December 24th, 2022 at 8:00 am 
by Ron Cervenka To say that the Dodgers 2022-2023 off-season has been a quiet one would be a kind understatement – Trevor Bauer news notwithstanding, of course. While the division-rival San Francisco Giants and San Diego Padres seem to be signing some of the biggest names in the game today, Dodgers President of Baseball Operations Andrew Friedman seems to be tiptoeing through what is normally his busiest time of the year.
Oh sure, you can certainly argue that re-signing future Hall of Fame left-hander Clayton Kershaw, acquiring veteran free agent right-hander Noah Syndergaard and veteran free agent right fielder Jason Heyward, and (re)re-signing Adam Kolarek are newsworthy. But by and large, most of the Dodgers offseason moves have been relatively minor in nature.
…and understandably so.
Don’t think for one second that Friedman, considered by many to be the best in the business, wasn’t monitoring the Trevor Bauer situation by the second, knowing full well that the final outcome (full reinstatement) was not only a strong possibility, but very much expected. As such, Friedman has had to keep his offseason spending in check, knowing full well that the Dodgers would still have to pay Bauer his guaranteed $31.3 million for the 2023 season (and more than likely the $31.3 million he is due in 2024) to stay below (or at least close to) MLB’s tax threshold to avoid having to pay a very significant penalty.
(Kirby Lee)
But the news isn’t entirely all bad – Trevor Bauer news notwithstanding, of course. By not bringing a lot of veteran talent on-board, Friedman and the Dodgers will undoubtedly be drawing from their vast pool of very talented farmhands … and not just from Triple-A Oklahoma City. In fact, it is quite possible that we may see a Dodgers line-up in 2023 that includes players who spent all or part of the 2022 season at Double-A Tulsa, or even High-A Great Lakes or Low-A Rancho Cucamonga. How’s that for ‘letting the kids play,’ (as they say)?
All of this said, there is no disputing that Andrew Friedman’s Dodgers definitely have their work cut out for them if they hope to make their 11th consecutive postseason appearance.
Play Ball!
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thank you for a positive column on A. Freidman and the Dodger process…as a lifelong fan I am very comfortable with it. Trust Andrew.
Next step will be decisive in Dodgers immediate future.
Agree.
Being a Dodger fan since the 57 Brooklyn boys, I understand what Mr. Friedman has decided to do. However, with the losses they’ve suffered (Trea Turner etc.) and the spotty MLB performances of their youth (Lux etc.), coupled with SF and SD becoming monsters through signings, third place is lookng like home next season. It will take a Rookie if the Year and more to stand p to last year.