In a new series of posts over the next few weeks, we’re going to take a look at each of the Los Angeles Dodgers’ position groups; analyzing which players are gone, which players are returning and which free agents might be on the team’s radar.
By any stretch of the imagination, the 2015 Dodgers rotation was fantastic. This group, led by Clayton Kershaw and Zack Greinke, finished second in the Majors in ERA, third in batting average against, sixth in innings pitched and seventh in strikeouts.
Of course, all of those statistics are buoyed by the fact that the Dodgers had the best two pitchers in baseball this season, but considering everything the group went through, the back of the rotation deserves more credit than they received.
The Dodgers entered last season hoping to boast a rotation of Kershaw, Greinke, Hyun-Jin Ryu, Brandon McCarthy and Brett Anderson. Thanks to injuries, however, Ryu didn’t make any starts and McCarthy made just four.
For a team to lose its third and fourth starters for the entire season and to still finish as highly ranked as they did is astonishing. Even more astonishing, they did it while starting 16 different pitchers.
Behind Kershaw and Greinke, the Dodgers got 31 starts from Anderson, 21 from Mike Bolsinger, 13 from Carlos Frias and 12 from Alex Wood.
But that was last season, and of all the position groups on the roster, none figures to have as exciting as an off-season as the starting rotation.
Free agents: Brett Anderson, Zack Greinke
Greinke is the headliner for the entire free agent class, but Anderson isn’t too shabby an option either.
Greinke finished with a 1.66 ERA and 0.84 WHIP on the way to what is expected to be a second Cy Young Award of his career. Based on estimations, Greinke is likely to receive a contract of five to six years with a value of over $150 million.
Anderson, while seemingly unappreciated by Dodgers fans, may have been the unsung hero of the team (if not for Bolsinger). He managed to stay healthy all season and finishing with a 3.69 ERA and 18 quality starts.
As a note, Anderson was extended a one-year qualifying offer by the team, but no player has ever accepted said qualifying offer.
CONTINUE READING: Returning Starters And Potential Signings
Returners: Clayton Kershaw, Hyun-Jin Ryu, Brandon McCarthy, Alex Wood, Mike Bolsinger, Carlos Frias
While many are pining for multiple splash signings throughout the rotation, the truth is, the Dodgers already have several pitchers under contract for next season.
Kershaw, Ryu and Wood are all expected to be in the rotation on Opening Day of 2016, with Ryu’s on track to be recovered from shoulder surgery by Spring Training.
McCarthy, on the other hand, won’t be back until midway through the 2016 season, at best. As for Bolsinger and Frias, I think everyone is hoping the Dodgers won’t need 34 starts from the duo next season, as their role will be nothing more than bullpen arms and fill-in starters.
Potential Signings: Zack Greinke, David Price, Johnny Cueto, Brett Anderson
If there’s one safe bet this offseason, it’s that the Dodgers are going to go and get an elite starting pitcher to pair with Kershaw.
Many, of course, believe that pitcher will be Greinke — a (recently) 32-year-old righty who fits perfectly into Dodger Stadium, and whose repertoire should age nicely over the length of a 5-6 year deal.
If, for some reason, the Dodgers don’t sign Greinke (or feel the need to acquire two aces), David Price would seem to be next on their list.
The 30-year-old left-hander has been one of the league’s best pitchers since 2010, and because of that, should be the most expensive free agent signing due to his age. Many expect Price to sign with the Chicago Cubs.
While a long shot, Johnny Cueto could be in play for the Dodgers if all else fails. He’s someone whose stock might be in flux due to a dreadful second half with the Royals (13 starts, 4.76 ERA, 1.45 WHIP).
That said, he was nasty in the National League (19 starts, 2.62 ERA, 0.93 WHIP) and is the youngest of the group at 29.
Finally, that brings us to Anderson. While not as sexy as the others on this list, Anderson presents the “known commodity” option who can fill in the back of the rotation.
The other upside to Anderson (aside from being far cheaper) is the possibility of a short-term contract, maybe two to three years — which leaves room for prospects like Julio Urias or Jose De Leon in the rotation over the next few seasons.
In the end, I think the Dodgers do get Greinke and add another back-end-of-the-rotation guy like Anderson. My only concern with Anderson is what they would do once everyone gets healthy (should that happen, of course).
I’d prefer someone who might have bullpen upside if possible, and wouldn’t be surprised if the Dodgers looked to fill one of these holes via trade.