MLB journalist John Morosi, citing his sources, reported on November 25 that the Dodgers and the Toronto Blue Jays were showing interest in free-agent left-hander Brad Hand, who could be a good fit in either team’s bullpen.

Ok, that is pretty standard stuff for a Hot-Stove season, as MLB teams kick the tires on any free agents they believe will bolster their rosters for the upcoming season. Why should we take notice of this particular report?

First, we’re Dodgers fans who are interested in knowing how Andrew Friedman, president of baseball operations, will retool the roster for the 2021 season. Second, it isn’t a secret that the team needs a left-handed relief pitcher, preferably one with closer experience. So, when a well-respected baseball correspondent like Morosi reports that the Dodgers are interested in Brad Hand, we should take notice.

Here is how Fangraphs described Hand as one of its top 50 free agents in the 2020-21 class:

“When it comes to performance, Hand trails only (Liam) Hendriks when it comes to relievers. He was very good in 2019 and great in the shortened season… Hand’s fastball velocity has been in decline for a few years now and he has compensated by using it less, with the slider as his featured pitch…[he] still struck out more than 30% of opposing hitters for the fifth straight season and had a career-best 2.05 ERA and 1.37 FIP. He’s a funky, low-slot lefty who can throw his trademark curveball for strikes whenever he wants and consistently locate it just off the plate to his glove side for swings and misses.”

Bottom line – Hand seems to check all of the boxes the Dodgers are seeking for the back end of the bullpen. But there are some concerns that the team will certainly assess:

• Elbow soreness in 2019 that resulted in a trip to the IL;
• Declining fastball velocity;
• Platoon splits in 2019 where he was much more effective against left-handed hitters, holding them to a .500 OPS while right-handers managed a .760 OPS;
• “Hand’s biggest concerns have come from falling behind in counts…he has to get calls on the outside corner against left-handed hitters.” (Forbes magazine)

Under the category of: ‘For What it’s Worth,’ when Hand was in the National League (Florida/Miami Marlins – 2011-2015 / San Diego Padres – 2016-2018), he posted a combined record of 3-0 with a combined ERA of 3.24 in 23 relief appearances against the Dodgers. In those 23 relief appearances, he allowed only three home runs, while walking eight and striking out 39 in his combined 25.0 innings pitched against the Dodgers.

We can be certain that a healthy Hand would come in handy for the Dodgers in 2021.

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