Allen Lieu
The Dodgers currently have 7 free agents that are set to leave the team. This article is purely speculation and by no means does this entail that the Dodgers have to follow this plan.
Hanley Ramirez
The biggest free agent for the Dodgers is Hanley Ramirez. The Dodgers can offer Ramirez a one year qualifying offer in the range of $15.3 million dollars. This is the qualifying offer range for this year’s group of eligible free agents. Ramirez will have until November 10, 2014 to accept or reject the offer. Keep in mind that all of the qualifying offers were rejected last year. Sometimes rejecting the offer works out but we have seen with by rejecting that offer, you might not see another offer until way later (Stephen Drew, Ervin Santana, etc).
If Ramirez rejects the qualifying offer, the Dodgers will receive a supplemental 2015 draft pick in between the first and second round of the draft.
Verdict: The Dodgers will extend an offer to Hanley Ramirez, who will most likely reject the offer. The Dodgers will not resign Hanley Ramirez, especially with the declining defense and the amount of money he will command. Ramirez had a tough time staying healthy as well.
Paul Maholm
Paul Maholm was signed as insurance in case one of the starters faltered. Maholm was not effective at all this year and his year ended when he was running to 1st base on a routine grounder.
Verdict: Maholm will not be returning to the Dodgers.
Kevin Correia
Kevin Correia was traded to the Dodgers from the Minnesota Twins. Correia was expected to fill in for Paul Maholm. However Correia was not effective at all for the Dodgers. He was called in as the long man in the bullpen. With the limited time with the Dodgers Correia went 2-4 and a shocking 8.02 ERA.
Verdict: Correia will not be returning to the Dodgers.
Josh Beckett
Beckett had both success and shortcomings this season. He threw a no hitter this year but was unable to stay healthy. Beckett announced that he would retire at the end of the 2014 season.
Verdict: Beckett is retiring so he is not coming back.
Roberto Hernandez
Roberto Hernandez was a late pickup from the Philadelphia Phillies. Hernandez had mixed results, who was supposed to be Beckett’s replacement after he went to the disabled list. However Hernandez was unable to maintain his success and he was rocked in September. He was on a short leash.
Verdict: Hernandez will not be returning. He will be pitching elsewhere in 2015.
Chris Perez
Chris Perez was signed to the Dodgers as reinforcements for the bullpen. The Dodgers had four closers in their bullpen (League, Wilson, Perez and Jansen). Perez started the year off quickly but derailed as the year went on. He spent time on the disabled list and slowly made his way back in September. Instead of supporting his team during the playoffs, Perez went home as he was left off the roster.
Verdict: Perez will be pitching elsewhere in 2015.
Jamey Wright
Jamey Wright was one of the frequent guys that Don Mattingly called on. Wright was effective as a relief pitcher. He filled in mostly when the Dodgers need a right handed pitcher to get outs.
Verdict: Wright will be returning. The Dodgers should offer him a contract.
