MLB free agency began the morning after the World Series concluded, which for the Los Angeles Dodgers amounted to 10 players no longer being under contract.
The group of Dodgers free agents comprised of Tyler Anderson, Joey Gallo, Andrew Heaney, Tommy Kahnle, Clayton Kershaw, Craig Kimbrel, Chris Martin, Kevin Pillar, David Price and Trea Turner.
They were joined shortly after by Hanser Alberto, Danny Duffy, Jimmy Nelson and Justin Turner, as each of the four had their team options declined. Alberto ($250,000) and Turner ($2 million) received buyouts.
Cody Bellinger, Edwin Ríos and Luke Williams then became free agents as well after each were non-tendered by the Dodgers.
Although free agency started on November 6, it wasn’t until 2 p.m. PT on Nov. 10 that players could negotiate contract terms with all teams.
Current list of Dodgers free agents
Hanser Alberto
Alberto brought a welcomed energy to the clubhouse but his on-field production in a bench role didn’t match that. Alberto did set an MLB record for most pitching appearances by a position player in a single season.
Tyler Anderson
After signing a one-year contract with a willingness to fill any role, Anderson pitched his way into the Dodgers starting rotation and earned a first career All-Star Game selection.
Anderson was extended the $19.65 million qualifying offer for 2023, which he rejected and signed with the Los Angeles Angels on a three-year contract.
Cody Bellinger
Weeks of speculation became a reality when the Dodgers non-tendered Bellinger, immediately making him a free agent. They have interest in re-signing him, but the Chicago Cubs and Toronto Blue Jays, among other teams, could enter the picture as well.
Danny Duffy
Duffy didn’t throw a pitch after being acquired at the trade deadline in 2021, underwent offseason surgery on his left flexor tendon and was re-signed.
Duffy couldn’t get through the rehab process this year and ultimately was shut down, again without ever pitching for the Dodgers.
Joey Gallo
The Dodgers acquired Gallo from the New York Yankees at the trade deadline with optimism he would bounce back from struggling and provide a boost to their bench.
Gallo never managed to gain much traction and now is a free agent for the first time in his career.
Andrew Heaney
Heaney was effective in 16 appearances (14 starts) for the Dodgers but missed a large part of the season because of multiple shoulder injuries.
The Dodgers re-signing Heaney may not be all that likely unless it were on a team-friendly deal.
Tommy Kahnle
Kahnle signed a two-year contract with the Dodgers in December 2020 but did not pitch for the team until this season due to recovering from Tommy John surgery.
Kahnle had 2.84 ERA but only managed to make 13 appearances.
Clayton Kershaw
Hours after Kershaw was not extended a qualifying offer, he and the Dodgers were said to be nearing an agreement on another one-year contract. Kershaw returning to the Dodgers appears to be a matter of ironing out final details, but he technically remains a free agent as of publishing.
Craig Kimbrel
Kimbrel’s first season with the Dodgers was mired by inconsistency that ultimately resulted in getting removed from the closer role and being left off the postseason roster for the National League Division Series.
Kimbrel is highly unlikely to re-sign with the Dodgers, and the only question remaining is whether he is still viewed as a closer by other teams.
Chris Martin
Martin struggled with the Chicago Cubs but excelled with the Dodgers thanks in large part to an adjustment with his pitch usage. There’s yet to be any indication on which teams have interest in the veteran right-hander.
Jimmy Nelson
Nelson failed to overcome injuries across two separate contracts with the Dodgers, but conceivably could remain with the organization on a Minor League deal.
Kevin Pillar
Pillar only appeared in four games for the Dodgers this season due to fracturing his left shoulder. However, the Southern California native enjoyed playing for his hometown team and could be a strong candidate to return as organizational depth.
David Price
Price again found success out of the bullpen, but the 37-year-old may retire to spend more time with his family rather than continuing on with his career.
Edwin Ríos
In a surprise development, Ríos was not tendered a contract heading into his first time being eligible for salary arbitration. That sent him into free agency and presumably ended Ríos’ career with the Dodgers.
Trea Turner
Turner is a lock to decline the qualifying offer and at the very least will net the Dodgers a draft pick if they are unable to re-sign him.
Justin Turner
Although the Dodgers declined their option on Turner for next season, president of baseball operations Andrew Friedman and Brandon Gomes have both expressed a strong desire to have him with the team moving forward.
Luke Williams
A mere 10 days after claiming Williams off waivers, the Dodgers did not tender him a contract. It remains plausible he’s still re-signed.
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