When the 2016 MLB offseason began the Los Angeles Dodgers had an apparent need at second base as Chase Utley was one of their nine players to reach free agency. That became more pressing last week when Howie Kendrick was traded to the Philadelphia Phillies.
Now the Dodgers are without a clear-cut internal option to start at second base. They could re-sign Utley, but the veteran may no longer be capable of effectively filling an everyday role. Dodgers general manager Farhan Zaidi recently mentioned Kiké Hernandez and Chris Taylor as options.
Los Angeles has also been tied to Detroit Tigers second baseman Ian Kinsler and Brian Dozier of the Minnesota Twins. Both players would need to be acquired via trade.
According to Robert Murray of Today’s Knuckleball, the Dodgers have interest in Pittsburgh Pirates free agent Sean Rodriguez:
The Los Angeles Dodgers and Pittsburgh Pirates are among the teams that are expressing interest in free agent infielder/outfielder Sean Rodriguez, a source tells FanRag Sports.
Rodriguez was traded by the Tampa Bay Rays to the Pirates in December 2014. He spent the bulk of the 2015 campaign playing first base, but had a mediocre year at the plate. Rodriguez nonetheless was re-signed by the Pirates to a modest $2.5 million contract.
The 31-year-old outperformed the one-year pact while reverting to his typical utility man role. Rodriguez batted .270/.349/.510 with 16 doubles, 18 home runs, 56 RBI and a 126 OPS+ over a career-high 140 games; he appeared in 139 games in 2015.
Rodriguez, who will turn 32 years old in April, would give the Dodgers an option at third base should Justin Turner depart via free agency. Last season Rodriguez logged time at first base, second base, third base, shortstop and all three outfield positions.
