December 26th, 2020 at 10:00 am 
by Ron Cervenka With Spring Training 2021 (theoretically) less than two months away, and with Dodgers President of Baseball Operations Andrew Friedman yet to decide whether or not he plans to re-sign free agents Pedro Baez, Kiké Hernández, Jake McGee, Joc Pederson, Blake Treinen, Justin Turner, and Alex Wood, one has to believe that the respective decisions on such are bordering on ‘imminent.’ (The Dodgers already declined their 2021 team option on Jimmy Nelson)
Without question, the most significant names on this list are Turner, Pederson, and Hernández – the respective importance of which is subject to opinion and debate.
During his Zoom press conference on December 17, Dodgers manager Dave Roberts said that he has not been in recent contact with his (currently former) All-Star third baseman, but with good cause.
“I think Justin is traveling right now; I’m not sure where he’s at,” Roberts said. “I talked to him the night before Corey Seager‘s [December 5, 2020] wedding, and we did a little quick FaceTime; the beard was trimmed up. So we’ll connect, I think next week, but I didn’t really get too much into where he’s at as far as his free-agency.
“I just really feel that that’s a decision for him, his wife Kourtney, his agent, and he’s going to kick the tires on whatever opportunity presents its self. But you know, I think, how much I value him as a person and a pro,” Roberts added.
But the bottom line with Turner and the six other still-unsigned free agents, and to borrow the famous line from the 1996 Tom Cruise hit movie ‘Jerry McGuire’: “Show me the money!”
…and make no mistake about it, we are talking generational wealth here.
(Video capture courtesy of Sam Gor)
All of this said, there is one thing that you can pretty much count on with regards to the decisions that Friedman must make in the coming weeks (or days): There is an exceptionally good chance that they will end up being the right ones.
…fan-favoritism notwithstanding.
Play Ball!
* * * * * *
Posted in 
Ron good points, I agree. We are in good hands with Freidman in charge.
I would like to see the Dodgers trade Pollock to a team desperate for an outfielder with power and see us sign Joc P and let him platoon in LF with CT3, but it’s not going to happen.
Hopefully JT is back but I’m thinking a trade is going to happen with Ruiz who is at top value right now, so I think the Dodgers will move him and more and bring back something significant which may impact JT coming back. WSS.
In Friedman we trust when it comes to the Dodgers. Agree 100% with your desire for a Pollock trade and return of Joc. Ruiz is a big trade chip if the Dodgers decide to move him for help in another area; there are several ML teams looking for an improvement behind the plate. The Yankees, Rays, Brewers, Tigers come to mind as teams needing to upgrade at catcher. The unknown is how the Dodgers value Ruiz as a catcher with Barnes eligible for free agency after the 2022 season. I have put out the idea that Dodgers could move Smith to another position (third base?) to keep his bat in the lineup every day IF Ruiz is as highly regarded as he was a couple of years ago.
Sign Turner, Treinen, and Hendriks and be done with major offseason work. Treinen will be better after another offseason work with Dodgers coaches
As a life land Dodger fan I feel we have to be aggressive. We barely beat the Braves and they added Morton. I feel the Pods will make another big move. I don’t see why everyone wants to sign Justin other than sentimentality. He is 35 and askng for 3 years and big bucks. He is on the decline and doesn’t play full seasons anymore. We have other options. Eugenia Suarez is available as is Sonny Gray. I want sold on Gray butI saw him pitch last year and he is a top ten guy in my opinion. We can get them both for Keibert – Gonsolin – Santana -E. Ruiz and a mid range prospect and cash.
( I think). Our only sign would be Hendricks for the Pen as closer is our only absolute need. I’d love to Kiki back but he may be priced too high. The other once would be to pay the big bucks for DJ to save some of the prospects in the Suezaz deal but I don’t think Friedman will go there. Go Dodgers.
All good comments – have enjoyed the convo. I want JT back because he is a team leader who hits above .300. He may he slowing as he ages, but he is still a pacesetter with the bat. I also believe in keeping the chemistry around if all possible. Mookie may be the new clubhouse guy but Turner has plenty of value in this regard as well. I would be surprised if Friedman trades Ruiz tor anything less then a dominate return. Just my gut reaction thoughts. I trust everyone had a spectacular Christmas. Peace!
Dodgers made a very smart move ((MO) by re-signing Nelson to a minor league deal with ST invite; ditto Brandon Morrow. Along with with signing Knebel I think Pedro Baez Dodgers career is over. I, like almost all Dodgers fans, want to see Turner re-signed, but worried that a team with a glaring need for help at third base like the Braves (my biggest concern), Nationals, or Cardinals will overpay in $ and contract length to help themselves and hurt the Dodgers.