Andrew Friedman took the time to talk to the media during the GM Meetings at the Omni Scottsdale Resort & Spa at Montelucia, where he fielded questions with a ton of variance.
He discussed many things, among them being shortstop Corey Seager’s future in Los Angeles.
Andrew Friedman is pushing back against the thought that the Dodgers won't be (and haven't been) active in terms of big-name free agents. He also clarified the team's future at one key position but didn't offer much on others.
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The Dodgers seemingly have a plan this off-season to reshuffle their infield. We will probably see Justin Turner as the starting first baseman in 2020, should the Dodgers move in a different direction (what is expected). The Dodgers also carry top prospect Gavin Lux, Max Muncy, and the aforementioned Seager to fill out the infield. If the Dodgers got an Anthony Rendon, Josh Donaldson, or Francisco Lindor, how would the infield maneuver itself to get everyone at-bats?
Seager has never really played another position. Outside of a brief 39.2 innings at third base in his rookie season, shortstop has always been his home. His bat keeps him around with his glove slightly lagging behind, but in 2019, he posted a slightly above average .817 OPS. There is a real chance that Seager was not 100 percent healthy in 2019. It might even be the most likely scenario. Simply put, the Dodgers would be well-suited to hold off on dealing him away unless the right package came along — possibly for Lindor.
Never sell your assets at valley value, only at peak value.
Andrew Friedman called Seager’s season “a great success” and for good reason. His second half was a lot better and it seemed like we got to watch daily doubles come off of his bat. He appears poised to have a full head of steam rolling into 2020.
Here is what Andrew Friedman had to say regarding Seager:
“When you miss that much of a previous season, to come back and do what he did speaks volumes to his ability,” he said. “I’m very bullish on what he will do in 2020, having been back now for a year. I think there’s gonna be another significant step forward.”
Friedman also stated that the Dodgers have conveyed to the young shortstop that he should be less aggressive on the first pitch.
“There are times when pitchers definitely exploit that, and I think there are times when it definitely serves to his advantage,” Friedman said. “It’s finding that equilibrium that I think is important. He possesses that ability, after the first pitch, to look over a baseball as well as anybody. So incorporating that a little bit more on the first pitch, I personally think would be a good thing.”
Andrew Friedman gave Corey Seager the vote of confidence. However, we are not that far removed from the same conversation being had about Dee Gordon. Corey Seager will be available in trade talks this winter and in the right deal, they should pounce.
