WIP (Work-In-Progress) is usually associated with construction, production, and supply-chain management to describe partially finished goods awaiting completion. Nonetheless, WIP seems like a perfect description for the work remaining for Dodgers President of Baseball Operations Andrew Friedman, et.al.

The team has added six new players to their 40-man roster: pitchers Trevor Bauer, Garrett Cleavinger, Tommy Kahnle (pronounced CAIN-lee), Corey Knebel, Alex Vesia, and infielder Sheldon Neuse (pronounced noisy). They also re-signed beloved third baseman Justin Turner and reliever Blake Treinen, who became free agents after the 2020 World Series. But perusing the team’s 40-man roster and the projected 2021 payroll indicates that Friedman is not yet finished … or a WIP.

  *  *  * 

Payroll & Competitive Balance Tax (CBT)

According to Cots Baseball Contracts, the Dodgers 2021 Competitive Balance Tax payroll (based on players’ average annual values) is $254.3 million, $44.3 million above the $210 million CBT threshold. At that compensation level, there will be a significant CBT tax impact on the Dodgers. But a cost-benefit analysis may determine that the tax penalty is acceptable if it results in the team returning to the World Series in 2021.

As Dodgers President Stan Kasten told The Athletic (subscription required), “The CBT is an element that does add expense, for sure … If we’re close, we’re going to pay attention to it. There are years where we blow right past it, and it’s not much of a factor.”

This is not to imply that the Dodgers will not make roster changes to reduce payroll. A $4.3 million reduction in 2021 AAV will realize an approximate net savings of $6 million, including the associated tax reduction. Moving payroll below $250 million for the year also avoids another penalty – moving the Dodgers first pick in the next entry draft down 10-spots. Finding a team willing to take on a contract like the $8.3 million AAV owed to right-hander Joe Kelly in 2021 would reduce the tax penalty and avoid the additional draft pick penalty.

Bench

In addition to re-signing Turner, the Dodgers goal was to add another right-handed hitter to their 2021 roster. The team recently acquired the 26-year-old right-handed-hitting Neuse from the Oakland A’s in the Adam Kolarek trade. Whether Neuse is ready to contribute in 2021 will be determined in Spring Training. Another possibility is 25-year-old Dodgers outfield prospect DJ Peters, who is considered a plus-plus right-handed power hitter who can play all three outfield positions.

Reportedly, the Dodgers have also had talks with the Miami Marlins about the availability of first baseman/outfielder Garrett Cooper, a 30-year-old right-handed hitter with a four-year career slash line of .281/.344/.449/.793, with 21 home runs and 78 RBI.

The need for another right-handed hitter becomes apparent when you consider the number of lefties competing for bench jobs in 2021: Matt Beaty, Gavin Lux, Zach McKinstry, Luke Raley, Zach Reks, and Edwin Rios.

Pitching

The old axiom remains unchanged – “You can never have too much pitching.” The Dodgers are blessed with 15 talented MLB-experienced pitchers on their 40-man roster and two others (Caleb Ferguson and Kahnle) recovering from Tommy John surgery. The team also signed Brandon Morrow, Jimmy Nelson, and Brock Stewart, who have been invited to Spring Training to compete for roster spots. It will be no small task for the Dodgers to decide which pitchers start the season on the active roster and keep the others motivated while pitching at Triple-A Oklahoma City or Double-A Tulsa.

  *  *  *  * 

What changes will the Dodgers make before submitting their 26-man active roster to MLB before their first regular-season game on April 1, 2021?

TBD (To Be Determined).

…after all, it is still a WIP.

  *  *  *  *  *  *