Now that the World Series is complete and managerial search is full-go, a busy offseason for the Los Angeles Dodgers has begun to unravel.
After a manager is hired, the front office will have decisions to make on several free agents. Without further ado, let’s analyze which players the Dodgers may look to bring back for the 2016 season.
Free Agents:
Brett Anderson: Inking a one-year deal last offseason, Anderson logged over 175 innings for the first time since 2009. His numbers were respectable across the board: 3.69 ERA, 3.94 FIP, 3.51 xFIP, including an MLB-best 66.3 ground ball percentage.
He was roughed up in his only postseason start, but overall, the Dodgers have to be pleased on what Anderson contributed over the course of the year.
Prediction: Anderson is in line for a multiyear deal, but it likely won’t come from Los Angeles. It’s a buyer’s market for starting pitchers this offseason, with many quality arms such as Johnny Cueto, David Price, and Jordan Zimmermann being available, so there are plenty of options with higher upside to choose from.
If the Dodgers give Anderson the one-year, $15.8 million qualifying offer and he signs with another club, they’ll receive a supplementary first round draft pick in next year’s draft.
Howie Kendrick: In his debut season with the Dodgers, Kendrick was one of the more consistent offensive players in the lineup, posting a solid .295/.336/.409 batting line in 495 plate appearances (117 games).
Prediction: Kendrick is by far the best second baseman on the market, and he’ll undoubtedly have plenty of suitors. He’s 32 years old and still has a few seasons left in his prime, but the Dodgers likely won’t overpay for an aging middle infielder.
Particularly with a glut of in-house candidates to replace Kendrick that feature Kiké Hernandez, Jose Peraza, and even Justin Turner. Kendrick will certainly receive a qualifying offer, which could net the Dodgers a draft pick should he sign somewhere else.
Jimmy Rollins: The longtime Philadelphia Phillies shortstop joined the Dodgers in a trade last offseason, hoping to solidify the shortstop position after Hanley Ramirez departed for Boston.
While Rollins brought leadership and quality defense to the club, he posted the worst offensive season of his career, batting .224/.285/.358 in 563 plate appearances.
Prediction: Rollins turns 37 in a few weeks and appears to be one-and-done in Los Angeles. Rookie phenom Corey Seager took over the starting job in September, put up impressive numbers and demonstrated he can handle the position defensively.
Potential Free Agents:
Bronson Arroyo: The 38-year-old journeyman was acquired from the Atlanta Braves in a hectic 13-player trade last July, but never threw a pitch for the Dodgers as he recovered from Tommy John surgery.
Prediction: This is an easy decision. The club holds a $13 million option for him next season, but will almost certainly buy him out for $4.5 million, making Arroyo a free agent.
While the club needs pitching depth, Arroyo isn’t the answer because of his age and recent performance.
CONTINUE READING: Zack Greinke And More Dodgers Free Agent Scenarios
