After a disappointing end to their 2019 season, the Los Angeles Dodgers entered the winter with aspirations of adding frontline talent to the roster.
The club reportedly zeroed in on Gerrit Cole before he signed a record-breaking contract with the New York Yankees, offering him an eight-year pact worth $300 million.
The Dodgers also saw the likes of Anthony Rendon and Stephen Strasburg sign elsewhere, resulting in them making just one addition at the Winter Meetings. Looking to fortify the bullpen, L.A. brought in former Oakland Athletics closer Blake Treinen on a one-year contract, with hopes that he will return to his previous elite form.
As for roster departures, the Dodgers are currently down a couple of arms in the starting rotation. Rich Hill remains a free agent after undergoing elbow surgery in October, while Hyun-Jin Ryu recently agreed to a four-year contract with the Toronto Blue Jays.
With plenty of moves still to come, Dodgers manager Dave Roberts believes there will be significant roster changes before Opening Day of the 2010. “Yeah,” he recently said of the possibility of more transactions coming to fruition this offseason when compared to years past.
“I would say as far as with my time here, I think this is probably the most turnover we’ll have from one season to the next. I think that’s fair.”
While most of the prominent free agents have already come off the board, there are still plenty of opportunities for the Dodgers to improve before the start of the 2020 season.
The club has seemingly turned their attention to the trade market, focusing on acquiring Cleveland Indians All-Star shortstop Francisco Lindor. The 26-year-old would check off many boxes for L.A., which is why a handful of American League managers believe he is the ideal acquisition.
The Dodgers have also reached out to the Boston Red Sox in regards to Mookie Betts’ availability, identifying him as a potential fallback option should they fail to land Lindor.
L.A. is also said to be in the mix for free-agent third baseman Josh Donaldson, although the incumbent Atlanta Braves and Washington Nationals are considered the favorites to sign him.
Have you subscribed to our YouTube channel? It’s the best way to watch player interviews, exclusive coverage from events and more!
