November 2nd, 2020 at 8:00 am 
by 0799291000348 The 2020 Dodgers have been World Champions for less than one week, but for team president of baseball operations Andrew Friedman, the euphoria of winning the World Series was but a brief hiatus from planning for 2021 and beyond. And while the old saying “If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it” is a wise one and has withstood the test of time, it does not fit the baseball mold; this due to the Collective Bargaining Agreement between Major League Baseball (i.e., team owners) and the MLB Players Association.
Constructing an elite baseball organization is analogous to a chess master playing against multiple opponents at the same time, and when one game is complete, another immediately commences. It is truly the Never Ending Story.
(Video capture courtesy of LA Dodgers)
Seven Dodgers players became free agents the moment that Dodgers left-hander Julio Urias struck out Brewers shortstop Willy Adames to bring a glorious end to the difficult 2020 season: reliever Pedro Báez, utility player Kiké Hernández, reliever Jake McGee, outfielder Joc Pederson, reliever Blake Treinen, third baseman Justin Turner, and reliever Alex Wood. An eighth, Jimmy Nelson, also became a free agent after the team declined their $2 million club option for 2021.
The Dodgers’ five-day exclusive negotiating window ended on November 1, so the players and their respective agents are now free to bargain with any team. Unsurprisingly, the team did not extend $18.9 million qualifying offers (QO) to any of their free agents* before the November 1 deadline, so there will be no draft pick compensation to the Dodgers in 2021 for those free agents signed by another team.
No later than November 20, the team must submit their 40-man roster to Major League Baseball to protect eligible players from being selected in the 2020 Rule 5 Draft at the virtual Winter Meetings (December 6 – 10). Several recognizable names are amongst those the Dodgers are considering: catcher Steve Berman, pitcher Gerardo Carrillo, relief pitcher Brett de Geus, middle infielder Omar Estevez, pitcher Marshall Kasowski, pitcher Andre Jackson, outfielder Jeren Kendall (Dodgers 2017 first-round draft pick), outfielder Zach Reks, middle infielder Errol Robinson, pitcher Jordan Sheffield, and, outfielder Cody Thomas.
The team also has seven players eligible for arbitration: reliever Scott Alexander, catcher Austin Barnes, starting pitcher Walker Buehler, centerfielder Cody Bellinger, reliever Dylan Floro, shortstop Corey Seager, and Urias. Players not tendered contracts by their team before December 2 become free agents. Alexander and Floro are on the bubble for being non-tendered by the Dodgers.
In addition to roster development, there are front office personnel and coaches who may be in demand by other teams with vacancies for executives of baseball operations, general managers, player development roles, and on-field managers. Imitation is the highest form of flattery, and no doubt, there are Major League Baseball teams that would like to pattern their team building after the Dodger model, and there is no better way to start that process than to hire the right people who have been there, done that.
It will not be surprising if teams ask permission to interview Josh Byrnes (senior VP baseball operations) or assistant general manager Brandon Gomes, or director player development William Rhymes for front-office positions. It has been reported that team(s) are considering first base coach George Lombard for a managerial position, and bench coach Bob Geren’s name always comes up as a potential field manager.
Which of its eight free agents will the Dodgers re-sign? Other free agents the team may pursue? What trades may the team consider? We will discuss those areas in more detail. Check back and let us know what you think the team should do as it chases the 2021 World Championship.
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* The Dodgers extended a QO to Justin Turner in November 2016; another offer is prevented under the terms of the collective bargaining agreement with the Players Association.
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Joc,kiki,blake,justin should be offered at lease a two yr deal. And qo to minors guys. Rebuild a better bullpen and add two sp.
I will go in more detail in next couple of days, but you and I have similar thoughts. Joc is on shaky ground for even a one year deal with Beaty, Reks, Rios, Lux, McKinstry, and Raley (all LH hitters) currently on the roster. I also think that Alex Wood could return if he is committed to a full time reliever role. More specifics coming on this topic.
Great (but uncomfortable) article, Jesse.
I have long felt that Joc would be an excellent trade chip and that Kiké deserves a chance to be an everyday player, which (probably) will never happen with the Dodgers.
I still believe that Turner would be willing to give the Dodgers a ‘hometown discount’ (i.e., a one or two-year deal). Anything beyond that is extremely risky. (He would also make a GREAT bench coach, in the event that Geren takes a [well-deserved] managerial job elsewhere). That said, there is ZERO doubt that JT still wants to play.
Seager is a lock, as are Belly and Buehler.
As Tim M noted, the Dodgers have a TON of talent already in their system, and D.J. Peters would be a great replacement for Joc.
Just my $.02
Peters future as a Dodger has likely been determined on how well he performed at the alternate site (USC). I really thought he would get a few at bats during the 2020 regular season, but nope — they brought up Gore instead. Peters may be a trade chip to improve the roster in another area — TBD.
Peters has to learn to cut down on his strikeouts, and he has to bat well above .200 at the major league level to succeed. Like everyone on planet Earth, I love his power, and I sure hope he is able to advance.
Ditto. He is a terrific athlete and I would love to see him make it with the Dodgers.
Kike had his chance as starting 2nd base last year,his #’s are much better as a platoon player
I totally agree that Joc could be a good trade piece, especially this off-season, when everyone saw how well he hit during the World Series. I’m hoping some combo of Joc and a prospect or two will land us a quality reliever.
Joc is a free agent. Can’t trade him anymore.
First points
JT needs to be signed
We can let all other free agents walk about 30 mil plus in savings
Joc ,Kiki,Baez,treinin and Wood.
Can replace these guys in house.
Plus we are adding David Price.
Dodgers are clear favorites to win a Championship in 2021.
MLB Trade Rumors is predicting that Turner will re-sign with Dodgers for 2 years, $24M. That is a little higher than my prediction of $20M, but I hope JT returns for a contract in that range. He is no longer an everyday player, but his bat still catches up to plus fastballs. JT presence on the roster is more valuable than his stats; somewhat like the veteran leadership of Chase Utley a couple of seasons ago. I look for David Price to have a big year for the Dodgers in 2021.
JT 1 year with an option if DH added to NL, Trenin back 1 or 2 years. If not sign Hendriks or Rosenthall. So sign 2 of three for 2 years, or 1 at one year, one for 2 years, and 1 for three years.
I don’t think Turner will sign for one year and then go back on the free agent market at age 37. Even if there is no DH JT would play 2 or 3 games a week at 3b, and a couple at first base. I think the Atlanta Braves would sign him today for two years as their regular third baseman; possibly the St. Louis Cardinals, or Boston Red Sox.
Kiki should demand to go to another team where he’ll play everyday at 2nd base..Roberts has NOT started him way more than HAS started him.Kiki was hot and hit key “pick the team up HR’s”when team seemed like was cold and game after game Pollock and Taylor starting over Kiki..I hope he stays i live Kiki,but he should go get payed and play everyday ball.
Check back in a couple of days; I have a scenario that you may like regarding Kiké
I hate to indulge in past but Im still in shock that we ket Maeda go!! He dominated as reliever 2018 ws and post season and we kept Baez,Akexandra and Woods!!!?? Remember 2018 ws….Maeda goes 2innings i think with 6 up 6 down then the “shocker” he doesnt return for 3rd inning ots Madson,walks 2 then BANG 3 run shot!!! Maeda traded and becomes his new teams Ace.. shocker huh!
Excellent point about Maeda. My gut theory — Maeda and his agent quietly asked the Dodgers to trade him to a team where he would be a full time starter. It was reported (several times) that Kenta wanted to be a starter, and really hated being used out of the bullpen (which also cost him money from his contract that included incentives for starts and innings pitched). Several games I watched when Roberts pulled Maeda out of a game in the 5th or 6th inning it seemed obvious that Kenta was very unhappy with the decision. Again, just a gut theory.
Full-time starters make a lot more than relievers, and Maeda certainly can start (as a #1 or #2) for most teams. I’m sure the Dodgers made him an offer but couldn’t promise him that he would be a full-time starter.
I would trade K Maeda for Brusdar Graterol today and twice on Tuesday.
I think the Twins feel the same way as the trade turned out great for them with Maeda pitching to a 2.70 ERA; a 0.75 WHIP; and a strikeout to walk ration of 8:1
“Brewers shortstop” wtf
Say goodbye to Bellinger. Dodgers will trade him and a minor leaguer for Lindor. Bellinger was great last year, not so good this year, but he still has high trade value.
you must be stupid if you think Bellinger’s getting traded. Just do with Lindor what we did to Mookie and boston.
Agree that Belly isn’t going anywhere anytime soon – at least not on this go-around. Teams generally do not move their MLB-proven top draft picks unless, of course, it is for a Betts-type player (i.e., Alex Verdugo). The Dodgers do not need Lindor when they already have one of the best shortstops in the game, and Bellinger is well on his way to becoming a future Hall of Famer.
i’m a bit confused if not baffled by some of these comments; Joc isnt a dodger anymore. he cant be traded, not to mention LA had no success in trading him over the last three years. Kike isnt a dodger and doesnt need to demand anything. he can simply sign with a lesser team that needs an everyday starter at one of five different positions where he offers premium D and a bit of pop. LA didnt need to make a deal with Kenta, he was in the middle of an 8 year deal. one which promised him considerably more money for starting than relieving. it is both a matter of honor and cash for him. trade for Lindor? why?? seags isnt producing? JT is a 44-1 favorite for MVP next year. better than belli’s odds, and if the Dodgers wont bank on having a DH or playing him sparingly in the future there are plenty of AL teams that will pay him a premium. he already gave LA a hometown discount with the tag line “umfinished business”. three pennants and “piece of metal” in those four years can certainly be considered “finished business” i hope he stays and gets a C on his jersey. i hope LA gets stronger. i hope Lux is ready to produce. i hope price comes back as the player we hoped he’d be when LA tried to trade for him. while we get sentimental, these guys are doing business. players are attempting to accumulate generational wealth and get playing time. GM’s are attempting to get maximum results for a calculated investment. i can hope, but i dont expect any of them to take less money now that they have their rings. thanks for keeping us informed Jesse.
Thanks for saying exactly what I was thinking while reading the comments. Always amazes me when people say we should trade someone who technically is no longer our player (Joc is a free agent, as you smartly pointed out, and cannot be “traded”). I don’t think there is really anyone irreplaceable on our list of FA’s….wouldn’t be totally shocked if they all are allowed to walk.
JT primary target. I believe he will be a dodger next yr and beyond.
Dodgers Freidman clearly one of the best talent evaluaters will build a solid roster able to repeat as champions.
JT primary target. I believe he will be a dodger next yr and beyond.
Dodgers Freidman clearly one of the best talent evaluaters will build a solid roster able to repeat as champions.
Gavin Lux could be breakout candidate
Top notch points. Thanks
If Turner wants to return for a 2 year deal and Wood wants to work out of the pen next year than I would sign both, all other Dodger FA, let them move on.
I love Justin Turner but I would be very reticent to offer him a multiyear contract unless it was super team friendly. I have to believe that we’re going back in for Nolan Arenado in 2022 so it would be in our best interest to find a low cost veteran option on a one year deal.
I have zero qualms about Dodgers offering Turner a two year deal, perhaps with a third year option that vests if he has x number of games played / at bats / etc. in 2022. I believe Turner’s bat will stay strong for that long, or longer. Remember how how good Manny Mota and Harold Baines were hitting when they were age 40 – 41. There is no doubt in my mind that Turner is that same kind of hitter, and that the NL will adopt the DH rule full time. I don’t believe the Dodgers will take on Arenado’s contract – would be different if the Rockies paid $8 to $10M per season which I don’t believe will happen. I will be soon be writing about some Dodgers trade scenarios and we can discuss the pros and cons.
Can you say when? I have some trade scenarios we could do too. Here’s my email-johnmichael.deltonwhite@uscbrio.org
either this weekend, or early next week. Working on a piece about which free agents the Dodgers may pursue.
No need to go after ARenado. jT with Rios can man 3b just fine for the next 2-3 yrs. We need money slots for Seager or his replacement as well as Buehler and Bellinger.
Absolutely agree.
I have followed Rios since his Rancho Cucamonga days and see him as Turner’s heir apparent. (He also plays a mean 1B). And we ALL saw his power during the postseason.
Dude is a BEAST!
What is most concerning to me is that Arenado’s offensive stats away from Mile High stadium are very ordinary for a major league hitter, and he fails the eye-test when you watch him flail away at sliders out of the strike zone. Only if Rockies are willing to pay $10M of his contract annually and take back mid-level prospects should the Dodgers even consider a trade — and that is not going to happen. I like your point about Turner and Rios manning the position in 2021. And like Cervenka, I think Rios could develop into a huge power hitter at the position
Freidman is too smart to trade for ARenado, who isn’t needed. The return of JT a team leader and great playoff performer will be announced before Christmas. JT and Rios will from a solid platoon and as soon as the DH is in the NL both roles will be.complimentary.
Other than Turner positionally the Dodgers could stand pay and let Kiki and Joc P walk.
Pitching Dodgers make the biggest addition of the off-season with the return of David Price. Dodgers have the best rotation in baseball Price, CK, Buehler, Urias May. With Tony G heading to the pen?
Jansen Floro Tony G and Graterol from the right side, Alexander, Gonzalez, Kolarek and ?. We shall see with the pen.
Without Joc P Kiki Wood Treinin and Nelson over 30 mil in savings.