December 16th, 2021 at 8:30 am 
by 0799291000348 Dodgers fans have grown accustomed to Dodgers President of Baseball Operations Andrew Friedman‘s methodical approach to roster construction (or deconstruction), being a master poker player in the acquisition of talent, and diligently controlling information on roster plans. Stalled negotiations for a renewed Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA) between the MLB Players Association and the owners due to MLB’s current lockout of players has added an additional level of information control during a period when fans are accustomed to debating player acquisitions.
Prior to the lockout, the Dodgers attempted to re-sign future Hall of Fame pitcher Max Scherzer and agreed to a contract with free agent left-handed starting pitcher Andrew Heaney. They also re-signed key contributor Chris Taylor and added free agent right-handed reliever Daniel Hudson. The team did not re-sign All-Star shortstop Corey Seager, but it seems that was a fait accompli when he and his agent, Scott Boras, rejected the Dodgers eight-year/$250 million offer earlier in 2021.
(Images courtesy of SportsNet LA and Kelly Gavin)
MLB pundits predicted that the Dodgers would either sign or trade for a top-of-the-rotation starting pitcher, but the team will not get into a bidding frenzy for mid-rotation pitchers or oft-injured veterans. With the inflated market for 2021-22 free agents, it is more likely that the team will now look to the trade market to supplement their starting rotation.
Trade targets floated through baseball journalists and commentators are well known to fans: Cincinnati Reds ace Luis Castillo or veteran Sonny Gray; the Oakland A’s Sean Manaea or Chris Bassitt; or one of the young pitchers from the Miami Marlins like Pablo Lopez. But, Castillo, Manaea, Bassitt, or Lopez would require a substantial package of Dodgers veterans and/or prospects in return. Gray may be an option with a very reasonable salary ($10M), but the Reds will demand a good return and Gray may not be a significant upgrade over current pitchers Tony Gonsolin, Mitchell White, and perhaps Brusdar Graterol.
The Dodgers have three of the finest young pitchers in Major League Baseball, Walker Buehler, Julio Urías, and Dustin May (who should be ready to pitch competitively shortly after the 2022 All-Star game). As much as some fans may cringe at the thought, it is likely that 2020 National League Cy Young award winner Trevor Bauer will be starting for the Dodgers at some point in the 2022 season. With Heaney and the potential return of Clayton Kershaw, the team can be tough negotiators in trade discussions while holding onto their most prized prospects.
Of course, there is no guarantee that the Dodgers even want Bauer to ever pitch for them again. Kershaw could decide to pitch in Texas (or elsewhere), and May’s recovery from Tommy John surgery may take much longer than anticipated. So, the Dodgers will likely trade for another pitcher and re-sign a pitcher like Danny Duffy, who could either start or relieve.
A team that aligns well with the Dodgers for a trade are the Cleveland Guardians, who remain in the market for outfield help to give them more offense and middle infield depth. Starting right-handed pitcher Cal Quantrill (2.89 ERA, 4.07 FIP – 150 IP) with four years of team control would be a good addition to the Dodgers staff, as he also has experience pitching in relief. Who would the Dodgers have to give up in return? Perhaps outfielder Matt Beaty, infielder Zach McKinstry, and top catching prospect Jesus Galiz.
According to recent reports, MLB and the Players Association will not reconvene for bargaining until January. While the teams are prevented from making trades or signing players at the Major League level, there is nothing to prevent them from discussing possible deals. Another tactic being employeed by some teams is signing players with previous MLB experience to Minor League (MiLB) contracts, presumably with a promise to promote them to their respective 40-man rosters once a new CBA is in place. The MiLB is (currently) not included in the MLB lockout.
MLB may be in a lockout, but rest assured that Andrew Friedman is still planning on and looking for ways to improve the Dodgers roster in their bid to become 2022 World Series champions.
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Another excellent thought-provoking piece, Jesse. Thank you!
If Kershaw retires, could Dodgers do a 1 yr deal with old friend Greinke.
Would the Reds take Mckinstry and a catching prospect for Gray.
Moves like that just to get us to Dustin May.
Interesting question – McKinstry and catching prospect for Gray. I think the Reds will want more. Great question about Greinke. As Ron replied, Grelinke probably wants more than 1 year, but if Friedman offered enough money perhaps a one year with an option year based on innings pitched. I would much rather have Greinke than Gray.
Great Q on Greinke. My guess is that at 38 years old, he would prefer a 2 to 3-year deal but would (probably) take a Reds-like one-year deal from Friedman. He definitely still has gas in the tank.