As the Los Angeles Dodgers await decisions from Shohei Ohtani and Yoshinobu Yamamoto, the team is looking at some smaller moves to bolster their overall depth.
The Dodgers have already re-signed Jason Heyward to a one-year, $9 million contract for the 2024 season, who is expected to continue being part of a platoon in the outfield.
The Dodgers are now in search of a right-handed utility bat and reportedly have interest in a reunion with Kiké Hernández. The 32-year-old enjoyed a resurgent second half after being traded to L.A. at the deadline this year and played seven different positions.
According to Fabian Ardaya of The Athletic, the Dodgers could also look to sign former New York Yankees utility man Isiah Kiner-Falefa:
They have checked in on former New York Yankees and Texas Rangers utilityman Isiah Kiner-Falefa, who Rosenthal said is also drawing interest from the Milwaukee Brewers and Miami Marlins.
Kiner-Falefa doesn’t provide much in the way of offense as he hit just .242/.306/.340 with 12 doubles, six home runs, 37 RBI and 14 stolen bases across 113 games for the Yankees this past season.
However, Kiner-Falefa appeared at six different positions and additionally posted a 2.25 ERA in four appearances on the mound.
The 28-year-old enjoyed his best season in 2021, when he posted a 3.6 WAR as a member of the Texas Rangers. Prior to that, Kiner-Falefa won the 2020 American League Gold Glove Award at third base.
Kiner-Falefa primarily played the outfield this year, which would fill a need for the Dodgers as they plan to move Mookie Betts to second base on a permanent basis in 2024.
Dodgers outlook after MLB Winter Meetings
Although it was an uneventful MLB Winter Meetings for the Dodgers in Nashville, the team figures to make plenty of moves in the days and weeks ahead.
The Dodgers’ re-signing of Heyward left the team with a full 40-man roster, which means they will have to clear some spots in order to make additions.
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