With a focus on adding to their bullpen this offseason, the Los Angeles Dodgers re-signed Blake Treinen and Jimmy Nelson, and traded for Corey Knebel. They also brought Tommy Kahnle in on a two-year contract, but he is unlikely to pitch this year.
The Dodgers additionally are taking fliers on Brandon Morrow and Brock Stewart, as each were signed to a Minor League deal. All the while the team has been linked to Brad Hand, Liam Hendriks, Jeremy Jeffress and Kirby Yates, among others.
Hendriks wound up signing a four-year contract with the Chicago White Sox, and Yates joined the Toronto Blue Jays. Hand was thought to be nearing an agreement with the New York Mets, but he still remains unsigned.
According to Jon Heyman of MLB Network, the Washington Nationals have entered the picture for the left-hander and the Dodgers are still giving some thought to possibly signing him:
Nats have emerged as a potential player for closer Brad Hand. They could use a lefty in pen but some question whether they have the $. Jays made a bid, Mets are monitoring, Angels and Dodgers are at least weighing Hand. Philly and Braves seek pen hep but haven’t been linked yet.
— Jon Heyman (@JonHeyman) January 23, 2021
Hand became a free agent this winter when the Cleveland Indians declined their $10 million option for the 2021 season and he went unclaimed at that salary after being placed on waivers.
Had once was considered as a top relief pitcher in baseball, but endured a bit of a rough 2019 season. He did bounce back last year to lead the Majors with 16 saves, while also pitching to a 2.05 ERA and 22-to-4 strikeout to walk ratio.
Dodgers losing free agents
While the Dodgers re-signed Nelson and Treinen, they have seen Pedro Baez (Houston Astros), Alex Wood (San Francisco Giants) and Kiké Hernandez (Boston Red Sox) head elsewhere. Joc Pederson and Justin Turner also played key roles on the World Series-winning team, and both remain unsigned.
There’s a belief the Dodgers have Turner as their top priority, which would address third base and a desire for a right-handed hitting position player.
Have you subscribed to the Dodger Blue YouTube channel? It’s the best way to watch player interviews, exclusive coverage from events, participate in our shows, and more!
