There’s been little movement among Los Angeles Dodgers free agents thus far, with only Clayton Kershaw reportedly agreeing to re-sign for the 2023 season and Tyler Anderson joining the Los Angeles Angels on a three-year contract the only activity to speak of.
Meanwhile, the likes of Hanser Alberto, Andrew Heaney, Craig Kimbrel, Tommy Kahnle, Chris Martin and Trea Turner remain free agents. The Dodgers are believed to have interest in re-signing Turner, but that’s not considered a likely outcome.
Kahnle was recently said to be on the radar of several teams, of which the Dodgers presumably are part of.
With the 2022 MLB Winter Meetings on the verge of beginning in San Diego, there’s a belief Martin and other relief pitchers may soon sign new contracts, per ESPN’s Buster Olney:
There is a sense among some execs that a wave of second-tier free agent relievers is moving fast and on the cusp of landing deals — Chris Martin, Miguel Castro, etc.
— Buster Olney (@Buster_ESPN) December 1, 2022
The Dodgers acquired Martin at the trade deadline this past season in a deal that sent Zach McKinstry to the Chicago Cubs.
The veteran relief pitcher had thrown 31.1 innings for the Cubs and struggled to the tune of a 4.31 ERA. However, he struck out 30.1% of batters faced while walking just 3%, amounting to a 3.02 FIP during that span.
Martin adjusted his pitch usage with the Dodgers and was much improved, going 3-1 with two saves, a 1.46 ERA and 0.53 WHIP over 26 appearances.
The 36-year-old carried that success into the postseason, logging two scoreless innings across two games against the San Diego Padres in the National League Division Series.
Along with Dodgers pitching coaches, Martin credited Austin Barnes and Will Smith for being instrumental in his turnaround this year.
Will Dodgers re-sign Chris Martin?
Although Dodgers president of baseball operations Andrew Friedman said the team is focused on starting pitching this offseason, there is a need in the bullpen as well.
That was addressed in some regard with the reported signing of Shelby Miller, but the Dodgers would still stand to benefit from retaining Kahnle or Martin as well.
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