December 23rd, 2022 at 8:00 am 
by 0799291000348 To date, the Dodgers have shopped in the budget aisle of MLB free agency, acting more like a mid-market team with a restricted payroll than the financial Goliath of previous years. Nevertheless, the team should be lauded for adding several talented players for below market contracts: starting pitcher Clayton Kershaw returns, Noah Syndergaard will be in the starting rotation, J.D. Martinez will be the permanent Designated Hitter, Shelby Miller will compete for a reliever position, with veteran outfielders Jason Hayward and Bradley Zimmer invited to Spring Training to compete for roster spots — all on one-year contracts.
What are the next moves by Dodgers General Manager Brandon Gomes, and President of Baseball Operations Andrew Friedman to tweak the team’s roster before Spring Training? The likely answer is nothing earth shattering – perhaps upgrading the bench with a better utility infielder than Yonny Hernández, and possibly an everyday centerfielder.
While baseball analysts banter about a blockbuster trade for Pittsburgh Pirates outfielder Bryan Reynolds, the asking price is reportedly exorbitant in ready-now prospects, and that isn’t going to happen under Friedman’s watch. It’s possible, but not probable, that the Pirates become more reasonable in their trade expectations and Reynolds is in the Dodgers starting lineup on opening day — but don’t hold your breath.
Friedman has been anything but predictable in his baseball operations role, so it may be a fools errand attempting to forecast next steps. Nevertheless, the Hot Stove season is the time each year that die-hard baseball fans discuss trades as they wait for Spring Training, so let’s jump into the deep end of the forecasting pool.
Utility Infielder:
Several middle infielders remain on the free agent market who would be an upgrade over Yonny Hernández – a low bar for comparison purposes. Frankly, re-signing Hanser Alberto would be a much better option, not only for the upgrade in baseball skills, but also his clubhouse and bench intangibles. Another free agent utility player to consider is Brian Anderson (Marlins) who plays third base and outfield corners.
Should the Dodgers want an infielder who could be a semi-regular the Miami Marlins’ Joey Wendle is an ideal target. A free agent after the 2023 season, Wendle is a good offensive infielder and an above average defender at second, third, and shortstop. The Marlins are desperate for an outfield upgrade.
Forecast: Dodgers expand trade to include left-handed pitcher Trevor Rogers with Wendle, sending outfielders Trayce Thompson and James Outman, infield prospect Jorbit Vivas, catcher/second base prospect Yeiner Fernandez, and pitching prospect Carlos Duran to the Marlins.
Center fielder:
The Dodgers may be content going to Spring Training with a platoon of Chris Taylor and James Outman in center field, with prospects Miguel Vargas and Michael Busch sharing left field (Vargas would also play some at third base). Veterans Jason Hayward and Bradley Zimmer will also be competing for outfield positions when the Dodgers open camp at Camelback Ranch in less than two months. And slugging outfield prospect Andy Pages may be ready contribute no later than mid-season 2023.
Considering Dodgers Manager Dave Roberts‘ recent comment: “I would say somebody that can manage center field is probably a top priority…,” it seems the Dodgers desire a better option than Taylor and Outman in center field. Rumors have the Dodgers interested in St. Louis Cardinals’ center-fielder Dylan Carlson (a switch hitter) who had a very good rookie season (2021) but struggled offensively in 2022. The Cards are loaded with young outfielders, but in need of pitching upgrades.
Forecast: Dodgers trade starting pitcher Ryan Pepiot, reliever Phillip Bickford, and pitching prospect Kyle Hurt to Cardinals for Carlson.
Starting pitchers:
Tony Gonsolin (R), Clayton Kershaw (L), Trevor Rogers (L), Noah Syndergaard (R), Julio Urías (L)
Relievers:
Yency Almonte (R), Caleb Ferguson (L), Victor Gonzalez (L), Brusdar Graterol (R), Daniel Hudson (R), Dustin May (R), Shelby Miller (R), Evan Phillips (R), Alex Vesia (L)
Catchers:
Infielders:
Freddie Freeman, Gavin Lux, Max Muncy, Miguel Vargas, Joey Wendle
Outfielders:
Mookie Betts, Michael Busch, Dylan Carlson, Chris Taylor
Designated Hitter:
J.D. Martinez
(FS1)
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Next week we will have some fun and take a look at some block-buster trades the Dodgers should consider.
Have a great Christmas!
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Authors Note:
This article was written before the Trevor Bauer arbitration decision was announced on Thursday evening. First reaction: Bauer will opt out of his Dodgers contract, be paid $15M by the team, and become a free agent. The potential impact of Bauer’s immediate reinstatement to the Dodgers 2023 payroll will take some time to sort out. We will tackle that topic next week.
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Posted in 
It’s not often that I disagree with you, Jesse, but I do on this one. It is my opinion that the Trevor Bauer situation is EXACTLY why the Dodgers “…have shopped in the budget aisle of MLB free agency…” to this point this off-season.
Knowing that MLB’s decision on Bauer was a very real (and very likely) possibility, Andrew Friedman (and Dodgers ownership) have had their hands tied to go after upper tier free agents (although it’s hard to argue that snagging Syndergaard wasn’t a big deal). As such, I wouldn’t be surprised to see Andrew “let the kids play” (as they say) during the 2023 season; at least in the beginning of it.
Without getting into a lengthy reply, the Bauer situation is going to play BIG into the remainder of the Dodgers off-season and through the entire 2023 season – and possibly beyond.
We are not in disagreement. I have written before that the Bauer arbitration decision was impacting the Dodgers pursuit of free agents. I think Friedman has done a terrific job returning Kershaw, adding Syndergaard and JD Martinez who could have signed for more money and years elsewhere. Now that the Bauer decision is in the team can no with certainty the payroll impact. Remember that it was possible that the Dodgers would have to pay Bauer back salary for 2022.
Dodgers need to drop Bauer immediately. Damn the money and payroll issues. Ownership and the FO made this bed when they didn’t vet the clown sufficiently to begin with and they’ll have to live with the consequences. There are more more important things than money in this world even if we seldom recognize them.
Patience can save the Dodgers millions of dollars. There is no rush even if the team already knows that they do not want Bauer on the team.
Bauer was stupid for bad judgement, but no criminal or civil charges were filed against him. In fact there is a lot of evidence that the woman deliberately misled law enforcement as well as committed perjury while under oath. He has paid a hefty price for what he was involved in and now it’s time to let the man play baseball. The Dodgers are on the hook for $21.5 million this year. Pay him and play him. Releasing him would be outright stupid.
I don’t like the guy, nor do I condone his antics on the field, but before he left he was a legit #1 starter. I’d like to see the Dodgers get something out of him.
It is time to follow the rule of law and not cowtow to woke politics and cancel culture. Bauer has already lost 1.5 seasons. Let’s salvage something out of that lousy contract and see if he comes up a winner. Kobe Bryant was maligned in a similar fashion , but he started winning and soon everyone seemed to forget his indiscretions and the rape that he was acquitted of. Bauer’s situation is very similar.
Can you imagine if Bauer is released and the Giants or Pads pick him up? We’d be paying him $21 million to beat us (which I’m pretty sure he will, since he’ll have that extra incentive to stick it to the Dodgers).
If he opts out, it happens. The Dodgers have no control over that, but I get the feeling he won’t. He’s got a sure $21.5 coming, and why would he walk away from that. Plus as a Dodger he pitches for his hometown team and a legit World Series contender. Bauer doesn’t want to go to a team that will likely not contend.
Well, my lengthy reply vanished — so I will provide a Reader’s Digest version. First, well constructed argument – Kudos.
Bauer is all about the money and opting out will give him $15M and free to negotiate with any team — no doubt he will more than make up the $7M in Dodger salary he would be giving up. I can see the Padres doing whatever it takes to sign Bauer for one year, but the Yankees, Phillies, Blue Jays, and Houston will also be interested.
I am fine with Bauer returning as long as the team is good with him in the dugout and clubhouse. The Dodgers cannot afford to bring Bauer back and have a player revolt.
Just a guess, but I think there may be enough owners against Bauer that there could be an issue in the board room.
If he was on drugs we would make every attempt to help him.
Make him sign an agreement that he won’t participate in any of these hookups
Or if there is any scandal he will be released without pay as a violation of MLB ruled. He must already know this based on the arbitrators ruling.
Play the man and sell it as you are giving Bauer a chance to rehabilitate himself.
I’m OK with Bauer pitching for Dodgers as long as the players are receptive to him returning to the dugout and clubhouse. He is already under contract, so I don’t see him agreeing to any restrictions on his legal, private life. If the team leaders (Kershaw, Betts, Freeman) are 100% on board with Bauer returning, then KISS principle: Bauer has been disciplined, he is returning to the team, play ball.
The point I was actually making is that the arbiter has ruled that MLB sexual conduct held. Therefore if it happens again he will be suspended without pay.
I agree with you 100% that it’s really up to the players as to whether they accept him as a member of the team.
I don’t think he would want to cut a deal and leave because it’s probably in his best interest to go out and prove himself and then go free agent.
Bauer has had his one chance — a repeat should get him permanently banned from MLB.
I would not be upset if he decides to pitch for Dodgers (as long as players want him back) — I think we discussed that possibility last month. If he does return to Dodgers the team will have starting pitchers Clayton Kershaw, Julio Urias, Noah Syndergaard, and Bauer as free agents after the 2023 season.
Maybe we can sign one of them lol.
CK retires. Bauer goes byebye. Urias gets Rodon money. Syndagaard signs back after 13-6 season
If Urias repeats his last two seasons he will blow past the Rodon contract. I like the idea of Syndergaard coming back if he pitches the way I think he will, but Dodgers will be loaded with RH pitchers in 2024: Buehler, Gonsolin,Pepiot, May, Bobby Miller, Gavin Stone, and perhaps Sheehan