While we wait for the arrival of Spring Training and the start of another season, the Dodgers are gearing up for another title run. They’ve added some interesting bullpen pieces as well as depth so far. However, the organization has indicated that there are still some items on their Christmas list, including a right-handed bat.
Roberts said another leverage reliever and a right-handed bat are on his offseason wish list.
— Dodger Insider (@DodgerInsider) December 17, 2020
If Justin Turner ultimately doesn’t re-sign with Los Angeles, then that need becomes even bigger. The free-agent market has been pretty quiet as of late so there are still some intriguing options the Dodgers can go after.
Other Notable Targets: Renato Núñez, José Martinez, Hanser Alberto, Todd Frazier
The No-Brainer
https://twitter.com/Starting9/status/1300947344746315781?s=20
DJ LeMahieu has to be the best bat available right now. The 32-year old recently ended his tenure with the Yankees posting a .364 batting average with 10 home runs and 27 RBIs. He’s a career .305 hitter and can play third base as well as first. There’s no doubt his bat would be a huge boost to an already deep lineup. He can handle duties at third if Turner departs via free agency or take over second if Gavin Lux isn’t ready. The biggest obstacle to such a marriage would be the qualifying offer attached to him as well as his price tag.
The Insurance Policy
https://twitter.com/MLB/status/892242309420646401?s=20
Semien has spent his whole 8-year career with the Oakland A’s but his time there may be over. Marcus Semien has formed into one of the better offensive shortstops in the league while playing elite defense. While he’s no DJ LeMahieu, he can still be beneficial to the Dodgers. His presence on the roster could also serve as an insurance policy if Seager departs via free agency next offseason and signs with another team. There have already been ties between him and the organization so a match isn’t too crazy of an idea.
The Veteran
https://twitter.com/tylermilliken_/status/1306021826364088320?s=20
Alright now there still may be some hard feelings toward Ryan Braun for stealing the 2011 MVP away from Matt Kemp, but that was ages ago. The former Brewer has been a possible target for the Dodgers for a couple of years now. While he’s already 37-years old, Braun is still capable of being a solid contributor. While the outfield for the Dodgers is crowded, he’s shown his flexibility by logging innings at first base. He would be able to share duties with Edwin Ríos and have Muncy slide over to be the everyday third baseman.
A Wild Reunion
https://twitter.com/SportsCenter/status/1053830303582773250?s=20
As was just mentioned, the outfield is crowded with many Dodgers vying for playing time there. However, who wouldn’t want to see a reunion between the Wild Horse and the Dodgers. The Dodgers have been without a fire starter since his departure. Alex Verdugo was emerging as the next spark before he was included in a package for Mookie Betts. Yasiel Puig did not play in 2020 after he tested positive for COVID-19 and was released by the Braves. In 2019, he hit .267 with 24 home runs and 84 RBIs while splitting time between the Reds and Indians. There’s no doubt bringing him back would excite many Dodgers fans and could possibly be beneficial to the team.
The Old Man
https://twitter.com/MLBONFOX/status/1287496410221260800?s=20
Targeting Nelson Cruz would only make sense for Los Angeles if the DH were to come back in 2021. There has been talk that there is a strong possibility it doesn’t happen, but we never know. It’s hard to imagine that father time hasn’t caught up with the 40-year old. He’s showed no signs of slowing down at the plate this past season after slashing .303 with 16 home runs and 33 RBIs. You thought opposing pitchers shivered at the thought of the Dodgers’ lineup before, think again with the addition of Nelson Cruz. While this is a long shot from happening, it’s fun to wonder how many home runs the team would hit with him on the roster.
Bring back Puig!!! Except, I kind of thought that he meant a big right handed bat for an infielder.