LA Dodgers free agency 2023-24: free players, targets, interests...
A perennial post-season team, the LA Dodgers will be ones to watch during free agency as they look to reinforce the roster, but who are the targets?
As one of the teams linked with baseball’s best player, Shohei Ohtani, much of the focus this offseason will be on whether the Dodgers can secure the services of a global icon and arguably the most talented player we’ve seen in decades, but the reality is there are a lot of other ways in which the team can strengthen.
Who are the Dodgers players entering free agency?
It would be fair to say that the Los Angeles Dodgers have lost a whole lot of stars in recent years, however, as we look toward the coming free agency period, it would seem they are set to lose a lot less this time around, however, that does not mean the list isn’t extensive. That’s not to say there aren’t a number of players on the roster heading to free agency, but it’s worth noting that only two of them have made MLB’s top 25 free agents list: Clayton Kershaw and J.D. Martinez. Regarding the rest of players who will enter free agency this winter, we’ve got the following: Jason Heyward, David Peralta, Lance Lynn, Julio Urias (currently on administrative leave), Max Muncy, Kiké Hernández, Kolten Wong, Joe Kelly, Blake Treinen, Ryan Brasier, Amed Rosario, Daniel Hudson, Shelby Miller, Alex Reyes, Jimmy Nelson, Jake Marisnick, Matt Andriese, Tyson Miller, and Robbie Erlin
OK, but who are the Dodgers targeting?
As we all know, the Dodgers are one of a handful of teams linked with Japanese two-way sensation, Shohei Ohtani. Indeed, the possibility of acquiring the Los Angeles Angels star is made all the more real by the fact that the 29-year-old previously indicated that he’d prefer to stay in the west. Yet, it goes without saying that the club is interested in more than just the pursuit of baseball’s best player, something that will likely turn into an all-out war with other ball clubs. This brings us to the short list of players that the Dodgers are reportedly tracking.
First up we’ve got the San Diego Padres’ lefty and likely Cy Young winner this year, Blake Snell, who could become one of the few players to win the award in both leagues assuming he gets the nod. The Dodgers are in need of need help in the starting pitcher department with the likely departure of Julio Urias, and to that end a move for Snell just makes sense. Indeed, that reasoning also applies to the Chicago Cubs’ right-handed pitcher, Kyle Hendricks. Having spent the entirety of his 10-year career in Chicago, there seems to be a desire for change, and a move to LA could be a win-win for both parties.
Lastly, we’ve got an outfielder in San Jose native, Mark Canha. Between the Mets and Brewers this year he hit .265/.360/.408 with 25 doubles and 11 home runs, which is to say he can produce. While it’s true that the Dodgers’ outfield has ranked among baseball’s top 5, that was largely due to Mookie Betts’ phenomenal season. This is to say, the addition of Canha could go a long way toward stabilizing a talented but not-so-deep outfield. As we always say, watch this space.