The Los Angeles Dodgers certainly made a splash with their agreement to sign Trevor Bauer, but as the scheduled start of Spring Training sits just over one week away, the team has yet to address their biggest need.
At the start of the offseason Dodgers president of baseball operations Andrew Friedman identified the bullpen and adding a right-handed bat to the lineup as focal points. L.A. addressed their group of relief pitchers by trading for Corey Knebel, re-signing Blake Treinen, and bringing in Tommy Kahnle — although he may not pitch until next season.
Meanwhile, the Dodgers have long been linked to Justin Turner and considered the favorite to sign him. They also held reported interest in Marcell Ozuna, and Nelson Cruz was believed to be open to signing with the Dodgers if a universal designated hitter was guaranteed to return.
Ozuna wound up re-signing with the Braves on a four-year, $64 million contract that includes a club option for a fifth year at $16 million, along with a $1 million buyout. According to Juan Toribio of MLB.com, the Dodgers only offered the right-handed slugger a two-year pact:
LA offered Ozuna a two-year deal, according to a source close to the situation.
While Ozuna certainly represents a quality hitter who would further strengthen the Dodgers lineup, his overall fit with the team was in question due to uncertainty with the universal DH. Ozuna is capable of playing left field, but would be redundant with AJ Pollock expected to receive time there.
Of course, signing Ozuna could have prompted the Dodgers to explore a trade involving Pollock.
Dodgers remain in talks with Turner
Soon after Bauer announced his decision to sign with the Dodgers, it was reported the team remained engaged in negotiations with Turner. He not only is a right-handed hitting position player needed to balance the lineup but is the clear answer for the current void at third base.
Dodgers manager Dave Roberts has twice stated his hope and desire Turner is re-signed.
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