Diaz to be their closer, this on the heels of signing Tanner Scott to a 4-year deal last season. Together, Diaz and Scott will make 33 million next season. Both have money deferred. Diaz, 13.5 mil and Scott, 5.25 mil. Both also have team friendly options in 29 if not traded. Now there are rumors that they have been looking to trade for Brewers SP, Freddy Peralta. 

                                   With the rotation and the bullpen pretty set, it seems about the only real dilemma is deciding who hits where and who plays second base because at this point, we know who all the other starters are. What this seems to portend is the kids, Freeland, Siani, Ward, being left out in the cold. With the team needing a roster spot, Ward, who has never been given a real shot at playing in the majors, might end up being the odd man out. 

                                    Do the Dodgers need Peralta? Well, he makes a very strong rotation stronger. The cost in the winter would not be as high as if they tried to trade for him at the deadline. But he won’t be totally cheap either. I would venture a guess that at least on MLB ready pitcher, an MLB ready position player and a good prospect, not necessarily a #1, but in LA’s top 10 would be the cost. 

                                   With Edman probably out until late May, Kim and Rojas will likely get most of the time at second. I just do not see Freeland cracking the roster unless he goes bonkers in spring. Kim has a leg up on him with 71 MLB games under his belt and his ability to also play CF. Siani probably starts the year in OKC as their primary CF. The bench looks to be, Call, Rojas, Rushing and Ibanez. Ibanez got an MLB deal, so I believe he makes the 26-man. 

                                   Many fans want the Dodgers to bring back Kike. He will be out until at least late May after his surgery. In all fairness, his injury was probably the main cause of his offensive struggles last season. A .203 BA does not inspire awe. He played well in the playoffs and never let it impact his defense, but in the World Series, he struck out 15 times, 4 more than Muncy and 5 more than Teo. Toronto only had 1 player in double digits, Giminez. I love the guy, but he has 2 things going against him, age, and the fact that the Dodgers are loaded with middle infielders who play multiple positions. He would be a very redundant piece.

                                    I have to believe that from now until spring training, AF and Gomes are going to concentrate on filling the AAA roster with players with experience like they did signing Nick Robertson last week. There are at this point in time just 17 players on the OKC roster. David Bote is listed on the roster but is on the restricted list. That goes back to last season. Another player on that roster is Nick Senzel, another multilocational player. He is currently playing in the Mexican Winter League and hitting .531. 

                                   Barring a trade for Peralta, I think the front office is through adding to the 40-man. Peralta seems to me like the last piece they are chasing. But they still need body’s for AAA OKC, so it will be interesting to see what kind of players they look for. They are thin on catchers with MLB experience, and Rushing has played just 53 games in his career so far. But I think he is ticketed to back up Freeman on occasion. Whatever they do, fans will be paying close attention.