The Los Angeles Dodgers went into the offseason with several key free agents, but most of whom who want to re-sign with the team.
Teoscar Hernández, Clayton Kershaw, Jack Flaherty and Kiké Hernández have each publicly stated they hope to remain with the Dodgers. Kershaw has guaranteed his return and merely needs to reach an agreement on contract terms after declining a player option for 2025.
While the Dodgers have been linked to Juan Soto and Roki Sasaki, there’s also a line of thought that re-signing their own free agents is the best path.
During an appearance on the “On Base” podcast with Mookie Betts, Dodgers manager Dave Roberts suggested his preference for the team is to retain Teoscar Hernández and Blake Treinen, among others:
“I would write to Santa, because I don’t know if I can speak on individual names, but I want to bring back a guy that we had in the bullpen this year that we talked a little bit about earlier. I would love for Santa to bring me another bullpen arm who is a high-leverage free agent, I want a starting pitcher and I want to bring a guy that had a couple big homers for us in the postseason that was with us this year. And he’s from a Latin American country.”
Hernández is drawing interest from multiple teams, but the general belief is he will ultimately re-sign with the Dodgers. Hernández recently said his priority was to be back with the team.
Although Kershaw fits the description of a starting pitcher, his 2025 season will be delayed because of left knee and foot surgeries. Thus, it would appear Roberts is interested in the Dodgers adding another starter to their roster.
That easily could be Sasaki, or perhaps one of Blake Snell, Corbin Burnes or Max Fried.
Biggest Dodgers needs
Addressing the outfield figures to be a priority for the Dodgers given their lack of current depth. Not far behind that is their starting rotation despite the likes of Tony Gonsolin, Dustin May and Tyler Glasnow due back from respective injuries.
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