The Los Angeles Dodgers went into the offseason as World Series champions, but this week have been overshadowed by the San Diego Padres due to their blockbuster trades for Blake Snell and Yu Darvish.
The Padres finished with the second-best record in the National League this past season and reached the playoffs for the first time since 2006. They of course finished second to the Dodgers in the NL West, then were swept by them in the Division Series.
While at least one scout still considers the Dodgers the best team in the NL, there is no denying they face roster questions this winter. The likes of Pedro Baez, Kiké Hernandez, Joc Pederson and Justin Turner remain among their free agents.
President of baseball operations Andrew Friedman has expressed an interest in retaining some of the club’s key contributors, but the Dodgers have also been tied to external free agents. Perhaps most notably Liam Hendriks and DJ LeMahieu.
During an appearance o MLB Network’s “High Heat,” David Vassegh of AM 570 L.A. Sports told Christopher Russo the Dodgers remain engaged with LeMahieu, via MLB.com:
“Andrew did say at the beginning of the winter that he would like to add a right-handed bat, and from what I’m hearing, DJ LeMahieu is on their radar,” Vassegh said. “They are definitely in talks with LeMahieu.”
Including the Dodgers, it’s believed the New York Yankees and Toronto Blue Jays are among the teams with interest in LeMahieu. The Yankees have long been considered the favorite, though may be leery of bidding against themselves.
LeMahieu is said to be seeking a contract in the neighborhood of five years and $125 million. The 32-year-old is coming off another strong season despite contracting coronavirus (COVID-19) in July. LeMahieu additionally missed time because of a left thumb sprain.
He did reject the qualifying offer from the Yankees, which would result in the Dodgers losing a draft pick and international bonus pool money.
How would LeMahieu fit with Dodgers
Friedman identified the bullpen and adding a right-handed bat as priorities this offseason. The Dodgers’ group of relief pitchers has been addressed in some part, and signing LeMahieu would check off the second box.
He could play third base if Turner signs elsewhere, or perhaps be a solution at second base.
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