Cody Snavely
Next up on the Dodgers offseason content is looking at the Dodgers’ upcoming free agents for the 2023-2024 offseason. The Dodgers currently have sixteen free agents; however, depending on how they decide on the club options, that number could grow to twenty-two. We have already discussed on the Bleed Los Podcast how next year’s roster will look different compared to years past, and with many players hitting the market, the Dodgers will have quite a few decisions to make this winter.
Who should come back?
Clayton Kershaw (1 year 17.5-20 Million)
Kicking off our list is a player who has played his entire career in Dodger Blue and was a big part in their regular season success the past season. While Kershaw did not help the Dodgers in their World Series hopes this October, he put together a great regular season, going 13-5 with a 2.46 ERA and 137 strikeouts in 131.2 innings. However, we all know the biggest concern with Clayton Kershaw is his health, as the LHP is going into his age 36 season with a lingering shoulder issue that, at this point, we do not know how severe it is. However, if Kershaw is healthy and wants to play in 2024, expect to see him back in LA, hopefully as a backend starter.
Jason Heyward (2 years 14-17 million)
The Dodgers took a chance on Jason Heyward last offseason after the Cubs released him, and they ultimately got a lot more than they were expecting. While the days of him being an everyday all-star are gone, he proved to be an excellent platoon option against RHP and still showed that he was a Gold Glove-caliber right fielder. Heyward was a great bench/platoon piece and one of the team’s veteran leaders, taking a similar role that Phillies legend Chase Utley brought to the team from 2015 to 2019. While LA will have to pay more than the MLB minimum, Heyward made last year expect another 1-2 year deal.
Enrique Hernandez (1 year 7 Million)
The Dodgers took a chance on a reunion with fan favorite Kike Hernandez in 2023 after he was left out of a job in Boston and on the cusp of being released. The Dodgers revamped their bench, and Kike was a massive part in that, batting primarily against LHP. Still, his versatility to play multiple positions was a huge plus in the acquisition. Kike improved most of his number since coming to LA, batting .262, a 95 OPS+, and 30 RBI to close out his half with LA. Why bring him back? Well, he is a team leader, and he would bring stability to a Dodgers bench with young prospects Michael Busch and Miguel Vargas not panning out yet.
Maybe they will come back
J.D. Martinez (2 years 24-30 Million)
The Dodgers’ biggest offseason priority will be star two-way player Shohei Ohtani, who, if signed, would be the primary DH in 2024 after an elbow surgery similar to Tommy John Surgery, which will keep him off the field/mound next year. However, if they miss out on Ohtani, J.D. Martinez is a great fallback option, as the Dodgers got a great year offensively as he bounced back in every way compared to his final year in Boston. The only thing with Martinez concerns me is the age and his groin/back injury that plagued him since July. The Dodgers could also offer J.D the qualifying offer, which is for twenty million dollars this offseason, but with the off chance he accepts it and they bid for Ohtani, it could cause quite the problem as players who receive the offer cannot be traded until June 15th of that season.
Shelby Miller (1 year 2-3 Million)
Another reclamation project that turned out very well for the Dodgers in 2023 was former top pitching prospect Shelby Miller, who recently shifted his role to the bullpen. After a stint in the Giants system last year, the Dodgers liked his strikeout numbers in 2022 and decided to take a chance, giving him a major league deal last offseason. While Miller did miss a big chunk of the season due to a neck issue. However, he was effective when he was on the mound, posting a 1.71 ERA in 42 innings. The Dodgers, who have plenty of arms in their system, may want to give Miller a shot to stay in the bullpen for the foreseeable future.
Ryan Brasier (1 year 2-3 Million)
Perhaps the biggest surprise of the 2023 season was Ryan Brasier, who was acquired by the Dodgers after being DFA’d by the Red Sox in May. Brasier was a big part of the Red Sox team that won a title in 2018, but in 2023, his season was off to a horrific start, posting an ERA over seven this season, leading to the Red Sox cutting ties. After getting picked up by the Dodgers, Brasier would turn his season around and become one of the best bullpen pitchers in the league. In 39 appearances, Brasier would post an ERA of 0.70 with 38 strikeouts. Dave Roberts even stated that Brasier was one of the relievers he trusted most, and the Dodgers leaned heavily on him down the stretch. However, because bullpen pitchers are so futile, it would not shock me if LA walked on Brasier this offseason, but a potential reunion should be in the cards.
Hard pass
Rounding out this list are the hard no’s with a brief reason why.
Julio Urias– You should already know why
Amed Rosario– Gavin Lux is coming back and crowded IF
David Peralta– A .550 OPS in the second half
Kolten Wong– Crowded IF
Jimmy Nelson– Has been in quadruple-A rehabbing for three years now
Jake Marisnick– Crowded OF plus no longer needed
Tyson Miller– MLB journeyman elected free agency after option
Matt Andriese– ERA over six in AAA
Robbie Erlin– ERA over five in AAA also going into age 34 season
Wander Suero– Optioned to AAA elected free agency
