Los Angeles Dodgers president of baseball operations Andrew Friedman has not only worked to line the roster with top talent, he’s also stockpiled depth all throughout the organization.
Friedman expected that to help the Dodgers navigate a 2020 season that was being played during a pandemic, and while the team relied on an array of players, it was merely from a strategic standpoint or in response to injuries — not COVID-related.
Having already traded for Corey Knebel in effort to address the bullpen, Friedman next appears poised to work on the fringes of the roster. According to J.P. Hoornstra of the Southern California News Group, the Dodgers are on the verge of signing Carlos Asuaje to a Minor League contract:
Sources: the Dodgers are close to finalizing an agreement with journeyman utility player Carlos Asuaje on a minor-league contract.
— J.P. Hoornstra (@jphoornstra) December 11, 2020
The 29-year-old last appeared in the Majors with the San Diego Padres in 2018. Asuaje appeared in 175 games over parts of three seasons with San Diego, batting .240/.312/.329 with 24 doubles, six home runs and 42 RBI.
Asuaje signed a Minor League deal with the Chicago Cubs this past January but was among the organization’s players released four months later as MLB was still in the shutdown period. Asuaje appeared in 59 games for the Arizona Diamondbacks’ Triple-A Reno affiliate and also played for the Lotte Giants of the KBO.
Defensively, he has spent some time at first base and third base, with the bulk of his experience coming at second base. Asuaje conceivably could be insurance if Kiké Hernandez is not re-signed.
Dodgers options for utility player
The Dodgers face multiple questions in their infield as Hernandez and Justin Turner are both free agents. Turner is of course an everyday starter at third base, while Hernandez was among the options used at second base.
There’s some belief Zach McKinstry could be in line for a regular role with the Dodgers in 2021, as he brings the same versatility as Hernandez.
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