Roster renovations bring unique challenges, surprises, frustrations, and concerns during the process. In particular, the deconstruction process, removing functional pieces in order to improve the overall structure, can be daunting and filled with unexpected obstacles.

In effect, the Dodgers are under construction as they prepare to renovate the roster in pursuit of the 2023 MLB World Championship. There may be detours from established plans, and deconstruction is always troublesome, at times emotionally painful. But detours eventually lead you to your destination, and renovating can add elements that are rewarding, and ultimately bring additional value. 

Renovating is successful when you start with good bones and top-notch contractors. Make no mistake, the Dodgers have good bones, and Dodgers President of Baseball Operations Andrew Friedman is a top-notch contractor/executive with a successful track record of retooling teams.

The Dodgers have ten players who will become free agents five days after the conclusion of the 2022 World Series, and four with 2023 option decisions.

 Free Agents:

• Pitchers Tyler Anderson, Andrew Heaney, Tommy Kahnle, Clayton Kershaw, Craig Kimbrel, Chris Martin, and David Price
• Infielder Trea Turner
• Outfielders Joey Gallo and Kevin Pillar

Team options:

• Infielder Hanser Alberto ($2 million)
• Pitchers Danny Duffy ($7 million) and Jimmy Nelson ($1.1 million)

Mutual option: Justin Turner ($16 million)

“My strong hope is that Clayton Kershaw pitches here next year,” Friedman answered, when asked if the 34-year-old nine-time All-Star, five-time ERA title winner, three-time Cy Young Award winner, Triple Crown winner, Gold Glove winner, former MLB Player of the Year, and 2020 World Series Champion will return with the Dodgers in 2023. “But like I said last year, I think for him to take the time and put his head together with Ellen and figure out what makes the most sense for their family is what we’re going to afford them the time to do, and whether it’s a decision they make quickly or it takes some time I’m not sure of that right now. But as we learn that and get a sense, we’ll have a better feel for how we’re going to handle everything.”

Further complicating the Dodgers 2023 roster jigsaw puzzle are four of their top-10 prospects who (according to Fangraphs roster resource) must be added to the 40-man roster or exposed to the 2022 Rule 5 Draft: catcher Diego Cartaya (no. 1), infielder/outfielder Michael Busch (no. 4), outfielder Andy Pages (no. 5), and outfielder Jose Ramos (no. 8). 

In addition, there are currently rostered players who may be on the cusp of being non-tendered (not offered guaranteed contracts) for 2023. Relief pitcher Phil Bickford regressed from his 2021 season performance, and he can no longer be optioned to the minors. Justin Bruihl has two more years of minor league options, but his spot on the roster may be needed for other talent.

Then there is Cody Bellinger. In 2019, Cody was a National League All-Star, the league MVP, Silver Slugger recipient, and awarded a Gold Glove for his defense. Since that remarkable season his poor offensive performance and projected $18.1 million arbitration contract for 2023 makes him a strong candidate to be non-tendered.

Then there is the continuing Trevor Bauer saga with his two-year MLB suspension in arbitration. Without knowing the details it is possible that his suspension will be reduced, requiring the Dodgers to either play and pay him in 2023, or release and pay him the remainder of his contract.

We will dig deeper into the Dodger 2023 renovation process over the coming weeks.

Stay tuned.

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