November 26th, 2024 at 9:00 am 
by Jesse Pearce Dodgers fans have grown accustomed to the team pursuing elite players, whether through free agency or blockbuster trade scenarios. The 2024-25 Hot Stove season is more of the same, as the team is connected by rumor, supposition, or innuendo with the elite free agents and trade targets. Before the team assembles next February for Spring Training, there will be star power added to the roster – perhaps an All-Star-level starting pitcher (or two), another outfielder (or two), and perhaps a new shortstop.
Names? Your guess is as good – or better – than anyone else. But there is no doubt that they will be among the best in MLB, although not all of the additions will be stars.
Like side dishes can take Thanksgiving dinner from good to wonderful, supporting players who often ‘fly under the radar’ can elevate a roster to a higher level. Seldom do those complementary players get the accolades. Nevertheless, they are valued by their teammates for their season-long contributions.
Which players might the Dodgers acquire who are more blue-collar than star quality?
Number one on my list is Daulton Varsho, the 28-year-old center fielder for the Toronto Blue Jays. His lifetime offense is marginal (96 wRC+; 4% below Major League average), but his defense is legit Gold-Glove-quality, with speed and above average arm strength. Adding Varsho would make 29-year-old utility infielder/outfielder Tommy Edman the Dodgers regular shortstop, pairing with second baseman Mookie Betts for a center-of-the-diamond defense that Dodgers pitchers would relish.
(Jeff Wheele)
Varsho comes with another skill set the team could use – he originally came up to the Majors as a catcher. Having him on the roster would provide Dodgers manager Dave Roberts with an emergency catcher who has literally been there, done that.
Who might the Dodgers trade for Varsho? Reportedly, the Blue Jays are desperate to strengthen their bullpen, adding a backup catcher, and right handed hitting. Perhaps right-handed reliever Michael Grove, catcher Hunter Feduccia, and infield/outfield prospect Andre Lipcius would put Varsho in center field for the Dodgers.
Varsho in center, re-signing fan-favorite Teoscar Hernández for left, and moving Andy Pages to his more natural position in right would provide the defense and offense to help carry the team to the 2025 World Series.
If the Dodgers have Edman penciled in as their regular center fielder, are there any under the radar shortstops the team should pursue?
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Varsho would be a tremendous addition to the Dodgers. So much is riding on what they decide to do with Teoscar.
I think Varsho is an excellent guy to play alongside Hernandez, not expensive and helps make up teoscar limited range
Trade Taylor for Bellinger.
I like it (if no Soto)! Dodgers would likely have to include a pitcher (Knack?) and a minor league OF’er like Ryan Ward.
the Cubs would not trade Belli for CT3. As if any team would rush in to take on Taylor’s 13 million, despite that it would give the Cubs some relief from Belli’s $27.5 mill.
Most importantly, I don’t think a Dodgers trade for Bellinger will happen — too much baggage.
That being said, I could see the Cubs taking a player with a bad contract to dump Bellinger’s bigger contract and getting a couple of young, low paid prospects in return.
However
If we sign Adames we move Edman to CF
pages and maybe Outman in RF. Hopefully Teo.
I think Buehler Yamamoto Glasnow
Kershaw Gonsolin May Ohtani should be enough.
We still have to sign Treinin and another BP arm.
If we did trade for Belly say LKank and CT3,
It would open up bringing back Kiki.
Adames is a good option — by far the top SS on free agent market, the bidding may drive up the price beyond what Friedman believes he is worth. After Thanksgiving I will have a piece looking at other, less expensive options. Starter — I think the Dodgers will add a LH starter – Crochet, Fried, Snell, or ? I think Dodgers will get Treinen — perhaps a two year contract with lower AAV. Bellinger is a huge long shot for Dodgers to acquire — fun to talk about but I don’t see Friedman making a deal to return him
Well, you called it Jesse. Dodgers sign lefty Snell.
Snell 5 yrs 182 mil. No optouts. Stay healthy please.
I hope he turns out like Jerry Reuss who came to the Dodgers and was phenominal.
Could not agree more — stay healthy please.
I’m starting to be concerned that the Dodgers will not pay Teoscar, opting to leave Betts in RF, Pages in CF, and some platoon guys in LF
Then go get Kiki forLf. Platoon
With CT3.