With the 2022 World Series having concluded, MLB free agency began at 6 a.m. PT on Sunday morning. For the Los Angeles Dodgers, it notably amounted to the likes of Tyler Anderson, Clayton Kershaw, Craig Kimbrel and Trea Turner among those no longer under contract.
Joey Gallo, Andrew Heaney, Tommy Kahnle, Chris Martin, Kevin Pillar and David Price round out the group of 10 Dodgers free agents.
That list could grow if the Dodgers decline team options on Hanser Alberto, Danny Duffy, Jimmy Nelson and Justin Turner. If any arbitration-eligible player is non-tendered, he too would hit the open market.
Although free agency technically began Sunday morning, it’s with a five-day exclusive window in which players can only negotiate with the team they played for this season. Players and agents are permitted to have contact with other teams so long as contract terms are not discussed.
MLB free agency without any limitations begins in full earnest at 2 p.m. PT on Thursday, November 10.
Dodgers free agents
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.
He presumably will be extended a qualifying offer for 2023, and likely decline it. Qualifying offers must be extended by 2 p.m. on Thursday as well. Players will then have five days to accept or decline it.
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.
However, Gallo never managed to gain much traction and now heads into free agency 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 the recovery from Tommy John surgery.
Kahnle was effective in somewhat limited time, pitching to a 2.84 ERA over 13 appearances.
Clayton Kershaw
Kershaw is coming off another strong year but it is not necessarily confirmed he will pitch for a 16th season. After the Dodgers were eliminated by the San Diego Padres in the National League Division Series, Kershaw said he was leaning toward continuing to play rather than retiring.
Kershaw is another candidate to be extended a qualifying offer, but like last year, the Dodgers may opt against doing so to give him ample time to make a decision on the future. One difference with free agency this time around is Kershaw is not facing health concerns.
Craig Kimbrel
Kimbrel’s first season with the Dodgers was filled with inconsistency that ultimately resulted in getting removed from the closer role and being left off the NLDS roster.
Kimbrel is all but certain to pitch for a different team next season, and the only question remaining is whether he is still viewed as a closer.
Chris Martin
Acquired from the Chicago Cubs at the MLB trade deadline, Martin excelled with the Dodgers thanks in large part to an adjustment with his pitch usage.
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 there have been rumblings the 37-year-old may retire and spend more time with his family.
Trea Turner
Turner is part of a strong group of free-agent shortstops and should have a robust market. He has interest in re-signing with the Dodgers, which is believed to be mutual, but the team reportedly is considering Carlos Correa as well.
Turner is a lock to be extended the $19.65 million qualifying offer and at the very least will net the Dodgers a draft pick if they are unable to re-sign him.
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