The Los Angeles Dodgers have consistently been one of the most active teams during the MLB offseason, and this year was no different. At the trade deadline, the Dodgers made a significant move by acquiring pitcher Jack Flaherty from the Detroit Tigers while adding center fielder Kevin Kiermaier from the Toronto Blue Jays, reliever Michael Kopech from the Chicago White Sox, utility player Tommy Edman from the St. Louis Cardinals, and infielder Amed Rosario from the Tampa Bay Rays.
How these moves play out remains to be seen. We know that after a relatively quiet 2022 offseason, the Dodgers made a statement this past offseason and shifted gears dramatically, making several high-profile acquisitions that left the baseball world buzzing. Heading towards the postseason, they remain the Las Vegas casino favorites, and anything short of a World Series Championship would be a failure.
Dodgers All-In
Over the winter, the Dodgers signed two-way sensation Shohei Ohtani to a record-breaking $700 million contract this past off-season. They secured the services of Japanese pitching ace Yoshinobu Yamamoto for $325 million. These signings alone would be enough to make headlines, but the Dodgers didn’t stop there. They also added outfielder Teoscar Hernández on a one-year, $23.5 million deal and traded pitcher Tyler Glasnow, who they immediately signed to a five-year contract extension worth $136.5 million.
However, if the 2024 MLB season is any indication, work still needs to be done. The Dodgers’ front office, which is well known for its aggressive pursuit of top talent, is likely not finished yet. As the 2024 offseason approaches, two names that have emerged as potential off-season targets for the Dodgers are Atlanta Braves ace Max Fried and Milwaukee Brewers shortstop Willy Adames.
Max Fried
Max Fried, a pivotal figure in the Braves’ rotation, is set to become a free agent at the end of the season. Fried has been a model of consistency and excellence since breaking out during the shortened 2020 season. Over the past few years, he has maintained a dominant 2.73 ERA and a 3.12 FIP in 101 starts despite a relatively modest 23.3% strikeout rate. This season, Fried has continued to impress with a 3.08 ERA and 3.55 FIP in 18 starts, even after a rocky start. His ability to bounce back and perform at a high level makes him a highly sought-after free agent.
Bleacher Report’s Zachary Rymer has listed the Dodgers among the favorites to sign Fried, noting that any big-spending teams, including the Yankees, Giants, and Red Sox, could also be in the mix.
“If Carlos Rodón’s six-year, $162 million deal with the (New York Yankees) is the model for talented yet not always healthy lefties, then so be it. That should be Fried’s target,” Rymer said. “Freddie Freeman’s departure is a warning to Atlanta fans not to put too much hope in a reunion on the open market. Any number of usual-suspect big spenders could get in on Fried, including the Yankees, Dodgers, (San Francisco Giants), and (Boston Red Sox).”
Rymer suggests that Fried could target a contract similar to Carlos Rodón’s six-year, $162 million deal with the New York Yankees. Given the Dodgers’ need for pitching depth, especially with the uncertain future of Walker Buehler, who is struggling to return from a second Tommy John surgery, and the potential retirement of Clayton Kershaw, Fried would be a valuable addition to their rotation.
Willy Adames
Willy Adames has been a pivotal player for the Milwaukee Brewers since being traded from the Tampa Bay Rays in 2021. Adames has consistently been a strong defensive shortstop and a streaky hitter, with an OPS+ of at least 109 in five of his seven seasons. As he approaches free agency, Adames is expected to seek a contract similar to those signed by Trevor Story and Javier Báez, who inked six-year, $140 million deals after their age-28 seasons.
The Dodgers have been in the market for a shortstop since Trea Turner’s departure, and Adames could be the long-term solution they need. While the Brewers have a history of being thrifty, making it unlikely they will offer Adames a lucrative long-term deal, the Dodgers have the financial flexibility to make a competitive offer. Rymer highlights that Adames’ market could include big spenders like the Dodgers, Braves, and Giants, all with shortstop needs.
The Dodgers’ pursuit of Fried and Adames would address areas of need and reinforce their status as perennial contenders. With a roster already brimming with talent, the addition of Fried would bolster their pitching rotation, providing a reliable left-handed ace to complement their existing staff. Meanwhile, Adames would bring stability and defensive prowess to the shortstop position, potentially filling a long-term void.
As the offseason approaches, the Dodgers will undoubtedly be one of the most closely watched teams. Their ability to attract top talent and make bold moves has been a hallmark of their recent success. While it is still too early to predict with certainty what will happen, the potential signings of Max Fried and Willy Adames would be significant steps towards maintaining their competitive edge and making another deep postseason run.
