Pitchers and catchers reported for the Los Angeles Dodgers on Thursday morning as 2024 Spring Training is now underway.
The report date was earlier than normal due to the series in South Korea where the Dodgers will face off against the San Diego Padres. Position players are scheduled to report on February 13, and the first Cactus League game is scheduled to take place on Feb. 22.
With the earlier start time, the Dodgers still have multiple players who were on the club in 2023 but have not yet found a home for this season. Some of it is also due to the slow free agent market as many star players remain unsigned as well, including Cody Bellinger, Blake Snell, Jordan Montgomery and Matt Chapman.
The Dodgers roster appears to be mostly set for 2024, but an additional move can’t be ruled out due to their aggressive nature this offseason. It seems unlikely any of their current group of free agents return to the club, however.
Dodgers free agents
J.D. Martinez
J.D. Martinez served the Dodgers well as their everyday designated hitter in 2023, but he is in search of a new team after being replaced by Shohei Ohtani. The Mets appear to be the team most connected to Martinez at this point, but the Los Angeles Angels also checked in.
Julio Urías
Julio Urías was set to receive a massive payday this offseason, but he was once again arrested on suspicion of domestic violence. He is not facing felony charges, but he is still likely to receive a long suspension from MLB.
It would be surprising if Urías pitches again in MLB.
Kiké Hernández
Kiké Hernández was acquired by the Dodgers at the trade deadline last year and took a step forward offensively upon his arrival. However, he finds himself as an odd man out due to the current group of position players.
The Angels have been showing interest in Hernández, but they believe he is holding out with hope to return to the Dodgers.
David Peralta
David Peralta played nearly every game in left field for the Dodgers against right-handed pitching, but he struggled overall on the year. No teams have been connected to him at this point, and he may need to settle for a Minor League deal if he hopes to keep playing.
Kolten Wong
After struggling with the Seattle Mariners, Kolten Wong joined the Dodgers and turned his season around. It was a small sample, but it may have been enough for some team to take the chance on his rebound being legit.
His market has been quiet, but he should be on an MLB roster during the 2024 season.
Amed Rosario
The Dodgers swapped Noah Syndergaard for Amed Rosario at the trade deadline last year, and Rosario got off to a hot start with his new club. However, he started to fall off after that and was ultimately left off the Postseason roster.
Despite his pedigree as a former top prospect and quality middle infielder, he may be forced to settle for a Minor League deal.
Alex Reyes
The Dodgers took a flier on the oft-injured but extremely talented Alex Reyes with the hopes he would be back at some point in the 2023 season. However, he once again underwent shoulder surgery and the Dodgers declined his option this offseason.
With multiple shoulder surgeries already and a long list of injury troubles, it seems unlikely he will be able to pitch at the Major League level again.
Jimmy Nelson
Jimmy Nelson re-signed with the Dodgers on a one-year contract for the 2023 season, but he struggled in Spring Training and was placed on the 15-day IL due to right elbow inflammation.
The 33-year-old began a rehab assignment during the final week of April but made just one appearance for Triple-A Oklahoma City. He was eventually transferred to the 60-day injured list and later shut down for the season.
His talent may be enough to earn him a Minor League deal from some team, but he has not pitched since 2021 due to injuries and has suffered multiple setbacks.
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