Behind a flurry of activity the Los Angeles Dodgers are on the doorstep of re-signing all three of their key free agents. Rich Hill was signed during the Winter Meetings, Kenley Jansen agreed to terms on Monday, and Justin Turner is on the verge of following suit.
Reuniting with the trio will go a long way for the Dodgers, but the club still has other areas on the roster that must be addressed. Specifically, putting the finishing touches on the bullpen and finding a starting second baseman.
Since the General Manager meetings in November the Dodgers have been linked to several options, most prominently Minnesota Twins second baseman Brian Dozier.
According to Jon Heyman of Today’s Knuckleball, the Dodgers spending spree has not curtailed their reported interest in trading for Dozier:
No indication dodgers are out on Dozier, even after today's haul
— Jon Heyman (@JonHeyman) December 12, 2016
As has seemingly been the case in recent weeks, the Dodgers and Twins reportedly continue to discuss a potential Dozier trade, per Jon Morosi of MLB Network:
Sources: #Dodgers, #Twins remain in dialogue about a Brian Dozier trade, although no deal is imminent. @MLB @MLBNetwork
— Jon Morosi (@jonmorosi) December 14, 2016
Dozier was named to the All-Star Game in 2015 for the first time in his career, then hit .268/.340/.546 with 35 doubles, 42 home runs, 99 RBI, a 136 OPS+, .370 wOBA and 132 wRC+ in 155 games this season.
Although there are questions about his defense, as Dozier posted just a 0.2 UZR/150, his offensive production amounted to a 6.5 WAR. Dozier was particularly effective against left-handed pitching, batting .282/.352/.613 with 11 home runs and 21 RBI in 159 plate appearances.
The 29-year-old is owed $6 million in 2017 and $9 million the following season. Chase Utley, currently a free agent, earned $7.5 million this season, and part-time second baseman Howie Kendrick earned $10 million and was owed as much in 2017.
Dodgers general manager Farhan Zaidi said financial flexibility played a role in the club’s decision to trade Kendrick to the Philadelphia Phillies in November.
Los Angeles reportedly has interest in re-signing Utley, though he presumably would fill a role off the bench.
